Texas's Grip Remains True!

(Originally by Zucca Xerfantes)

Texas felt Georgia's grip release, sending the weasel snapping like a whip, smacking into the back of the caboose, right on the door, sliding down before she popped back to normal, panting.

Georgia dropped to her knees, arms thrust to the sky!

The most bloodcurdling sound all three women had ever heard erupted forth...

"NOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOoooooOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Texas slumped against the wall, chest heaving as April sat beside her. Samantha followed suit, all just panting hard, catching their breath...

It was the sheriff that broke the silence after what felt like an eternity, though by then, Georgia's tireless bellow could still be heard behind them, even as she faded into a speck.

"Yeehaw..."

Samantha looked at her in surprise. "Huh...?"

April chuckled softly, shaking her head.

"Five years I've been tryin' to bag that varmint, Roxxie. Then my former Deputy goes and squashes her by accident. How do ya' like that? Accidentally doing the job she was supposed to do." Texas exclaimed, grabbing her hat from the crumbled pile of clothes, putting it back on her head and slumping against the door.

... which swung open, causing her head to THONK against the floor of the caboose.

"Can I assist you ladies in some way...?" Asked the caboose guard, a trim wolf man with voluminous blonde hair and ocean blue eyes, fur gray and gold.

Texas held up her badge after fishing it from her clothes pile. "Texas Stanton, Gold Springs Sheriff. We need a ride to the next town over. Get us a posse organized."

"Ah. Well then... might I suggest you take shelter in the caboose? It's evening, you're all wet and the desert gets quite cold at night." The wolf said, welcoming them all in.

A stove was burning warmly, a kettle resting on top of it.

"Coffee...?" Texas asked hopefully.

"Tea. But you're welcome to it." The guard said.

Samantha sat on a bench, dressing in her time suit again, taking a deep breath, hugging her knees to her chest.

April collapsed onto one of the bench-beds, putting her hat over her face while Texas poured herself a cup of tea.

"It's nine hours until the next town. I suggest you all get some rest. You look like you've had quite a day." The wolf gently suggested.

Texas was the only one on her feet still after dressing. "Soon as the adrenaline dies down, partner. Till then, I've half a mind that Georgia will come exploding through that back door and make good on those promises..."

Eventually, they were able to calm down and close their eyes, comforted by the kindly guard who kept watch over them as they slept.

When Samantha awoke, she saw Texas at the small writing desk and saw the legs of the guard, sitting in the elevated watch post. The sun was just starting to rise and as she watched the first rays bathe Texas in their glow, her heart skipped a beat.

'Beautiful... strong... amazing...'

And strictly forbidden by the T.E.A. Agent's code of conduct.

It was too risky, besides. In 30XX, Samantha's society was relaxed, open, accepting of many ways of life. Back in this era... what were the odds Texas would be receptive to any gestures?

Was the look on her face, in the bath house, just due to the awkwardness?

Or was it something more?