I don't know whether it is madness to be writing two at once I often think it is and even though I have written two at once before I still wonder. On that note I have to say that I don't know if I will be able to update this story every day. (It will probably also mean I'll only update in WIP once a day).

This is an AU fic (Alternate Universe) where I have taken the characters from STFBE and placed them in a setting alien to that which you are used to. I will leave you to figure out the setting for my tale which I hope will become clear as it progresses.

Hopefully my long introduction there hasn't put you off.

The dark eyed and haired soldier sat upon his horse and viewed his surroundings listening intently for anything untoward. He looked exactly what he was, he had a week or more growth on his chin, he hated growing a beard, it always itched not to mention his children were then shy of him and his wife preferred him clean shaven. He was filthy from many days on the road, if you could call it a road it was no more than a track really, he glanced behind him and wondered where his men were.

The man wore the standard uniform for a Sergeant although it was looking worse for wear. His dark blue jacket with three stripes displaying his rank was visible on his arm. His light blue pants with a single yellow stripe were dusty from long hours on the road as were his once shiny black boots. He’d lost his hat during one of the final skirmishes and thanked God it hadn’t been his life. He carried a Calvary Officer’s sabre on one side of his body and a carbine on the other and across his chest was a carbine sling, which was made from black leather.

He was waiting at Baynard’s Cross, the meeting point that he had instilled in his men the previous day. His muscles ached from riding for so long, his stomach rumbled urgently for nourishment and his heart longed to be with his family once more. Now the war had ended he could go home for good and do what he used to do before all this, blood shed had begun. He sighed impatiently. Where had his men got to?

interesting start, looking forward to more

cath

Rosa, you just gave us a hint, but it was enough to peak my curiosity and interest!!!

Joy

Glad to see another story and a new title in the challenge!

Tracy

Rosa, it looks really promising... If I am not wrong the man is Jack and I really hope his wife is Sue (I am really undemanding, right? ) I can't wait for exciting adventure !!!

But now I have a bad feeling... I hope the soldier haven't fallen into trap...


:hide: Restie

dark haired, dark eyed -- but is he dark skinned too? I'm trying to figue out who he is, presuming he's one of our favourite characters.

kav

Thanks for replies was a bit worried as I chose to write AU This part will clear one or two things up.

Three men on horse back had stopped not more than a quarter of a mile from their Sergeant, one a dark skinned Corporal and two white Privates, dressed similar to their Sergeant but according to their rank. All three were bearded more so than their Sergeant, all hungry, dirty, tired and longing to return home with the exception of the blond Private who didn’t have a home to return to.

“Well Corporal ” said a large soldier mounted on his horse.

“We’re lost” was his terse reply.

“We’ll be in trouble now”

“Unless he’s not there yet” added the third

“Ssshhhh” said the Corporal “Listen”

The three men listened and the blond private said, “I hear nothing bar the whistling of the wind through the trees”

“All I hear is you complaining” said the broad shouldered man

“Will you both shut it” said the Corporal “I’m listening” there was a pause then “There hear it”

“Well..kind of…no. No I don’t” said the broad shouldered man

The Corporal turned to the blond man and said, “I’m not even going to ask you” as the blond one shrugged.

The Corporal dismounted and handed the reins to the larger Private and went into the undergrowth, saying, “Cover me”

The two Privates looked at each other. “It won’t be long now” said the blond one

“What won’t?”

“Home, well for you anyway”

“What you going to do?”

“I don’t know haven’t decided yet”

Corporal Gans reappeared “Private will you go up to Baynard’s Cross please tell Sergeant Hudson what’s happening”

“What is happening?” asked Bobby

“The noise I heard, well……….. just get Jack”

“Which one of us were you referring to, I am Private Leland and this here is Private Manning”

“I’m quite aware what you two both are, you go”

“I thought we were lost?”

“It’s that way” said Corporal Gans pointing mile or two

“But how do you know….” Started Myles

“Go”

“Alright consider me gone, into the unknown alone and I give and I give and I.....….”

“MYLES!”

“I’m gone” said Myles looking repentive

The pounding of the hooves caused Jack to look down the road and there galloping toward him at great speed was one of his missing men. After a brief conversation they both rode off the way Myles had come.

“What’s the problem” said Jack arriving at the scene

“Come with me” D said to Jack and Jack followed him into the undergrowth though an almost unrecognisable path to a shack. “In there” he added

Jack reached for his weapons but D shook his head, Jack puzzled walked round to the doorway and peered in, shocked but not surprised at what he found there.

Rosa, what did Jack find???

Joy

You have just gotta love Myles

You have just gotta love Myles

intriguing start

loved it

cath

Very, very interesting. It has been a while for me to read a AU story so I'm definitely looking forward to more.

yay another story!!!



just caught up !! who is that?!?! who did jack see!!!


can't wait for more!!

