{"id":6631,"date":"2014-05-04T15:58:32","date_gmt":"2014-05-04T19:58:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6631"},"modified":"2026-01-20T14:47:42","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T19:47:42","slug":"squad-51-on-the-ponderosa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6631","title":{"rendered":"Squad 51 On the Ponderosa (by Rider)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/span>Bonanza & Emergency! Crossover
\nParamedic Firefighters John Gage & Roy DeSoto from Station 51 in LA wind up on the Ponderosa, along with Dr. Kelly Brackett, Dr. Joe Early, & Nurse Dixie McCall of Rampart General.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ (6,670 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Squad 51 on the Ponderosa<\/strong><\/p>\n

Twenty-seven year old paramedic Roy DeSoto backed the squad into station 51.<\/strong> Before it even came to a complete stop his junior partner, twenty-three year old John Gage, jumped out of the opposite side.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish you wouldn\u2019t do that till it\u2019s parked, Johnny,\u201d Roy said, sounding like a worried father. Johnny just rolled his eyes and laughed. Walking into the rec room, Roy poured himself some coffee and Johnny turned on the television. Roy turned around, hearing a familiar theme song and the laughter of his partner.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Roy, did you ever see this show?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBonanza, sure\u2026 I grew up watching it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo did I. I used to race through my homework every Monday night just so I could watch it\u2026 of course, I\u2019d wind up doing it all again once it was over,\u201d he laughed. \u201cYou know, when I was little, I was wanted to be a cowboy just like them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy laughed, remembering he wanted to be the same thing. \u201cAnd look at us, firefighters. Looks like those dreams sure didn\u2019t work out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank goodness, because I\u2019ll take fire to bullets any day!\u201d John said with a smile. Roy sat down at the table to read the newspaper. After a few moments, he wondered why Johnny hadn\u2019t turned the set off.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re actually gonna watch it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? There\u2019s nothing else on, besides, it brings back memories.\u201d<\/p>\n

That evening, the station didn\u2019t get any runs, so the guys were rewarded with a nice sleep\u2026 all except for Johnny.<\/p>\n

Johnny woke up suddenly, as if the morning alarm went off, but the room held a strange silence for such an early morning hour. He rolled over tiredly, seeing that the cause of his sudden awakening was the bright sun peering through the white sheer curtains. Sun? Sheer curtains? There were no curtains at the station. John sat up abruptly, set on waking Roy, but stopped short upon seeing that he was\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0at station 51. A look of both fear and confusion crossed his features before he got up and found he was alone in this strange room. He threw the covers off and reached for his turnouts and boots, aggravated when he found they weren\u2019t there either. He let out a groan of frustration before running out the door to find his partner.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy?\u201d he called softly in the hallway. \u201cRoy?\u201d this time it came as a yell. He ran down the stairs to a desk with a man behind it, who seemed like he could answer Johnny\u2019s questions. \u201cSir?\u201d he called, wondering if he sounded as frightened as he felt.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr. Gage, good morning!\u201d the old, bald clerk nodded.<\/p>\n

John\u2019s eyed widened in further fright. \u201cHow do you know my name?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man chuckled in amusement. \u201cMr. Gage, of course I know you. You and your friend have only been staying here for three days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have?\u201d he asked in utter confusion, causing the clerk to laugh once again.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there something you need, Mr. Gage? Something I can help you with?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 yes\u2026 I\u2019m looking for my part\u2014uh, friend. Roy De\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The clerk cut him off. \u201cI know, Mr. Gage, your friend Roy DeSoto. He\u2019s in room 24, right next to yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d he went back up the stairs, wondering why he hadn\u2019t thought to look in that room before. Roy was never far away when he needed him. He barged into the room, dashing to the sleeping form in the bed, shaking him awake. \u201cRoy. Come on, Roy, wake up!\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy moaned in annoyance. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked obviously annoyed at being woken up so forcefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, where in the world are we?!\u201d<\/p>\n

John couldn\u2019t tell if the reaction on Roy\u2019s face was what he himself felt, or wonder of why John had asked him that.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean \u2018Where in the world are we\u2019? We\u2019re at the\u2014\u201d he stopped short, seeing what his young partner was talking about. \u201cJohnny, where are we?\u201d<\/p>\n

John sighed, obviously distressed that his partner didn\u2019t know the answer. \u201cI was hoping you would tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOk, ok, let\u2019s stay calm,\u201d before Roy could speak any farther, they heard a woman\u2019s voice outside screaming for help. Their inner-paramedic and adrenaline rush leaped into action faster than they did. The pair raced out the door and down the stairs, not stopping until they were out in front of the hotel. After scanning the area in front of them, their eyes found what they were looking for. They dashed across the street to the saloon where one of the dance hall girls was kneeling next to an injured man.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d they asked in unison, kneeling next to the couple.<\/p>\n

