Road to El Dorado Pt. 3

Posted on Tue Nov 18th, 2025 @ 8:03pm by Lieutenant Commander Deanna Celes & Commander Jonathan Grayson & Lieutenant JG Kate Kono & Chief Petty Officer Aaron Geiger & Lieutenant JG Vienna Steele

2,659 words; about a 13 minute read

Mission: Wild Wild West
Location: Planet - Durango City

As they reached the mountains and began the trek into the labyrinth that were the mountain passes, Deanna rode close to Jon to talk. "It would seem that our team and Sam's team were working on the same mystery from two different sides. The aliens that brought the humans here, and everything else that they might have brought with them, they apparently did this as a means of slave labor, but they were somewhat kind slave masters. An anomaly pulled them away for investigative purposes, and that anomaly ultimately killed them. Their ship is the ship that Sam went to investigate. I would suggest that the people brought here were kept in some form of suspended animation until they arrived, which is why they have limited knowledge of advanced technology. They have the arrested development because they have not yet had the ability to create the sort of problems humans tend to use to advance themselves. The advances they have made have been in creature comforts, such as the textiles industry. We still have more to the mystery to unwind, as the central government in the capital apparently keeps plenty of things secret, but that isn't something we need worry about. I think when we return to the city, Judge Haller is who we should speak with. He is the central authority figure in Durango and will work to integrate the people into what we all consider modernity."

Jon rode in silence as Deanna spoke to him and gave him an overview of what they were dealing with. He moved his horse deftly through the mountain passages. "Sounds like we were working from opposite end to reach the middle. Kind slave labor is still slave labor. As for their development being arrested, I could not agree more. They are probably a D on the technology level. Something else, I don't see any inspiration in the people. They do their jobs, do them well in some cases but there isn't any spark to do more. Not that I want to start a war to give them the spark they need to start inventing, improving the technology they have. But if something isn't done, they won't be much further along than they are now. They could give the Organians a run for their money in terms of being laid back." Jon replied in a tone only Deanna would hear.

"I assure you, informing them that Earth is more than a fairy tale and that aliens do in fact exist will be all they need to start moving up the evolutionary ladder. The fact that we will give them certain information to assist in the process will be of a benefit. I think StarFleet will send another ship to assist them in acclimating" Deanna replied.

"It's going to be culture shock to them Deanna. Everything they knew and accepted is going to be turned inside out and upside down. I think to a man like Clint Barton this will be his big chance to take over the town and set up his own little kingdom before Starfleet sends a follow up ship to help them adjust." Jon replied.

"I will reserve my judgement for when we meet this Barton" Deanna replied.

Continuing down the path in the mountains, Viviana was keeping tabs on everyone, especially the riders who were new to riding. Staying near the rear of the convoy with Wyatt and Vi, she could see the two tactical officers watching the heights. "Are you concerned about something?" she questioned.

Wyatt didn't turn his head to answer her. He kept watching the cliffs that surrounded them. "Perfect place for an ambush as well as to have sentries posted as lookouts to watch for strangers coming."

Aaron observed the officers around him. The topics of their conversations highlighting the varied specialties and mindsets of each of them. From the big picture societal discussion of the senior officers to the tactical analysis of the junior officers. One thing that was continually proven to the Chief over his long career was that Starfleet truly brought out the best in its personnel. Some of that was the recruiting process for the Academy candidates and the enlisted trainees, some of it was the nature of a high standard of professional development. However, if he had to pick the most important factor, it would be that surrounding yourself with motivated and passionate people only served to sharpen those qualities in yourself. That was the power of Starfleet, to boost and chase each other to become part of something bigger than themselves. The Chief hoped in time, this planet would learn and grow to become part of that legacy. They just needed to get through this tense operation first.

"We're just checking the boxes of all the risky things all at once. It's the job of Starfleet to do so!" Kate giggled while she risked letting go of the horse a moment to tick her fingers playfully, "Kill Box, Fatal Funnel, X Marks the Spot." Kate grabbed the reigns and giggled. "I'm sure everything will be fine..." She said hopefully.

Deanna was keeping tabs of their surroundings telepathically as Traci rode up to her and Jon, her tricorder out. "It appears that we have reached the outskirts. We have sentries on the ridges, and I believe they called it a picket up ahead about 100 yards."

