By: Larrysgirl and Mickys411   Rated PG

Mike smiled as he pulled the Monkeemobile onto the side road. The long, two-day trip from their beach house in California was finally ending.
"Hey guys, wake up!" He called back to his friends sleeping in the back seat, "We're almost there!"
Micky, Peter and Davy slowly woke up and stretched, with Peter hitting Micky and Davy with his arms as he did so.
"Hey, watch it Peter!" Micky exclaimed.
"Sorry, Micky." Peter said sheepishly, and then looked at Mike. "How much further, Mike?" He asked.
"Only a few more miles to Aunt Kate's house." Mike replied.
"Sure was nice of her to invite us back here." Micky said.
"Yeah, it'll be nice to see Sam and Lucy too." Mike added, "I just hope there won't be any problems like last time."
"Hey look, a covered bridge!" Davy said, pointing ahead of them. It was a large wooden structure that had confederate flags draped around it.
"There's a sign, what does it say, Peter?" Micky asked.
"It doesn't say anything Micky, you have to read it." Peter replied.
Micky put his head in his hands, while Mike slowed down to read the sign for them.
"The Cripple Creek Bridge." Mike read, "Erected 1870."
Mike was going to read more, but by then the Monkeemobile had gone past.
"Cripple Creek?" Micky asked.
"Yeah, I remember Aunt Kate telling me about the history around here." Mike replied, "There was a civil war battle that took place near here. It was named Cripple Creek because it wanders back and forth, never in a straight line."
"Anybody notice all the confederate flags?" Davy asked.
"Yeah, I wonder why everything's all decorated like that?" Mike wondered, "Oh well, here we are!"
With that, Mike pulled the Monkee mobile into the large driveway of his Aunt's house. Since oil had been discovered on her land a few years ago, she was quite wealthy and now owned a large house with many acres of property. Living with her was her son Sam, Mike's identical cousin, and Sam's sister Lucy.
Mike drove up to the door and shut off the car. A few seconds later, a servant came out of the front door. To the Monkees' surprise, the man was dressed in an old-fashioned butler's costume with knee breeches and waistcoat.
"Welcome gentlemen." The man said with a bow, "The mistress of the house is expecting you."
"Uh, thanks." Mike said uncertainly as he and the others climbed out of the car.
The front door opened again and a young blond woman dressed in a dark red gown came out.
"Cousin Mike!" She exclaimed, running over.
"Hi Lucy!" Mike said happily, giving her a big hug, "How are you?"
"I'm fine, we're all fine." Lucy replied, letting go of Mike and looking at him. "Looks like you're doing fine yourself. Hi Micky, Peter and Davy!"
"Hi Lucy!" Davy said, "You look very nice."
"Yeah, but isn't it kinda warm out for that kind of outfit?" Micky asked.
"Oh this?" Lucy said, fingering the lace trim of her gown, "I'm getting fitted for my role in the re-enactment."
"Re-enactment?" Mike asked, puzzled.
Lucy playfully hit his arm. "Mike Nesmith, do you mean to say you've forgotten about the history of this little part of Texas?"
"Um..." Mike muttered.
Lucy rolled her eyes. "Tomorrow is the anniversary of the battle of Cripple Creek."
"Oh yeah, now I remember!" Mike said, "It was during the civil war, right?"
"You get a gold star, Mike." Lucy smiled, "Not far from here the 13th Texas Confederate Infantry met the 6 7/8 Pennsylvania Union Infantry."
"I remember now." Mike nodded. "So now they're going to re-enact what happened that day."
"Right, we do this every year. Now let's go inside," Lucy said, fanning herself, "Like Micky said, it is a bit warm out."
Everyone laughed as Lucy led the way inside the house. The servant began to unload the Monkees' luggage.
When they were inside the foyer, a voice called down to them.
"Lucy, where are you? We're not done yet!"
"Mom, Mike and his friends are here!" Lucy called back.
A second later, Mike's Aunt Kate ran over to the balcony.
"Mike, oh I'm so glad to see you!" She called down.
"Hi, Aunt Kate!" Mike smiled.
"Hi, Mrs. Nesmith!" Micky, Peter and Davy called up.
Kate slowly walked down the steps to greet her nephew and his friends. Like Lucy, she was also dressed in an 1860's period gown of yellow with lace trim. When she reached the bottom, she gave Mike and the other Monkees a big hug.
"How was your trip?" She asked.
"Long and boring at times, but it was worth it." Mike replied.
"I think next time; I'll send you boys plane tickets." Kate replied.
"Looks like you're ready for the re-enactment." Peter told Kate.
"Yes Lucy, Sam and I were just getting our final fittings." Kate replied, and then called up the stairs. "Sam! Sam, get down here and greet your cousin and his friends!"
A few seconds later, Mike's cousin Sam, dressed in a confederate officer's uniform, slid down the banister and landed next to his Mom.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to do that?" Kate scolded.
"Sorry Mom. Hi Mike!" Sam said, giving Mike a big bear hug.
"Hi Sam." Mike replied, "Nice to see you again."
"Same here." Sam replied. When Sam had first visited the Monkees several months ago, he was sponging off Mike and even tried to take his place at a gig. However, the other Monkees let him continue to pretend to be Mike and taught him a lesson. Now, he was getting back on his feet and a lot nicer than before.
"Well, we'll let you boys freshen up while we finish." Kate said.
A little while later, everyone met back downstairs in the parlor for refreshments. Kate, Sam and Lucy were back in their normal clothes.
"So what will happen at the re-enactment? What's it like?" Micky asked Kate.
"There will be men dressed as Confederate and Union soldiers and they will come over to Cripple Creek and do battle." Kate replied.
"With fake weapons of course." Sam put in. "Before that happens though, each side sets up camp and lives like it was back in the 1860's."
"What do you do?" Davy asked Lucy.
"Oh, there's always camp followers." Lucy replied, "They were relatives of the soldiers or simply women who took on jobs washing and mending the troops' clothing."
"When it's time for the battle," Sam continued, "Both sides follow the historical record of what happened."
"Sounds interesting." Mike said.
"Would you boys like to take part in this year's re-enactment?" Kate asked.
The Monkees looked at each other, and then Peter cleared his throat.
"Well, I am...we all are...men of peace." Peter said quietly, "We don't like war."
"It's all done to honor those who died, Peter." Sam replied, "It's all fake, nobody is really hurt or killed."
"I know, but..." Peter replied, then was interrupted by someone coming into the parlor.
"Oh hi, Ginny!" Lucy said, standing up to greet her friend. Ginny was dressed like a southern belle of the 1860's in a rich purple gown with lace trim.
"Hi Lucy." Ginny replied, "I just wanted to show you my dress. I sewed it myself."
"It's lovely." Lucy replied, then looked at the Monkees. "This is my friend Ginny." Lucy said, then made the introductions. Davy immediately had stars in his eyes.
"Oh no." Mike muttered under his breath.
"Hi there." Ginny said to Davy, "Will you be taking part in the re-enactment too?"
"Sure, I am!" Davy said immediately, "Sure, we'll all be there!"
"Davy..." Micky warned him, but to no avail.
"Wonderful!" Kate said, "I'll have you boys fitted as soon as possible!"
Mike, Peter and Micky just put their head in their hands, wondering what sort of trouble Davy was getting them into now.
At that moment, the butler appeared.
"Gentlemen if you kindly follow me, I will show you to your rooms," he said.
The Monkees gathered the luggage and followed the butler up the stairs.
The butler led the guys to two separate rooms.
Both rooms had two single beds and a bathroom.
Davy and Micky took one room, while Peter and Mike took the other one.
After the guys had settled in for a few moments, Micky and Davy went into Mike and Peter's room and talked about taking part in the re-enactment.
"You know fellas, this might be fun," said Davy.
"You just wanted to do it to impress my cousin and her friend," said Mike.
"Davy's right's it does sound pretty groovy," said Micky.
"As long as it doesn't get too violent," said Peter.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," said Mike.
The door opened and Sam stood outside of it.
"Hey you guys," he said.
"What's up Sam?” Davy asked.
"Aunt Kate wants to see you guys for your fittings."
The guys then followed Sam back down stairs.
Aunt Kate took the guys measurements and soon Lucy began to make their costumes.
"I'll have them done by tomorrow," said Lucy.
And sure enough the next day, she was done.