The woman managed to explain through her tears that her husband had been badly beaten in a bar fight. Roy and John quickly began using their medical training, feeling around the man\u2019s extremities, looking for head injuries, checking his eyes, and making sure his spine and neck weren\u2019t hurt. Before they could look him over any farther, two men came out of the bar and stood directly between Roy and the injured man\u2026 two\u00a0big<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0men. Roy looked up at them, knowing where this was headed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t you got nothin\u2019 else to do, sonny?\u201d the giant said.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 we\u2026 I\u2026 we were just helping him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you see here, sonny, this ole cowboy lost to us in a poker game, and he ain\u2019t got the money to pay up, so we figured on showing him not to mess with big fellers like us, so you might just wanna leave him alone before we show you a thing or two.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do that,\u201d Roy replied flatly.<\/p>\n

The grin erased from the big man\u2019s face. \u201cYou what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy stood up and looked at the man right in the eye. \u201cI said I can\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you little\u2014\u201d the other big guy said as he lifted Roy off the ground by his shirt collar. From behind, Johnny jumped up, trying to make the man let go of his nearly choking partner. The big man pushed Johnny off his arm, slamming him into the post.<\/p>\n

On the other side of the street, Hoss Cartwright was strolling down the sidewalk with his old brother Adam, and saw the commotion out of the corner of his eyes. \u201cHey Adam, those little fellers need help!\u201d he said before dashing off. Adam was right on his heels.<\/p>\n

Just as Roy was punched and Johnny was once again thrown to the ground, Hoss came up behind them and pulled the big man off of the paramedics. After his vision cleared, John looked up from the ground to see the two Cartwright brothers pounding on the big men. His eyes widened in shock as he watched Adam and Hoss help them. He tapped Roy on the shoulder, who turned to look just as shocked as Johnny. After the fight was over, Hoss walked over and helped Johnny and Roy get up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou fellers sure had yourself some trouble there. What\u2019d ya do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Johnny asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d ya do? To make \u2018em mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, uh\u2026 we didn\u2019t do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were just trying to help the guy they beat up,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like they gotcha too,\u201d Adam chimed in after picking up and dusting off his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay, where are you fellers from? We ain\u2019t seen ya around here before. Oh, by the way, I\u2019m Hoss Cartwright, and this here\u2019s my brother Adam,\u201d Hoss introduced, courteously extending his hand to the younger of the two men.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Johnny Gage,\u201d he replied, shaking Hoss\u2019 big hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m Roy DeSoto. We\u2019re from Los Angeles in California.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCalifornia, huh?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cThat\u2019s a long way from Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVirginia City?\u201d John asked, looking slightly confused.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell sure!\u201d Hoss said with a laugh. \u201cThis here\u2019s Virginia City!\u201d he paused for a moment before speaking again. \u201cHey, you fellers got anywhere to stay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we were staying at the hotel, but I\u2019m afraid we don\u2019t have any money left,\u201d Roy said, wondering where he and his partner would stay.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, shoot, we got a big ranch just outside of town. The Ponderosa\u2026 a hundred acres of the most beautiful land you ever laid eyes on!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome to stay there,\u201d Adam invited. Roy looked at his young partner, wondering what to say. Seeing the look in his eyes, he knew what to tell them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d like that. Thanks, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he replied, drawing a grin from Johnny.<\/p>\n

Adam held up his hand. \u201cIt\u2019s Adam, Mr. Cartwright is my father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you can call me Hoss,\u201d putting a hand to his chin, he thought for a moment. \u201cWe better get you fellers some new duds tomorrow! You can\u2019t walk around looking like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Johnny looked at Roy, wondering what was wrong with their paramedic uniforms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Going back to the hotel to retrieve, or more likely find out what they had to retrieve, John and Roy were quite surprised to see Dr. Kelly Brackett, Dr. Joe Early, and Nurse Dixie McCall sitting in the middle of the hotel lobby.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohn! Roy!\u201d Dixie called as she spotted her two favorite paramedics. Roy waved them over while John held a surprised look on his face. \u201cWhat are you two doing here?\u201d she asked as the trio walked over.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were gonna ask you guys the same thing,\u201d Roy replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know what we\u2019re doing here,\u201d John whispered, not wanting anyone nearby to hear.<\/p>\n

Dr. Early chuckled, \u201cNeither do we,\u201d he said putting his hand next to his mouth, winking at the paramedic.
\n~_*_~<\/p>\n

Before leaving for the Ponderosa, Roy and John had asked Hoss and Adam if their friends could come along as well. Of course, they said yes. Two hours later, they arrived at the ranch. Ben and Little Joe came out of the house, wondering who had arrived with Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Pa!\u201d Hoss said getting off his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Hoss,\u201d he greeted. \u201cWho are your friends?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam said coming up from behind the horses. \u201cThis is John Gage and Roy DeSoto we helped them out of a jam in town. Their friends here are Dr. Brackett, Dr. Early, and Dixie McCall, their nurse,\u201d he beckoned toward Ben and Joe and turned to talk to their guests. \u201cThis is my father, Ben Cartwright, and our little brother, Joe.\u201d Everyone exchanged their greetings and went inside for dinner. After some talk, Ben turned to the doctors.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam says you two are doctors, where from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCalifornia, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Dr. Brackett replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe work together at, uh\u2026 our clinic,\u201d Early chimed in. \u201cDixie\u2019s our nurse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you two,\u201d Ben said to John and Roy. \u201cWhat do you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