"Put the tricorder away. Fall back slowly, notify everyone to be on guard. Nobody draws a weapon though" Deanna replied calmly.

As Traci fell back as ordered, Deanna looked to Jon, "This can go well so long as everyone keeps calm. We don't have to have this turn into an O. K. Corral situation."

As Traci dropped back to inform the others, Jon talked with Deanna. "I agree, it can go right if no one gets jumpy and everyone stays frosty. I can assure you I don't want this to turn into a gunfight at the OK Corral." As they rode ever closer to the picket.

"It's crazy to think they have the the kind of patience to lay up there and wait for someone to come by like this," Kate said. "If the corral is okay though, wouldn't that be preferable to a not-okay corral?" She asked as she backed off with everyone else, even the dog, Wolfie knew that this was something to stay away from.

Vienna dropped back as well, keeping a close eye on their surroundings as she did so. Now she was used to riding again, she had been enjoying the ride for the time they’d had peace and quiet.

"Halt!" came the voice from the distance ahead.

Deanna knew exactly where everyone was at this moment. If shooting started, they'd all be torn to shreds. This was a time for diplomacy. She stopped and saw Jon stop next to her. "They are going to come out to talk. A bit of diplomacy on your part will get us to Barton."

Jon nodded, "That's me. Mr. Diplomatic." He said with a smile as he waited for the outlaw reps to come out and talk.

A trio of men with rifles peeked out from behind a large boulder and made their way towards the team. The leader of the trio had a large bushy black beard, and he looked like he could be a pirate in another life. At roughly 20 yards away he spoke, "Who are you and what in tarnation are you doing here?"

Jon nodded and flashed a smile, "Howdy, here to talk with Clint Barton." He replied simply.

"What you want with Clint?" he replied.

"I want to talk with him." Jon repeated simply.

Kate didn't know what to do at that point since it seemed that the other senior officers were doing just fine with the opening of the negotiations. So she just smiled at him and offered a wave just to be polite. She only hoped that the horse she was sitting on knew that they were supposed to stay still. She wished it was a bike that she could kick the stand on but this vehicle had a mind of its own; for now, it was staying in one spot. Kate just crossed her other fingers on the reigns in hopes that things would stay that way while Deanna and Jon negotiated themselves off the X.

"You got a lot of people witcha to just talk. You look like you might be law. We don't care for law round here" the man replied to Jon.

"Yes, I do and you have a lot with you. So what? If I were the law, I wouldn't be here talking to you, I'd be taking this place."

The man got a confused look on his face. "You sound like a fancy type, like that Judge Haller."

A voice from the distance called out, "Bring'em in! Boss wants to look at'em!"

The bearded man looked at Jon suspiciously. "You all get off your horses, nice and slowly. We are going to take you in real easy like."

Kate stepped off the horse with all the grace of a toaster being tugged through a car wash. When she finally made it to the ground she motioned for Wolfie to stay where he was and not follow them. Somehow the wolf dog knew what she wanted and stayed. Kate had a weird feeling that no matter what, the dog shouldn't come with her and be seen. She watched as Wolfie disappeared behind a collection of rocks to wait for her return.

Kate stepped around the horse and looked to the other officers to see what they were doing and if they were going to comply or fight as flashbacks from the German captivity flooded her mind with unease.

Jon gracefully dismounted and waited for Deanna and the others to do the same. Wyatt was off his horse and besides Vienna as she dismounted.. "Scouts on the ridges have disappeared." he noted quietly.

Viviana remained close to Wyatt and Vi as they all dismounted. "We are being corralled" she said softly.

Traci dismounted and moved in close to Aaron and Kate in the middle of their little group. She was going to follow the lead of those in command.

Deanna was as concerned as the others. Everything was going smoothly thus far. She looked to the bearded man, "Lead the way darling."

Her words flustered the man. The others with him began to hoop and howl and tease him a bit. He pointed his rifle at Deanna and Jon, "Let's move. Boss wants to see you."

Wyatt gave a subtle nod. "Exactly, let's see if we can hang back a bit and pick anything else up." He told Vienna.