AND WHAT he found there?????? Really thrilling story, Rosa!!!!


Restie

Thanks a little bit more

Two pairs of dark eyes looked up at him, two pairs of eyes which each held a degree of terror. They belonged to two women of African descent, ex-slaves Jack thought. Their clothes were rough, course and ragged.

Jack knelt down and said softly “I’m not going to hurt you, either of you. Is this your home?”

The older greying woman shook her head and said “Mister we don’t have no home, we not going back to where we was before the war”

“You don’t have to, you’re free now. Where do you think you might go?”

The woman shook her head “I’m right sure I don’t know”

Jack stood up and went to speak to D.

“Jack I know what you’re thinking” D said before Jack could say anything

“We have to do something to help and it’s obvious they can’t stay here” he replied stepping out into the fresh air.

“But” said Myles who had followed them down “You can’t help every stray and waif that is a victim of the war”

“I know that but I can help these two. Did the younger woman speak to you?”

“No she hasn’t said anything” D replied

“Did you ask their names?”

“No, no I didn’t” D confessed

Jack nodded then re-entered the shack

“We can give you nothing Mister we have no money no food no nothing”

“You have each other” said Jack “And I don’t want anything from you. I would however like to help you. Do you and your………friend have names? I like to call people by their name. I’m Jack what’s yours?”

i am so loving this story

cath

Is the younger woman's name Lucy???

Joy

very interesting Rosa. I'm all now! More soon please! From jenny

!!

jack is so sweet !!! i am loving this story rosa doing a good job!! make it a great job can't wait for more!!!

btw when do we get to meet sue!!

Jack is really the knight in shining armour I think it's Luce and her grandmother Alice ... I am really glad, Jack wants to help them!!!

I can't wait for more!!!!


Restie

Thanks for replies I liked your guess work . To see if you were right or not I'll update for you. Don't worry Sue will be in the story, Tara too and Levi and one or two other familiar characters as well

“Alice, my granddaughter is called Lucy”

“Does she speak?” he asked gently not getting too close for fear of scaring them

“Not for five years”

Jack nodded understanding but not knowing what had happened to make the pretty dark skinned young woman retreat into a world of silence. A way of protecting herself he figured from more pain and hurt and experiences he could only imagine the horrendousness of. But he had heard of a few and seen the result of a lot more.

“We’re heading back to Wisconsin, you want to travel along with us?” he asked “We’ll keep you safe, I promise”

“My that sounds a mighty long way and I don’t know if my old legs…..Lucy should go”

“You both should come and my legs are perfectly fine, you can have my horse I’ll walk”

“No.... oh..... sir.... oh no...... I”

“Yes, I won’t take no for an answer and I’m not leaving either of you here, and please don’t call me Sir. Jack, Mr Hudson or Sergeant Hudson but not Sir”

The woman nodded again and Jack smiled.

^^^^^^

“I can’t believe you can even consider doing this” said Myles to Jack “It’s preposterous”

“It the kind of thing he usually does” stated Bobby knowing Jack well

“Thank you, I think” said Jack “So it’s agreed”

D and Bobby nodded while Myles just shrugged wondering why they had to take two women back with them and for what purpose.

I'm with Myles, why is this happening. I'm not complaining but it adds an interesting twist to the story. As i said before: I'm all Very nice post Rosa17. More soon! From Jenny

well we know how jack is ......kind, caring ,loving ,handsome...need i go on!! suejack with a dreamy look on her face!!..


rosa !! can't wait for more hun!! loving this story!!! can't wait to meet sue and levi!! at the begining we read that jack is married correct me if i am wrong!! i will be back going to read it again!! !

i love the way you've kept them in character

a great post, very interesting

cath

Myles, Myles... I think you will be the one who will "persuade" Luce to talk again... I think the love can help her to heal herself ... I can't wait for more, Rosa!!!


Restie

A little snippet for you I might post again later Thanks for feedback

Bobby, D and Myles not liking the thought of their Sergeant walking while they rode took it in turns with Jack to walk alongside the horses. It was apparent that Lucy was a very troubled young woman indeed.

They rode to the nearest town where they sold the horses and bought tickets for the train. On arrival at the nearest station to their home they bought more horses and rode back across country, their companions didn’t say much at all, the younger Lucy didn’t say anything. Alice knew in her heart that God had heard their plea for help and whatever, wherever they were going to, was it.

Thanks, Rosa !

I am sure Alice Sue is the real help from God...

I can't wait for reunion the guys and their families!!!!


Restie

restie i can't help but agree more!! she sure is!!


and the reunion with the families will be the best part of it all !!i can feel it in my bones!!!



can't wait for more!!

A little bit more

The first house they stopped at was a small log cabin with a wisp of smoke rising from the solitary chimney, which unlike the rest of the home was made from stone.