John looked at Roy with a skeptical eye, knowing they couldn\u2019t very well introduce themselves as paramedics. Roy got an idea and spoke up. \u201cWe work under Dr. Brackett and Dr. Early helping them with patients a lot.\u201d John breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the Cartwrights had bought their story.<\/p>\n

A couple of hours later, everyone turned in for the night. Each guest had their own room, while the Cartwrights slept in their own. The late hours of the evening didn\u2019t bring any rest for the guests of the Ponderosa. Near midnight, John laid in his bed. He rolled over for the umpteenth time before resolving to get up. Putting on the robe that lay at the foot of the bed, he quietly tip-toed into the hallway. Making his way down the stairs, he stopped when he saw Roy, Dixie, and the Doctors sitting in the living room.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad I\u2019m not the only one who couldn\u2019t sleep,\u201d he smiled. He walked down the stairs and sat down on the couch with his friends. \u201cCan I ask a stupid question?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBe my guest,\u201d Roy smirked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the heck are we doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dixie gave a relieved sigh. \u201cI am so glad I\u2019m not the only one who was thinking that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that goes for all of us,\u201d Dr. Brackett added.<\/p>\n

John spoke up again. \u201cNow that we\u2019re all on the same page, does anyone have the answer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I did, Junior,\u201d Roy replied once again, \u201cbut I can\u2019t remember a thing before this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe neither,\u201d the younger man said as he got up and began to pace. \u201cI mean, we all know who and what we are\u2026 but from where?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like an abnormal case of amnesia if you ask me,\u201d Dr. Early joked, drawing a tired giggle from all.
\n~_*_~<\/p>\n

The next morning, Roy and Johnny were up at the crack of dawn. Feeling their morning appetite begin to build, they went downstairs, and saw Hoss sitting on the table drinking what looked like coffee or tea.<\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 fellars!\u201d he greeted. \u201cFresh coffee in the kitchen if you want some.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Roy said as he and his partner went to the kitchen. No sooner had the two men entered the kitchen did Hoss hear the sound of glass breaking and Hop Sing yelling in Chinese and English at the same time. Johnny and Roy came pushing each other out of the kitchen with Hop Sing behind them wielding a pan.<\/p>\n

\u201cThieves\u2026 Thieves! You stay out of Hop Sing kitchen! You want coffee, you ask! No help yourselves!\u201d and with that, he left. Both men looked at each other skeptically before Hoss laughed.
\nA few hours later, while everyone else was busy, John snuck out to the barn. Ever since he was a little boy, he\u2019d always been fascinated with horses, but didn\u2019t get to be around them very often since becoming a firefighter. His work took up most of his time. He spotted a big brown mustang on the far end of the barn and was immediately intrigued. Slowly walking to the stall, so as not to frighten the beast, he began to talk to the horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey big guy,\u201d he whispered. \u201cWow, you sure are a beauty! I wonder what your name is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSport,\u201d he heard a voice from behind him. He jumped and whirled around to see Adam leaning on the doorway with a sneaky smile on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t mean to scare you,\u201d he apologized with a giggle.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026 that\u2019s ok. I probably shouldn\u2019t be in here anyway, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s perfectly fine,\u201d he walked up to John. \u201cYou like horses, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLove \u2018em! This one\u2019s an Arabian, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked impressed. \u201cYeah, he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Johnny smiled, priding himself that he still knew his horse breeds. \u201cYou\u2026 you wanna ride?\u201d Adam asked. John\u2019s eyes lit up, he hadn\u2019t ridden in ages! \u201cI\u2019d love to!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then come on!\u201d Adam said as he lifted the saddle from the rack, but John stopped him.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 I don\u2019t use saddles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBareback?\u201d he asked with surprise. \u201cOk, he\u2019s all yours.\u201d He let the younger man lead the horse out to the corral, still surprised that Gage wanted to ride bareback. Once in the corral, Johnny quickly jumped on the back of Sport and worked him into a slow canter, using the horse\u2019s mane as reins, steering them in the desired directions. After a few moments, he worked up to to a full gallop. Within minutes, both the horse and rider were in perfect synchronicity. A few moments more of riding, and John eased Sport into a canter, a slow walk, and then pulled him to a stop, jumping off in front of Adam with a pleased smile on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Johnny, I am very impressed! Where did you learn to ride like that?\u201d Adam asked, truly surprised at the man\u2019s riding talents.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026\u201d John hesitated. \u201cI grew up on a ranch in South Dakota.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, your folks were ranchers, huh?\u201d Adam asked as he began to pet his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot exactly\u2026 we lived on the reservations. I\u2019m a half breed,\u201d he whispered, expecting Adam to throw some insult at him as nearly everyone had upon learning of Gage\u2019s Indian heritage.<\/p>\n

Seeing the forlorn look in John\u2019s eyes Adam asked, \u201cWhat tribe?\u201d with true interest.<\/p>\n