"That was quick." Micky remarked as everyone was eating breakfast.
"Well, I cheated a little and used a sewing machine." Lucy smiled. "After breakfast, you boys can try them on and I'll adjust them for you."
So after breakfast, Lucy handed each of the Monkees a small pile of clothes. They then went back into their bedrooms and tried them on. After a few minutes, Micky, Peter and Davy came downstairs in blue union uniforms.
"Hey, this is a perfect fit, Lucy!" Davy told her.
"Thank you, how about you two?" Lucy asked Micky and Peter.
"The sleeves are a little long on mine." Micky replied, "Perhaps another half-inch higher."
"Sure, take off the coat and I'll fix it." Lucy said.
As they were talking, Mike came downstairs, but he was wearing a gray confederate uniform!
"You look nice, Mike." Lucy. "How does it fit?"
"Fine, Lucy." Mike replied, then noticed the blue uniforms on the other three. "Hey, why is my costume different?"
"Because the Nesmiths fought for the confederacy, Mike." Kate said as she came into the room dressed in a gown followed by Sam who was also wearing a confederate uniform.
"Our great-grandfather Samuel Nesmith was a lieutenant colonel with the 13th Texas infantry." Sam added, "I was named after him."
"Sam is going to portray him in the re-enactment." Lucy put in as she adjusted the sleeves on Micky' coat.
"Who are we going to portray?" Peter asked.
"You three are going to be members of the 6 7/8 Pennsylvania infantry." Kate said, "The other members are already gathering to the east of Cripple Creek."
"What about me?" Mike asked.
"I made you a sergeant." Lucy said as she helped Micky put his coat back on. "And you'll be with the other confederates on the west side of the creek."
"Now it fits perfectly Lucy, thank you." Micky smiled.
"You're welcome, Micky." Lucy replied, "Now I have to get ready myself. I have to meet Ginny and the other girls near the old mill."
"See you later, Ginny." Peter said.
"Take care, dear." Kate said and then turned to the Monkees. "Sam, why don't you show them where they have to go and I'll catch up with you later?"
"Sure Mom." Sam said, "C'mon guys, it's getting late."