Private Manning swung his leg over the saddle and jumped off shouting as he did so “Tara!, Tara!” Then he looked back at Jack and said, “Where the hell is my wife?”

Jack shrugged but said, “Go in the house” and leant back a little in his saddle as he watched Bobby go through the front door.

“We moving on yet?” asked Myles

“No” said Jack bluntly “Not until I’ve seen Tara and the boys”

After he said this there was a whoop, similar to that often articulated by Bobby and three young boys appeared ranging from about six to twelve years of age.

“Afternoon Mr Hudson” said the middle one “Where is Papa?”

“He went in the house, he was looking for your mother” said Jack smiling at Ben.

“Run to the barn there’s a good lad, Will” said the eldest boy Robert to the youngest, a skinny young thing

Bobby remerged not finding anyone in the house bar the cat and drew Robert and Ben into a hug “It’s so good to see you” he told them “Where’s Will?”

“Gone to fetch Mama” said Ben

“Good” said Bobby

“Are we going now?” enquired Myles, Jack ignored him and D sent him at ‘quit it’ look.

Tara came rushing out the barn followed by Will and as soon as Bobby clapped eyes on her he left the boys and swung his wife into his arms holding her close before he kissed her expertly and thoroughly on the lips.

“Now” said Jack “We move on to our next stop”

“What about the horse?” Myles asked

“It’s Bobby’s horse”

“But you bought it”

“Well now it’s Bobby’s. Let’s move on out” he said the rest of the party and with a wave of his hand they continued on their way.

They stopped again about a quarter of a mile on at a similar dwelling and this time it was D who dismounted. “Don’t wait Jack, go home I know you want to”

“I need to make sure everything is alright here before I do that D”

D looked at his home taking in each and every detail, and was interrupted by Donna saying in a loud voice “Are you just going to stand all day making the place look untidy?”

He almost ran into her waiting arms and held each other close, two children; young people really emerged from the house and joined the embrace.

Jack sighed happy that, two of his remaining men were home, there was just him and Myles left and Myles along with the two women were going back home with him, for a while anyway. He dug his knees into the side of his horse and carried on, Myles, Alice and Lucy trailing behind.

I have a feeling we are heading home to Sue!!!

Joy

Interesting story. Can't wait to see where you go with this.

possibly unless this Jack is as clueless as our FBI Jack and Sue is waiting for him to make a move........... could be in for a long wait girl

cath

In the beginning of the story, it refers to Jack as having a wife and children, so I think this Jack is not as clueless as our FBI Jack! Hopefully, Sue is his wife!

Just caught up on this! It's a wonderful story, Rosa! Thanks for posting!

Tracy

ignore me i missed that bit

cath

Thanks, here is a little bit more (I know my posts in this story are on the short side, sorry)

The party rode on another half mile to a fairly substantial two storey wooden house; in fact Myles was somewhat impressed this obviously had bedrooms he supposed where the other two might have had one bedroom each. This was clearly a much better established home and farm. The boundary was even fenced off and stretched as far as he could see, which giving the misty weather and dark evening wasn’t that far he had to admit. It looked homely, welcoming, there were a couple of barns and a small log cabin at one side, a bit like a bunkhouse (Which he was later to discover had been the original family home when Jack's late father had bought the land), and a well for water supply. One of the barns was opened and displayed a wagon and a light from an oil lamp shone from there as if welcoming the weary travellers home.

The smoke rose from the chimney’s of the house and bunkroom and Myles feared that that was where he would probably sleep. He had heard Bobby and D talk of Jack’s family, it had become a joke really, that on every available leave he was home leaving a present for his wife, which presented itself nine months later. Myles was secretly scared of children due to the fact he hadn’t been round them much, even as a child there had only been his sister and he didn’t much care where she was now.

Jack gave a whistle and a small man came scurrying out the barn with the wagon in it and carrying the lamp he said “Mr Hudson, you’re home, it’s so good to see you and …..”

“And you’re slacking” said Jack jumping down and giving him the reins of his horse. “I need you to rub down and feed the horses”

“All of them?” asked Howie not relishing the job much, it was almost suppertime.

“All of them, before supper” Jack said firmly

“We keeping them, that’s a lot of horses”

“Maybe one or two but I’ll probably sell the others” he said, then turning to his travel companions added “Welcome to my home, please feel free to stay as long as you wish”

“All of us?” asked Myles

“Yes, even you” said Jack as he helped Alice down and then Lucy who huddled close to her Grandmother. “Shall we go in?” Jack asked and Myles and Alice nodded.

Howie as a stable hand - love it


cath

btw can anyone tell me why jack's family has become a joke!!!

Bless you, Howie, if you're here than Sue must be!!!

Joy

It was meant to come across that it was a standing joke that everytime Jack managed to get home during the war, he and his wife spend a lot of private time togther and always made a new baby and that if Bobby and D couldn't find him they knew what he would be doing and who he would be doing it with. Does that help? It was not meant to be an insult or anything.