The younger man\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cYou\u2019re not\u2026\u201d he began, but Adam cut him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, now what tribe are you from?\u201d<\/p>\n

John smiled. \u201cCherokee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI always liked the Cherokees. They\u2019ve got great a great culture.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

After taking Sport into the barn, and wiping him down, Adam got an idea. \u201cHey Johnny?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow would you like to help me working with some new horses later today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure!\u201d
\n~_*_~<\/p>\n

That afternoon, Roy came out of the ranch house looking how his partner. He saw Hoss in the middle of the yard doing something with the wagon. \u201cHoss?\u201d he called as he ran to the big man.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, have you seen Johnny?\u201d Roy asked when he reached him.<\/p>\n

Hoss thought for a moment, then snapped his finger. \u201cOh! He went up to the north pasture with Adam, seems your friend knows his stuff when it comes to horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, ok. Yeah, Johnny was raised in South Dakota on a ranch, so he loves working with anything he can ride.\u201d Hoss laughed. Looking at the wagon, he said, \u201cHey, Roy, wanna give me a hand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, why not? Whaddya need?\u201d Hoss directed Roy in helping him fix the wagon, telling where the grease was needed, where the bolts would be places. Within less than an hour, the wagon was finished, and Roy prided himself being able to now say he knew how to fix a broken axle.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, thanks, Roy, that sure speed things up for me,\u201d Hoss complimented.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem\u2026 uh, anything else you need help with?\u201d Roy asked curiously, wondering why he had an urge to help more on the ranch.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, how about I show ya how to clean a barn nice and proper like?\u201d Hoss asked with that typical Hoss-grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cLead the way!\u201d Roy stretched out his arm.
\n~_*_~<\/p>\n

Up in the north pasture, John was continuing to amaze Adam with his knowledge and skills with the horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never seen someone handle wild mustangs like you do, Johnny,\u201d he complimented.<\/p>\n

John smiled shyly, \u201cThanks\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

A couple of hours later, the sun slowly began to set.\u00a0 Adam figured they should better get going in they wanted to make supper.\u00a0 Halfway to the Ponderosa, they heard something in the bushes.\u00a0 Thinking it was probably a critter of some sort, they paid it no mind\u2026 until the shot was heard.\u00a0 Adam fell from his horse, unconscious before he hit the ground.\u00a0 Startled by the sudden gun fire, both horses took off.\u00a0 Knowing Adam needed help, Johnny jumped off his horse and ran back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?!\u201d he called as he ran.\u00a0 Finally reaching the fallen cowboy, the young paramedic knew things were bad.\u00a0 A small pool of blood was already forming behind Adam\u2019s back.\u00a0 \u201cAdam,\u201d he whispered. \u201cCan you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Using his medical training, John immediately took Adam\u2019s pulse and respiration\u2026 both of which were too slow and shallow.\u00a0 He checked his eyes by casting the shadow of his hand in front of the pupils repeatedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cEqual and reactive,\u201d he muttered to himself.<\/p>\n

After checking for any broken bones, and finding that Adam had two broken ribs on the left side of his chest, John decided to check the bullet-wound.\u00a0 Just as he was about to turn his friend over, another shot rang through the evening air.\u00a0 Johnny felt a searing burn in his chest and before he knew what happened, the darkness claimed him.<\/p>\n

~_*_~<\/p>\n

Back at the ranch, supper was finished and Ben was growing worried.\u00a0 He returned to his chair from the window for the umpteenth time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you suppose they are? Adam just took John up to the North Pasture.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Johnny\u2019s pretty handy with horses, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Roy said from the settee. \u201cOnce he gets started, it\u2019s hard to make him stop.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hearing horses ride up, Ben stood up and made his way to the door. \u201cThat must be them now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Joe! Roy!\u201d he called from the porch.\u00a0 The tone alone in his voice made the three men fly through the house.\u00a0 Outside with Ben was a ranch hand driving a buckboard with Johnny and Adam in the back.\u00a0 Without wasting second, Ben, Roy, and the boys took them inside and up to bed; Adam in his own room and Johnny in his.\u00a0 Seeing the men, Dixie, Joe, and Kel rushed in to help.\u00a0 Dr. Early went with Adam and the Cartwrights while Dixie and Dr. Brackett went with Roy and John.<\/p>\n

Kel and Roy gently laid Johnny on the bed as Dixie filled a basin with cold water.\u00a0 She soaked a cold cloth in it and handed it to Roy before she went to get a couple more blankets.\u00a0 Roy sat on the side of the bed next to his partner as he bathed his friend\u2019s sweat-covered face.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny? Can you hear me, Junior?\u201d he whispered.\u00a0 The younger man stirred restlessly, but didn\u2019t awaken.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Johnny, wake up.\u00a0 Johnny, its Roy\u2026 wake up.\u201d\u00a0 The tone is Roy\u2019s voice obviously showed he was getting worried.\u00a0 Finally, after a few more moments of provoking, John\u2019s eyes fluttered open sleepily.\u00a0 His eyes traveled around the room holding a look of confusion.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc!\u201d Roy called when he saw his partner waking up.<\/p>\n

