(Introduction)

"Today, I became a part of something. This was a special something, a secondary job if you will."

(Story)

As Jetstream was riding out on the trail, she sees a herd of cattle moving north.

"Is that.....a cattle drive?"

Riding down to see if she can be of any help, Jetstream meets the trail boss of the outfit.

"Excuse me, sir. My name is Jetstream. I noticed your cattle drive heading north. Do you need any help?"

"Well, truth of the matter is......we have every position filled. All we need is a ramrod, and my name's Gillis Fleming, trail boss. What do you say, Miss Jetstream?"

"I'm in. I promise I'll work hard."

"Quick question. Have you ever been on a cattle drive, Jetstream?"

"No sir."

"That's my point. The number one priority is to be prepared for anything. The road to our destination is a dangerous one. Are you sure you're up to it?"

"Yes, sir."

"Being a ramrod is basically second in command, all about relaying the orders from the trail boss, as well as assisting in keeping order among the drovers. It's the outfit's job as a whole to try and avoid the common disasters such as stampedes, rustlers, drowning or straight up accidents."

"Sometimes, the outcome of the drive is dictated by the weather, too. You most likely know this, but herds don't like loud noises. They're spooked VERY easily."

"We have ten hands, each with a set of three to four horses. You'll meet them all along the way."

"Yes sir. So, what's my first act as ramrod?"

"Those two men down by the herd. I want them to keep the herd rounded and in line. I'll check on the frontal portion of the herd."

"Yes sir, I'll let them know."

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Jetstream relays Gillis' orders to the two men riding drag.

"Excuse me, men. I'm Jetstream, the new ramrod. Mr Gillis just hired me."

"Well, I'm Quintanilla, and this is Nick Blocker."

"Nice to meet you. Mr Gillis says to keep the herd rounded and in line."

"Well, you heard the lady, Nick. Let's keep this herd rounded up."

"Alright."

"I'd better check in on the other men. I have to keep order, is what Mr Gillis said."

"That chuck wagon there. That must be the cook and his assistant."

Jetstream checks in on the cook and assistant of the outfit.

"Excuse me, miss. This is a cattle drive. This is no place for a woman."

"I'm the new ramrod. My name's Jetstream. I was hired by Mr Gillis."

"Is that a fact. Well, Gillis has an eye for new hands. Normally, cattle drives don't include women, so if Gillis hired you, he must have saw something special in you."

"I guess so. Anyway, I rode in to check on you and your assistant."

"Everything's fine here. By the way, my name's Zebulon. This here's my assistant, Michael Lane."

"I see."

"I'd better report back to Mr Gillis."

Jetstream meets Gillis at the left side of the herd.

"Jetstream!!! I just checked the swing and the flank. The herd is steady and on course. How'd you come along?"

"Mr Gillis. Everything seems to be in order. Everyone welcomed me on with open hospitality."

A slight smile came on Gillis' face.

"You seem to have the makings of a leader. You a law woman or something?"

"I work in Millennium City as the Marshall."

"Marshall? That's a tough responsibility. How you comin' along?"

"I love it there. My Deputy, Dan McKay is always by my side."

"In a lot of ways, a cattle drive is similar to that of being a Marshall. A Marshall is not complete without a Deputy, just as a trail boss is not complete without his men......or women."

"That's right."

"I have a question, Mr Gillis. Where is this herd going?"

"We're goin' to the railhead over in Cheyenne."

As the trail boss and ramrod bond, the clouds in the sky begin to darken. It begins to rain. The sudden sound of thunder spooks the herd and causes a stampede.

"Oh no. MR GILLIS!!!!!!"

"JETSTREAM!!!! FOLLOW ME!!!!"

Commanding his men to turn the herd to the right, Gillis rides alongside the herd in an attempt to turn the herd into itself.

Upon instinct, Jetstream fires her gun to make the leading cattle turn, moving in wide circles.

With the herd's circle closing in, the herd begins to slow down, due to lack of space.

Regaining control of the herd, Gillis, his men and Jetstream return to their positions.

"Jetstream!!! Well done!!! We couldn't have stopped the stampede without you."

"I don't know what came over me. I've never done this before. I did that out of instinct."

"Well, now, it sure worked, didn't it, Jetstream?"

"I'm not gonna beat around the bush here. You have the makings, you're welcome to join our drive. We could use a hard worker like you. You seem to pick up on things quick, too."

"Mr Gillis, I'd love to, but Millennium City is my home. But I learned a lesson about leadership......from you, Mr Gillis. I understand cattle drives don't include women, but you gave me a chance. Thank you."

"I must be heading back, now. I'll always remember my first cattle drive."

"It seems we have a visitor."

"Clint? It's you. What are you doing here?"

"You know 'em?"

"We encountered each other in Millennium City."

"Yes, she convinced me to give up gunfighting. If it wasn't for her, I probably would've been killed by now."

"Mr Gillis, don't look now, but you might've just found your ramrod."

"What do you say, kid? You work hard, you earn your wages."

"Really? You mean it?"

"Sure."

"I'll do it, sir. Thank you so much."

"It's a deal. You start right away. Welcome to the drive, Clint."

Mr Gillis and all his men look at Jetstream as she prepares to leave.

"Goodbye, Jetstream. Safe endeavors."

"Goodbye Mr Gillis. Goodbye everyone!!!!

Jetstream mounts her horse Nicholas and heads back to Millennium City.

(Ending Narrative)

"Today I worked for a man. A savvy, strong man with a heart for leadership. He let a woman work in a cattle drive. It's not unheard of, but it meant a lot to me. His name is Gillis Fleming, trail boss."

(Catchphrase)

"Bring 'em in, Nicholas!!!!! Yaaaaaahhhhh"