Another little snippet for you all.


The quartet walked up the five wooden steps to the porch and Jack slowly opened the door, inhaling the familiar scent of home. The door led into a small square entrance with a flight of stairs straight ahead and a room to the right and another to the left. Jack took the left and indicated with a nod for Myles to close the front door behind him.

They stood in the kitchen, it was larger than Myles had expected it to be, a tall thin dark haired woman stood by the fire prodding it with the poker and beside it on the stove some sort of stew simmered sending an appetising aroma to their noses. An older woman with greying hair sat at the table darning a small shirt, her foot rocking a cradle, which contained a baby of a few months of age. There were three children at the table, two boys and a girl of various ages but the eldest, a boy no more than nine or so, looked up and shouted “Daddy!” as at the same time and despite the beard they hurled themselves at Jack, leaving Myles feeling as though he was missing out on life somehow.

Alice smiled, the scene before her was of a family who did not have the wealth of the family she had been a slave to before the war but they were comfortable and the heat from the room was already seeping into her cold joints and bones. She looked at Lucy; Lucy gazed about her with the expression of a frightened rabbit, which thought Alice was about normal for her granddaughter and didn’t and hadn’t expected more for what seemed a very long time.

you were suppose to say!! a tall blond woman not dark!! please don't tell me that jack is married to allie!! please letit be the maid or something!!!


rosa hun!! where are you please post soon!!!


p.s. thanks for the explaination now i understand!! they are quit busy!!

Suejack do not worry don't you think that if he was married to the dark haired woman he would have gone straight to her for a kiss? Here this might help.

The first thing the older woman said was to Jack “Son you better get washed up before you’re wife sees you looking like some kind of man from the wilderness”

“Hi mom” he said bending down and kissing her cheek fondly before he spotted the baby in the crib and he knelt down and with a ease of practise cradled the infant in his arms. “Hello sweetheart I’m your Daddy, I know I kinda look at bit scary now but if I have a shave like Grandma says I’ll look better in no time, aren’t you beautiful, just like your Momma, yes you are, yes you are”

The scene before the visitors brought a lump even to Myles throat and he hurriedly looked away as Mrs Hudson said “Don’t stand there the three of you cluttering up the place making it look untidy set yourselves down at the table. Children scoot along and let our visitors take the weight off their poor feet”

Jack placed the baby back in the crib only to have her protest with a small wail and Mrs Hudson began her job of rocking the cradle once more.

“Samuel, Abigail, Tom please help to set the table for supper. Abby how many places do you need to set?” Mrs Hudson asked the girl, Myles assumed to be around five, or six, he really was no judge of age in small children.

Abby counted silently with her fingers, and replied “Thirteen with Daddy’s friends”

“Alice and Lucy Dotson and Myles Leland the third, sorry I haven’t introduced to everyone” said Jack suddenly realising his slip in manners

“No matter” said Alice “I can see fine who everyone is”

The sound of the front door closing made the occupants of the room fall still and silent. Jack straightened as the kitchen door opened, a girl of about seven stood there holding hands with a boy no more than two, a dog rushed past them in a yellow flash and behind them was a woman who seems transfixed on the threshold as she uttered “Jack!”

Wow! This is great!!! More please!!!

kav

thank you thank you!!! yay its sue !!


btw how much children do they have?!?!? 2 boys ...one girl...one baby girl...another girl and a smallboy!!! am i right!! all these children are theirs !! wow!!


can't wait for more!!please post more!

I don't know....could be quite an attractive look!

It's Sue!!!

Okay, I'm going to have to say it - any look for Jack would be attractive!!!

Joy

Maybe Sue can help him shave this is great Rosa!

I SO hope it's Sue... I really don't know who was the tall dark haired woman (maybe Jack's sister?)

I can't wait for their reunion!!!!


Restie

Thanks for your comments, here is a snippet more

Jack stood there almost as spellbound as she was, but he managed to close the gap and ran a finger, softly, gently down the side of her face.

“You grew a beard” she commented eyeing the two-week plus growth.

“There hasn’t been time, to get rid of it”

“Maybe I could help you later” she said, her eyes twinkling.

“I’d say that was a good idea. Did I mention I might need a bath too?”

“No but you’re body odour suggests you might”

“Hey! I object” he said indignantly

“To what?” she said smiling “The fact that you need to shave and wash or me helping?”

“You can help me anytime” he said huskily

“Did you say I can help you anytime?”

He nodded and closed the gap completely, both fully aware that they were not alone and had a fairly large audience, both counting down the minutes until there would be alone. His mouth brushed hers in a fleeting kiss, giving her a preview of what was to follow later, before he pulled her close and held her securely in his arms.

Jack's truly home!!!

Joy