Hearing the familiar voice of his best friend, John\u2019s head turned towards it, \u201cR-Roy?\u201d \u00a0he stuttered, sounding as if he didn\u2019t know for sure if it was Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Junior, it\u2019s me,\u201d he reassured taking ahold of Johnny\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny?\u201d Dr. Brackett asked from behind Roy. \u201cCan you hear me?\u201d\u00a0 John just nodded his head.\u00a0 \u201cDo you remember what happened?\u201d Kel asked and again, the paramedic just nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny\u2026\u201d Roy called as he began to soak John\u2019s face again. \u201cTell me what happened, Junior.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2026 we were riding\u2026 heard a shot\u2026 Adam fell,\u201d John breathed out.\u00a0 \u201cTried to help him\u2026\u201d Roy looked at the doctor and nurse in concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see who it was?\u201d Dixie asked as she knelt down next to John.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 just heard\u2026 shot,\u201d he winced as he moved slightly, gasping at the sudden wave of pain.<\/p>\n

Roy and Dixie gently pressed him back onto the bed by his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cOk, Johnny, just relax,\u201d Dixie comforted as Dr. Brackett began to check the wound.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He raised his eyes to Roy in concern.\u00a0 \u201cThis doesn\u2019t look good, Roy,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

~_*_~<\/p>\n

Down the hall, in Adam\u2019s room, Dr. Joe Early was giving Mr. Cartwright the exact same look.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d he began.\u00a0 \u201cIt seems the bullet is lodged in the lower section of the spine, between where the spine connects to the hips and the nerves.\u00a0 With the equipment I need, I can successfully remove it, but\u2026 I don\u2019t know if he\u2019ll ever walk again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Upon hearing those terrible words, Hoss jumped up and was on his way to Dr. Martin.\u00a0 The look in Ben\u2019s eyes showed plainly what he was thinking.\u00a0 Hearing that Adam may never walk again felt like a knife to his heart.\u00a0 Not wanting to see that look on his father\u2019s face, Joe left the room, afraid that if he watched Pa for too long he would begin to cry.\u00a0 He went downstairs to make coffee knowing that they would all probably be up all night long.<\/p>\n

After further examination, Dr. Early spoke again to Ben. \u201cMr. Cartwright, I\u2019d like to ask you a question.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, if you say no to my request, I\u2019ll understand, but I was wondering\u2026 would you trust another doctor to treat your son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at him with a raised eyebrow. \u201cAnd by \u2018another doctor,\u2019 you mean yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n

Early nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing how serious Adam is injured\u2026 yes, Doctor, I would.\u201d
\n~_*_~<\/p>\n

Twenty miles from the ranch, in Virginia City, Hoss just arrived at Dr. Martin\u2019s house.<\/p>\n

Pounding on the door, he called, \u201cDoc! Doc Martin, it\u2019s Hoss Cartwright! Doc!!\u201d<\/p>\n

When he didn\u2019t get an answer, he shoved the door open.\u00a0 After looking around a bit, Hoss concluded that the good doctor was not in.\u00a0 Before he left, his eyes caught sight of Paul\u2019s medical bag.\u00a0 He grabbed it before he left.
\n~_*_~<\/p>\n

Ben was pacing the floors of the Grand Room, waiting anxiously for Hoss\u2019 return.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have to wait much longer until the big man finally returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc wasn\u2019t in, Pa, but I got this,\u201d Hoss held the black medical bag in front of his father.<\/p>\n

Ben saw the bag in his son\u2019s hands, and smiled a satisfactory smile.\u00a0 He turned to go upstairs and ask the two doctors if they would help them.\u00a0 They agreed instantly, not because they were the only medical help available, but because these two men needed immediate attention\u2026 and one of them was a dear friend.<\/p>\n

They decided to treat Adam first, since of the two injured men, his injury seemed the easiest to handle at the moment.<\/p>\n

Drs. Early and Brackett seemed to forget that this wasn\u2019t the 20th Century and that this wasn\u2019t 20th Century medicine they were about to practice when they agreed to help.<\/p>\n

Before the trio performed surgery on Adam\u2019s injured spine, they inspected the instruments they had been given.\u00a0 Thank heavens for their keen eyes and brains, for they knew exactly what each tool was used for and weren\u2019t wrong once.<\/p>\n

Finally, they set the bedroom up into as much of an OR as they could work out.\u00a0 With great reluctance, Ben, Hoss, and Joe agreed to go downstairs and let the professionals do their job.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, when they were ready to start, Adam hadn\u2019t regained consciousness.\u00a0 That wouldn\u2019t have been a good thing, since the trio was used to working with high anesthetics.<\/p>\n

