"Ah agree," offered Wayland to Kate's point, "First thing, we save Robahts."  He reached under his coat to the second holster and drew a Colt revolver.  The bounty hunter took a moment to check the load in said gun, "Now...  It sounded like these kids might be some sort of allies?  So...  No permanent hahm then?"

"If it can be helped, I'd prefer a peaceable resolution to the matter. I'm not sure that I'd call the Regulators allies as such, but they're certainly another check on Murphy's power - and I don't want to have to contend with opposition from both the House and the Regulators on an ongoing basis," he said in an answer to Wayland's question.

He addressed Castillo next and the others as well next while he dismounted and hitched his horse to a tree, marking the spot mentally.

"Señorita if you, and anyone else, could draw a bead on one of those fellas up ahead, it would offer me sufficient security should they not take kindly to a parlay and try to turn me into chop suey - I'd be much obliged. I'm gonna go up there and try and talk to 'em. If things seem peaceable of course, feel free to join me."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Tue 06 Aug 2019.

Kansas Kate just grimaced.  She didn't like any of this, but she wasn't going to just complain without offering some kind of idea, solution or insight, none of which she had.  Until she realized the gesture that had been made.  That wasn't a casual tick or a precaution, that was an invitation.

She gently tapped the Ranger's shoulder.

"A thousand pardons ranger, but if'n yer gon' keep sech rotten comp'ny as yers truly, ya mights avail yerself of it.  What feller just reloaded his six gun?  Did ya see his hands?"  Kansas Kate indicated.  "That's a killer Ranger.  Not that you can't handle a killer, but there might be a play ta make here if he's itchy."

If there was a look begging for an explanation she'd continue.  "Ah reckon ya might be able ta talk them others down, but ah think that one, he's spoiling fer a challenge."

He paused to answer Kate.

"I've seen that the gentleman is quite proficient with firearms, but we had a civil exchange at the Courthouse a couple nights back and I don't see that things would come immediately to blows. And I'd rather have him still being a pain in Murphy's ass while I'm bringin' down the House, so to speak - so I aim to keep it that way. Of course, should it go south, I'd much appreciate the application of your set of skills."

He advanced on foot toward the position taken by the Regulators on the saloon's porch. He wasn't trying to take anyone by surprise. "Mr. Bonney, Mr. Scurlock, I don't suppose this would be a good time to pick up our discussion from the courthouse?"

Just before the bone creature had attacked them, Scurlock had vouched to Bonney for Lee's participation in covering up the ruse around O'Folliard's faked death. Their conversation had been civil, even as they were on opposing sides as Lee attempted to protect Brady from them. For a second time in so many days, Lee was attempting to prevent them from taking their intended quarry.

With a silent nod to the Ranger, Jacinta turned her horse along the treeline, staying in the shadowed brush.  Her keen eye darted about in search of trouble as she moved, not wishing to happen upon an ambush or war party.  Finding a reasonably good spot with a view of both the regulators and the sawmill, she put her rifle to her shoulder, selecting her target.  If they didn't take too kindly to Bryan's interference, she might not be able to save the Chinaman, but she sure as hell could plug one or two of them in revenge.

Dr. Wayland's lips thinned to a line as Lee headed off on his diplomatic mission.  The Ranger may desire a peaceable solution, but Wayland would stand ready to pursue politics by....other means.  His pistol still in hand, he leaves it uncocked and aimed in relatively safe direction.  He takes a good long look over the situation.  Keeping especial watch over the Ranger.  Should he come under attack, the Doctor is prepared to dash in after him.  Under his breath, he mutters, "Sic... vis... pacem... parabellum..."

03:48, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland rolled 4,7 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+1)7. Notice!
This message was last edited by the player at 07:48, Tue 06 Aug 2019.

Well, she had made her peace.  Kansas Kate locked her eyes on the one who had made the (not so subtle in her eyes) gesture.  She didn't bother to move just yet, she'd be quick enough when the time came, and she'd be moving.

Bauer draws a Winchester from a scabbard cinched to her saddle and follows Castillo into the tree line. She joins the scout at the spot she has chosen. Scanning the small settlement, she whispers, ”French said that there were more than those three Regulators that rode over this way. Where’re the others?”

The hushed conversation between the three men halts as Lee and those that have chosen to accompany him approach. The Kid grins as he continues to methodically load his weapon. “Well, Ranger, I have to say, you’ve got a habit of turning up in the most unexpected places.” He chuckles softly. “Truth be told, this might not be the best time to discuss all the happenings in Lincoln. But after we get finished with our business here, you and I can spend all afternoon talkin’ county politics, if that’s to your liking.”

He snaps the revolver closed, then draws the second pistol from his belt, unloading and reloading it in the same manner. ”Still, your showin’ up here might prove handy.” He nods in the direction of the sawmill. ”We’re here to serve one of Judge Wilson’s warrants. Fella by the name of Roberts. As you might have heard, he doesn’t sound too inclined to cooperate. Which is just as well. But if you’d like to lend a hand and help us dig him out of there, I’d sure be grateful.”