Meanwhile Jon nodded at the big man, "Right behind you darling." As he winked at Deanna.

Everyone was led into the cul-de-sac of this particular mountain valley, a very serious looking man sitting under a canvas tent that looked designed as some sort of banquet setting. He whistled and then used two fingers to motion for people to approach.

The bearded man looked at Jon, "Alright, you and your fancy dressed whore here, come with me. The rest of you stay put."

A smile still on his face Jon said softly yet his words were cold, glacier cold. "Fat man, I suggest you rethink what you said about my friend or you'll be eating that gun and you have five seconds to apologize for your ill remarks."

The bearded man looked at Jon with steely eyes, "Big talk from a man who walked into the hornet's nest. Only reason you are alive is because the boss wishes to see you. Now you and your fancy dressed whore move."

Deanna placed a hand on Jon's shoulder, "Don't mind him. His words are from ignorance and fear, and not just of us. Let's go speak with Barton. His is the only opinion that will matter amongst these people."

"You really are stupid Fat Man. We didn't walk in, we rode and..." The next happened too fast for anyone to see but in the next instant Jon's gun was between the fat man's teeth. "I am by nature an easy going fellow, but you have managed to piss me off with your disrespectful talk about my friend and partner. I think it would be wise for you to reconsider what you say the next time you open your mouth to talk to her or us. Understand? Unless you want the top of your head blown clean off."

A shot rang out and struck Jon's hand, causing him to drop his pistol. The bearded man's mouth and face was bloody from the sudden jerk this had caused, but he just chuckled menacingly. "You're fast, but you are no match for our boss. We call him "Hawkeye" for a reason."

Deanna went to Jon and checked him. "Viviana can tend to this when we are alone. Don't antagonize them further. They are quick to violence. We need to speak with Barton, so let them say whatever they wish to say" she whispered.

Jon said nothing, he just picked up his gun. It didn't look too damaged. He nodded at Deanna's words and remembered cooler heads were needed.

As Jon and Deanna were led up to Barton, the others were herded together by a rock outcropping. Several disreputable looking men had guns in hand and watched them with dead eyes. Traci was feeling a bit self-conscious at this moment as the men seemed to be leering at her. She moved to Aaron, "I'm not liking this situation Chief" she whispered.

Aaron's eyes surveyed their surroundings as he followed behind the other officers, then turned to the Ensign with a sardonic chuckle. "I agree with you. This is looking more jacked up than a football bat." He let out a long breath as they made their way. "One thing to keep in mind is this is all for show. It's a performance. They feel threatened and are trying to throw us off balance. But remember, you can handle this, you are ready for this."

Traci looked to Aaron, "Is that your way of paraphrasing Tennyson Chief?" She offered a relieved smile. "Ours is not to question why, ours is but to do and die. Suppose next, considering our surroundings you'll hit me with The Charge of the Light Brigade, really go all in with Tennyson." She gave a side hug to Aaron, letting him know she appreciated him and his words at this tense moment.

"Don't know what you're talking about ma'am. I'm just your typical uneducated noncom." Aaron replied with a chuckle and a wink. He had, since the war, felt a responsibility towards the fresh ensigns. So young, thrust into a role where they suddenly found themselves having to make tough choices. Someone had to help them on their way to becoming commanders and captains, and while he couldn't help them all, he could help some. He nodded towards the Away Team Leads, "Keep an eye out, the Commanders may need to pass instructions that will require us to read between the lines."

"If Cmdr Celes wants to tell us something, she won't signal or gesture. She'll use her unseen and unknown advantage. It can be an advantage having a Betazoid of her talents around" Viviana mentioned. She looked to Wyatt and Vi, "SaHtaH qojvo' sentinwI'pu' (The sentries from the cliffs are still there)." she said quietly in Klingon.

"What's that about Tennis? I love that game!" Kate stated as she bounced next to Aaron. "Jon's hand okay?" Kate saw that Jon didn't seem to be nursing the hit so the bullet must have slammed into more gun than hand. Kate was visibly relieved when she realized everyone was okay.

"Saggetti, di nokum." Wyatt answered ( i see.) As he kept his eyes focused on not only the cliff sentries but all the guards around them.


TBC

 

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