With Dixie\u2019s help, they successfully located and removed the bullet.\u00a0 After cleaning everything up, they allowed Ben back in.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d he whispered, on pins and needles as to the verdict as to his son\u2019s health.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019m going to be very straight-forward with you,\u201d Kel said. \u201cThe bullet did bounce around a bit.\u00a0 It penetrated several nerves just above the base of the spinal cord.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe Early spoke up, \u201cThe nerves are what help control most of the movement of your son\u2019s body. Some of them were just grazed, while others were severed.\u00a0 We don\u2019t know if he\u2019ll ever walk again after this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The truly concerned looks of Dixie and the doctors were nothing compared to the stricken sick look on Ben\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cMay I be alone with him?\u201d Ben asked quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Kel said.\u00a0 He turned to his friends and beckoned they all leave the room.<\/p>\n

As the door closed behind him, Ben moved closer to Adam and sat down next to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s your Pa.\u00a0 Can you hear me son?\u00a0 Son\u2026?\u00a0 Wake up, Adam.\u00a0 Wake up,\u201d his voice cracked.\u00a0 Ben lowered his head onto his son\u2019s shoulder and wept.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Upon hearing those terrible words, Hoss jumped up and was on his way to Dr. Martin.\u00a0 The look in Ben\u2019s eyes showed plainly what he was thinking.\u00a0 Hearing that Adam may never walk again felt like a knife to his heart.\u00a0 Not wanting to see that look on his father\u2019s face, Joe left the room, afraid that if he watched Pa for too long he would begin to cry.\u00a0 He went downstairs to make coffee knowing that they would all probably be up all night long.<\/p>\n

After further examination, Dr. Early spoke again to Ben. \u201cMr. Cartwright, I\u2019d like to ask you a question.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, if you say no to my request, I\u2019ll understand, but I was wondering\u2026 would you trust another doctor to treat your son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at him with a raised eyebrow. \u201cAnd by \u2018another doctor,\u2019 you mean yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n

Early nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing how serious Adam is injured\u2026 yes, Doctor, I would.\u201d
\n~_*_~<\/p>\n

Twenty miles from the ranch, in Virginia City, Hoss just arrived at Dr. Martin\u2019s house.<\/p>\n

Pounding on the door, he called, \u201cDoc! Doc Martin, it\u2019s Hoss Cartwright! Doc!!\u201d<\/p>\n

When he didn\u2019t get an answer, he shoved the door open.\u00a0 After looking around a bit, Hoss concluded that the good doctor was not in.\u00a0 Before he left, his eyes caught sight of Paul\u2019s medical bag.\u00a0 He grabbed it before he left.
\n~_*_~<\/p>\n

Ben was pacing the floors of the Grand Room, waiting anxiously for Hoss\u2019 return.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have to wait much longer until the big man finally returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc wasn\u2019t in, Pa, but I got this,\u201d Hoss held the black medical bag in front of his father.<\/p>\n

Ben saw the bag in his son\u2019s hands, and smiled a satisfactory smile.\u00a0 He turned to go upstairs and ask the two doctors if they would help them.\u00a0 They agreed instantly, not because they were the only medical help available, but because these two men needed immediate attention\u2026 and one of them was a dear friend.<\/p>\n

They decided to treat Adam first, since of the two injured men, his injury seemed the easiest to handle at the moment.<\/p>\n

Drs. Early and Brackett seemed to forget that this wasn\u2019t the 20th Century and that this wasn\u2019t 20th Century medicine they were about to practice when they agreed to help.<\/p>\n

Before the trio performed surgery on Adam\u2019s injured spine, they inspected the instruments they had been given.\u00a0 Thank heavens for their keen eyes and brains, for they knew exactly what each tool was used for and weren\u2019t wrong once.<\/p>\n

Finally, they set the bedroom up into as much of an OR as they could work out.\u00a0 With great reluctance, Ben, Hoss, and Joe agreed to go downstairs and let the professionals do their job.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, when they were ready to start, Adam hadn\u2019t regained consciousness.\u00a0 That wouldn\u2019t have been a good thing, since the trio was used to working with high anesthetics.<\/p>\n

With Dixie\u2019s help, they successfully located and removed the bullet.\u00a0 After cleaning everything up, they allowed Ben back in.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d he whispered, on pins and needles as to the verdict as to his son\u2019s health.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019m going to be very straight-forward with you,\u201d Kel said. \u201cThe bullet did bounce around a bit.\u00a0 It penetrated several nerves just above the base of the spinal cord.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe Early spoke up, \u201cThe nerves are what help control most of the movement of your son\u2019s body. Some of them were just grazed, while others were severed.\u00a0 We don\u2019t know if he\u2019ll ever walk again after this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The truly concerned looks of Dixie and the doctors were nothing compared to the stricken sick look on Ben\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cMay I be alone with him?\u201d Ben asked quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Kel said.\u00a0 He turned to his friends and beckoned they all leave the room.<\/p>\n

As the door closed behind him, Ben moved closer to Adam and sat down next to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s your Pa.\u00a0 Can you hear me son?\u00a0 Son\u2026?\u00a0 Wake up, Adam.\u00a0 Wake up,\u201d his voice cracked.\u00a0 Ben lowered his head onto his son\u2019s shoulder and wept.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne down and one to go,\u201d Kel Brackett sighed once they entered the hallway.\u00a0 They made their way to Johnny\u2019s room.\u00a0 They found Roy sitting next to his partner, yet again bathing his face with cool water.\u00a0 The younger paramedic wanted desperately to sleep, but the pain made it impossible.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he, Roy?\u201d Dixie asked as they walked up to the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cExhausted and in pain\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Early walked closer to the head of the bed and leaned over John.\u00a0 \u201cJohnny?\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny, we want to try to get the bullet out.\u00a0 The operation was successful with Adam, but if you\u2019d rather be treated by one of their doctors we\u2019ll understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