OOC: Ranger (and anyone who approached the Regulators with him), you can give me a Notice roll, if you’d like.

"Before you serve this warrant, I've got a request. I'm in town investigating criminal activities, many of which seem to be tied to the House's activities in the region, including Mr. Tunstall's murder, which I understand you have a deep personal interest in," he said.

"In the course of these activities, I assembled a posse that was responsible for freeing the kidnapped children of Lincoln from the farm where they'd been stashed. We were also responsible for dispatching Jim McDaniels from this world just yesterday. Before that last one, however, Dolan and McDaniels came to see me in town and attempted to point my efforts in the direction of your group, and in the same meeting attempted to place blame for a crime I believe had been perpetrated by Nicholas Provencio instead on Buckshot Roberts. I don't know the basis of the warrant you have, but if Dolan was trying to point my gun at Roberts, I'd reconsider whether he really is someone you should be pursuing."

"I'd like to ask you politely as one reasonable man to another to pause in serving this warrant, and instead move onto one of your other targets. I believe Roberts has information crucial to my investigation, and if he should perish in a firefight with one of your capable members, that will be a major setback in my attempts in uncovering what's going on with the House. We share a mutual interest in bringing that organization's activities to a halt. If in the course of my investigation I uncover wrongdoing by Roberts in this regard, I give you my word that I'll prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law."

Persuasion: 5 (7 if he respects the Texas Rangers, unlikely but possible for an outlaw, but I figure you can still respect the reputation of even an adversary despite differing opinions or points of view)
Notice: 5
This message was last edited by the player at 01:33, Wed 07 Aug 2019.

Double K watched in trepidation.  She kept some distance, someone going directly with the Ranger would cheapen his attempt.  The two might be natural enemies, but this was one time she appreciated this way was likely to be faster and less of a pain than her way.

Still, something about that dude... didn't sit right.  She watched his hands.  Hands kill.

Not sure if that merits any roll or maybe a roll at a penalty but I'll make one and you can penalize/ignore it!
20:30, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 3,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Notice.
Failed anyway doesn't matter!

Jacinta scanned the town again, eyes moving over the buildings.  She shook her head lightly at Bauer.  "If I had to guess, I'd say they were likely trying to sneak into that building somehow.  That or getting ready to burn the place to the ground.  From what I heard, they don't seem to care much about taking people in alive.  He doesn't seem to want to come out, so they'd either have to go in after 'em or force 'em out some way."

Albert listened to the others discuss as he considered the situation. With a nod, he agreed with Bryan's intended plan of action. The Ranger's authority here would likely help if negotiation were possible.

For his part, Albert looked at the Regulators that were present to see if he recognized any of them.

OOC: Does he?

As the others all seemed to be inspecting their weapons, Albert did the same. Chambers seemed full of bullets, though, so that was good. He hadn't had time to make any more special ones. Something he'd have to rectify when given the chance.

Bowdre looks at Lee with mild alarm. ”Mister, I don’t think you understand. Judge Wilson...he issued that warrant cuz he felt sure that fella Roberts...that he had a hand in the killin’ of our ranch boss. The man who gave most of us a home. Mister Tunstall.”

Scurlock’s gaze is momentarily drawn to Kansas Kate, who he regards briefly with a curious frown. Shifting his attention to the Kid, he says, “Y’know, Billy, he covered for Tom before. Gave us a chance to skedaddle after Brady got bad hurt by that...thing. He ain’t done us wrong so far.”

“I want to lay hands on those that killed John the same as you. But, maybe we oughta listen. He’s tryin’ to put Murphy away. From where I’m standin’, it looks like we’re on the same side.”

Billy’s mouth presses into a flat line as he finishes loading his second pistol. He looks up at Lee, his eyes hard. ”Alright, Ranger, Let’s say I give you the benefit of the doubt. That I hold off on draggin’ Buckshot out of his hidey hole.”

He holsters the gun. ”You say you’ll prosecute him. Just what does that mean? If he slips through your fingers after you ask your questions, you gonna lend me and these boys a hand in huntin’ him down? Haulin’ him back to Lincoln, dead or alive?”

OOC: Cooper has encountered Billy and Scurlock previously, but he knows Charlie Bowdre on a first name basis. Bowdre is skilled with a lasso and has helped Henry Cooper collect some steers that wandered off of his range.

23:46, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Jacinta Castillo, rolled 5,4 using 1d8+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Notice.

Even as she finishes speaking, Castillo’s eyes are drawn to a hint of movement at the back of the sawmill, just visible beyond the boarded up Assay Office. There, she spots three figures crouched among some spruce shrubs. She only recognizes one of the trio, Jose Chavez y Chavez, but can safely assume that the others are his Regulator compatriots.