John looked up and grinned a tired crooked grin.\u00a0 \u201cHave I\u2026 ever?\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled back at his young friend.\u00a0 \u201cThanks\u2026 now, since we can\u2019t measure the anesthesia like we do at Rampart, we won\u2019t be putting you to sleep.\u00a0 However, we will be giving you morphine which should take away most of the pain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2026 shoot\u2026 not literally\u2026 once today is\u2026 enough,\u201d Johnny joked in between breaths.<\/p>\n

Dixie grinned as she loaded the syringe with morphine.\u00a0 \u201cAt least his sense of humor is up and running.\u201d\u00a0 She gave the syringe to Kel who quickly injected it into the vein in John\u2019s left arm.
\n~_*_~<\/p>\n

An hour later, the bullet had been successfully removed.\u00a0 Soon after the surgery was completed, Johnny fell into an exhausted sleep with Roy sitting beside him holding his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy?\u201d Dixie called softly from the opposite bedside.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come downstairs with us for a few?\u00a0 Johnny isn\u2019t going anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to leave him alone,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Dixie leaned forward and placed her hand on his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cRoy, at least come down and have a cup of coffee.\u00a0 You won\u2019t be doing Johnny any good if you exhaust yourself sitting up with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

The paramedic sighed.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right, Dix.\u00a0 Okay\u2026 one cup of coffee, then I\u2019m coming back here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDeal.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Roy and Dixie were drinking coffee downstairs, Ben and Hoss came down.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctors are examining Adam,\u201d Ben said as he poured himself a cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he alright?\u201d Roy asked in concern.<\/p>\n

Ben sighed, not being able to bring himself to tell them Adam\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n

Hoss spoke up for him, \u201cThey said he may not walk again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no,\u201d Dixie said.<\/p>\n

Joe Early came down the stairs a few moments later.\u00a0 \u201cKel\u2019s with Johnny,\u201d he said to Roy and Dixie.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he awake?\u201d Roy immediately asked upon standing up.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, \u201cHe\u2019s just looking him over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor, how\u2019s Adam?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mr. Cartwright, I can\u2019t say for sure now.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be able to tell more when he wakes up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hearing footsteps, everyone turned around to see Kel walking down the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cDr. Brackett\u2026?\u201d Roy called.\u00a0 The brown-haired doctor looked up.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019s Johnny?\u201d<\/p>\n

Running his hand over his forehead in frustration, Dr. Brackett looked Roy in the eyes.\u00a0 \u201cRoy\u2026 I\u2019m afraid Johnny\u2019s fallen into a coma.\u201d<\/p>\n

The paramedic\u2019s eyes widened in fright, \u201cWhat?!\u201d he nearly shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Dr. Early asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I wasn\u2019t, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy looked about ready to cry.\u00a0 \u201cCan I\u2026 can I see him?\u201d\u00a0 Dr. Brackett nodded.<\/p>\n

The younger man ran up the stairs at top speed, entering his friend\u2019s room within seconds.\u00a0 Opening the bedroom door, he found his partner laying in the bed completely unconscious and unresponsive.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh God, Johnny\u2026\u201d
\n~_*_~<\/p>\n

Late that night, Hoss Cartwright sat awake by his older brother\u2019s bedside.\u00a0 About an hour ago, after much convincing, he finally got his father to go to sleep\u2026 or at least lay down; Ben wouldn\u2019t be asleep anyway.\u00a0 Hearing a noise outside in the hallway, Hoss left his slumbering brother to investigate.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t find anyone in the corridor, but the light coming through the floor of John Gage\u2019s room did catch his eye.\u00a0 Upon opening the door, he saw John\u2019s friend, Roy, sitting on the side of the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi,\u201d he greeted quietly.<\/p>\n

Roy whirled around, surprised at the voice behind him.\u00a0 \u201cOh\u2026 hi, Hoss\u2026 I thought you\u2019d be asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThought you\u2019d be too,\u201d the big man replied as he walked into the room.\u00a0 \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy sighed.\u00a0 \u201cNot so good\u2026 he\u2019s in a coma now, he lost too much blood.\u00a0 That bullet came real close to the aorta.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHa?\u201d Hoss asked, puzzled at this new word.<\/p>\n