Given that the Ranger seemed to be having some measure of success in talking sense into the gathered Regulators, Albert stayed put. His attention was entirely on those with whom the General spoke, in case the talks broke down.

"If I find evidence of wrongdoing by Buckshot Roberts in the matter of John Tunstall's murder, I will bring him before your Judge Wilson. If he slips through my fingers before I can bring him to justice, I will gladly help you and the rest of the Regulators bring him in," he said.

"I understand you're suspicious of me, but if you have any doubt that I'm here to take down the House, then you haven't been paying attention to what's been going on in Lincoln since my arrival. I've told you about what we've accomplished so far, so you should know we've struck bigger blows at the House in a few days than anyone else has in a long time. But you saw what went down at the Courthouse, and I believe Murphy and Dolan are deep into the devil's game now so this is about much more."

"Now, Buckshot Roberts may be my only key to taking down the House, and as such I intend to have his cooperation as long as it's needed to accomplish that task. The way I see it, as Mr. Scurlock said, we're on the same side...now. But if you stand in my way of getting what I need to take down Murphy, then you're as good as on Murphy's side. We'd be much better as allies than adversaries, Mr. Bonney. Call off the attack and let's bring down the House together."

"There you are," Jacinta whispered.  She nudged Bauer and tipped her head in the direction of the Assay office.  "Looking to rush 'em from front and the back?  Definitely up to something."  She squinted at the trio, watching their movements.

Bonney is silent for a time, weighing the Ranger’s words. Finally, he looks up at the sawmill. ”Don’t you ever fucking suggest I’m on Murphy’s side again,” he tells the lawman.

Steeping off the porch, he gives out a shrill wolf whistle. From their hiding spot, Castillo and Bauer see the two of the Regulators behind the Assay Office stand. The third, a clean shaven man in black duster remains crouched. He looks up at Chavez y Chavez and his red haired companion and motions them forward. The pair walk out to the street, coming into full view of those gathered at the restaurant.

Billy raises his voice to a shout, addressing the sawmill. As he speaks, he raises his hands. ”ROBERTS! ROBERTS! I KNOW YOU CAN SEE ME OUT HERE! THERE’S A FELLA THAT’S RODE IN HERE, A TEXAS RANGER. THINKS YOU KNOW SOMETHIN’ ABOUT MURPHY AND THE HOUSE. SOMETHIN’ THAT’LL HELP HIM TAKE ‘EM DOWN.”

“MY BOYS AND I, WE AIN’T GONNA SHOOT. YOU HEAR? I DO THAT NOW, THIS RANGER’LL HAVE ME STRUNG UP BY SUNSET. SO I NEED YOU TO COME OUT. NO HARM’LL COME TO YOU. YOU’VE GOT MY WORD. I’M GONNA STAY RIGHT HERE, WITH MY HANDS UP, SO YOU’LL KNOW I’M TELLIN’ YOU STRAIGHT.”

Stillness overtakes Blazer’s Mill in the wake of Bonney’s words, the only noise the sound of the creek turning the mill’s wheel.

After a moment, the front door to the sawmill opens and three figures emerge. Two are clad in buckskin, a young man and a young woman, both armed with bows, long knives held in sheaths on their belts. Their dark hair, chiseled features, and the beadwork on some of their possessions denote them as Apaches. Bows in hand, they regard those gathered across the street with stern eyes.

A man emerges behind them, his face bearded, his dark hair long. He is dressed in a cotton shirt the color of trail dust and faded jeans. Several amulets hang around his neck, bearing turquoise, obsidian, and other stones. He is holding a Winchester rifle in his gloved hands and a pair of tomahawks are secured on the right side of his belt. Beneath his right eye is a long scar, likely inflicted by a blade.

He looks at Bonney. ”I didn’t have any hand in John Tunstall’s murder, Billy. He was a decent man.”

He looks to the group on the porch. ”Which one of you’s the Ranger? I want to see a star.”

K² would let him answer, but she was going to resolve something right here and right now.  She moved closer, though she did not yet speak.

She wanted to- no, had to get a look at him.  Was the scar there as her mother had always said?

Albert was glad to see things appeared to be moving forward peaceably, but he certainly didn't relax. Meetings like this had a tendency to go sideways. Even more dangerous was that Albert and those with which he was allied didn't particularly want to injure or kill any of the Regulators. At least not yet. If they ended up fighting with one hand tied behind their backs, as it were, well, that was dangerous.

Albert did nod and touch the brim of his hat as the pair of Regulators that included Chavez y Chavez emerged from their hiding spot.

Dr. Wayland gave a surprised and curious, "Hmmph..."  It was a pleased sort of surprise.  Wayland isn't /unhappy/, of course.  He might not have been unhappy if gunfire had broken out either.  The bounty hunter eyed the gathering players, especially those with weapons free.  As a quiet aside to any of the others hanging back, Wayland said, "Now Ah am really beginning to understand the whole "One Riot, One Rangah" idiom...."