The paramedic snickered.\u00a0 \u201cSorry\u2026 the aorta is the vein which mainly helps the heart pump blood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss noticed the somber look in Roy\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cHe means a lot to ya, don\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat obvious, huh?\u201d he joked.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, Johnny\u00a0does<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0mean a lot to me.\u00a0 We\u2019ve worked together for almost seven years now.\u00a0 He\u2019s like a little brother to me.\u00a0 I\u2026\u201d he stopped.\u00a0 \u201cI love him,\u201d he choked out.\u00a0 Finally, Roy just let the tears fall, crying and praying that his \u2018little brother\u2019 would make it through this just like he always did.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know how ya feel,\u201d Hoss sniffled.\u00a0 \u201cMy older brother means a lot to me too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ju\u2014I just don\u2019t know what I\u2019ll do if\u2026 if Johnny\u2026 dies.\u00a0 I can\u2019t be a paramedic without him,\u201d he cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019d probably wanna die if Adam didn\u2019t make it too.\u00a0 Listen, Roy,\u201d Hoss sat down beside him.\u00a0 \u201cI know you\u2019re upset, and you love you partner, but\u2026 you gotta be strong\u2026 for him.\u00a0 I got a feeling that Johnny can hear you, and I reckon iffin\u2019 ya just keep on talkin\u2019 to \u2018im, he\u2019ll come through this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy looked up, Hoss was right.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, Hoss\u2026 I guess I needed that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem.\u201d
\n~_*_~<\/p>\n

The next morning, Ben sat on the settee with Joe, nervously drumming his fingers.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d Dr. Early called from the stairs.\u00a0 Ben stood up.\u00a0 The gray-haired doctor smiled happily at him.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis\u2026 his legs\u2026?\u201d he was terrified of the answer, until he saw the smile stay on the doctor\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s moving them perfectly fine!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben ran up the stairs with Little Joe.\u00a0 They burst through the doorway to see Adam in a semi-sitting position with Dr. Brackett examining him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2026 Pa,\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n

The two men walked over and Ben sat next to his son while Joe stood next to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d Ben began, but Joe cut him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou scared us half to death, Older Brother! What\u2019s wrong with you?!\u201d he complained sarcastically with a wink.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026 remind me\u2026 to prepare everyone\u2026 next time\u2026 I get shot,\u201d Adam teased.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled, filled with joy that his son was alright once again.
\n~_*_~<\/p>\n

On the other side of the house, Roy was woken up by someone gently shaking him awake.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy?\u201d the voice called.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026 what?\u201d he asked in a still sleepy mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, relax, it\u2019s just me,\u201d Dixie said from beside him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDix\u2026 what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

The older nurse smiled a big smile.\u00a0 \u201cLook,\u201d she directed.<\/p>\n

Roy turned his head to the side to see the brown eyes of his young partner looking up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJOHNNY!\u201d he yelled.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re okay!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I am\u2026 what\u2019d ya think?\u00a0 I was gonna let you go back to 51\u2026 without me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy grinned.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad you didn\u2019t, Junior.\u201d<\/p>\n

~_*_~<\/p>\n

John Gage woke up to the sound of the SCU Morning Units sounding off.<\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Junior!\u201d Roy called from the side stepping into his turnouts and boots.<\/p>\n

Johnny smiled.\u00a0 \u201cG\u2019morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOk men,\u201d Cap stood up.\u00a0 \u201cRise and shine!\u201d<\/p>\n

The other firefighters groaned in annoyance as they were awoken from their slumber.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to brush my teeth,\u201d Johnny sat up.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like you need a shave too,\u201d Roy winked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHa ha.\u201d<\/p>\n

As John was finishing washing up, Roy walked into the bathroom and threw him his uniform shirt.\u00a0 It landed on top of his head just as he finished combing out his hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d he said sarcastically.\u00a0 As he pulled his t-shirt over his head, Roy stopped him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019d ya get that?\u201d he said in surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat,\u201d Roy pointed to a scar on the right side of John\u2019s chest just near his heart.\u00a0 John looked down in shock.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like a surgical scar,\u201d the older man observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026\u201d then it dawned on him.\u00a0 \u201cAdam,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, uh\u2026 nothing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy shrugged and began to walk to the kitchen.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m gonna start the coffee\u2026 you comin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Johnny looked up.\u00a0 \u201cOh, uh\u2026 yeah, I\u2019ll be there in a minute, Pally.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake you time, Junior.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once he was alone, John just stared forward into the bathroom mirror, gently fingering the dull scar.<\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Bonanza & Emergency! Crossover
\nParamedic Firefighters John Gage & Roy DeSoto from Station 51 in LA wind up on the Ponderosa, along with Dr. Kelly Brackett, Dr. Joe Early, & Nurse Dixie McCall of Rampart General.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K+ (6,670 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":201,"featured_media":17741,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1005,24,23],"tags":[954],"class_list":["post-6631","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-crossover","category-drama","tag-emergency","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-24-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1060,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=2048%2C1536&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":46189,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46189","url_meta":{"origin":6631,"position":0},"title":"Friends and Family (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"August 17, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0After suffering a tragic loss Ben learns true friends are really family. 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Rating: G Words (1440) Written for the 2022 Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":50008,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=50008","url_meta":{"origin":6631,"position":2},"title":"Hope in a Dimming World (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"December 25, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Roy Coffee, faced with losing a job he loves, must learn to prepare for the future with Joe Cartwright's help. 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