The Monkees followed Sam out of the house and across a field where the Union Army was stationed. A Union officer came over to them.
"New recruits for you, General." Sam saluted.
"Thank you Sam." The general saluted back. "I could always use more men."
"See you three later." Sam told Micky, Peter and Davy.
"Bye Sam." Davy replied, "Take care, Mike."
"See you guys later." Mike told his band mates and followed Sam over to the Confederate side.
The General looked the three remaining Monkees over.
"My name is General John Breckenridge." He said, "Welcome to my outfit. Do any of you boys have any training with guns?"
"None at all, sir." Peter replied.
"Well, that will change. From now on, you three must act like you really are in the army." Breckenridge said, "That means you must follow all orders at all times. Am I clear?"
"Yes sir." The three Monkees replied.
"Good, now go see that man with the beard. He'll start you on some basic training before we meet those rebels."
"Yes sir." The three Monkees replied again as they saluted.
The general saluted back and went back over to his tent.

Sam and Mike walked over to the confederate camp. A confederate officer came over to them and saluted.
"Welcome back, sir." He said.
"Glad to be back, corporal." Sam replied, returning the salute, "I'd like to introduce my cousin Sergeant Michael Nesmith."
"Pleased to meet you sir." The corporal replied with another salute.
"Just call me Mike." Mike replied.
"No Mike, we're in the army now." Sam told him, "Protocol must be maintained. You're sergeant Nesmith."
"Oh, ok." Mike said, and returned the corporal's salute.
"Corporal, show the sergeant around the camp and see that he is properly trained so we can repel those Yankees."
"Yes sir." The corporal said, "This way, sergeant."
Mike followed the sergeant into the camp, while Sam went into his command tent.

The next few hours found the Monkees immersed in the ways of the 1860's military. They were given instructions on how to fire their weapons, to march and take care of the camp. It was hard work, but the other re-enactors were kind to them and helped them adjust.
Mike was cleaning his rifle when Sam walked up to him.
"How's it going Mike?" He asked.
"Fine, Sam." Mike replied, "Buy the way, do we 'live' through this battle?"
"You do, but I don't." Sam replied sadly, "I'm supposed to die leading a charge late in the battle."
"Oh." Mike replied, looking down.
"Well anyway, let's get you on a horse so you can be with me." Sam said.
As Mike was getting on his horse, two scouts ran over to Sam.
"Sir! The Yankees are coming!" One of them yelled.
"Yankees? Where?" Sam demanded, getting into character.
"Near Cripple Creek sir." The other said.
"Sound the charge!" Sam ordered the bugler, "We must stop the Yankee advance!"
Thus the re-enactment of the battle of Cripple Creek was about to begin. Mike wondered if he would see his friends--and hoped they didn't have to 'die'.

On the 'Union' side, Micky, Peter and Davy were lined up with the other infantry soldiers waiting for the order to charge. General Breckenridge rode up to the soldiers on his horse.
"Men, the rebels have seen us and they are on their way here. We will meet them head on, and we will drive them back!"
"Yes sir!" The soldiers replied.
"Forward march!" An officer ordered and the three Monkees, along with the others, began to march toward Cripple Creek.

Mike, Sam and a few other 'Confederate' officers were on horseback, leading the Texas Infantry toward Cripple Creek as well.
"What's going to happen now?" Mike asked Sam quietly.
"The Union side is going to charge us and drive us back." Sam replied, "Later on, we'll counter-charge and force them back toward town."
Suddenly, loud shouts were heard as a column of 'Union' troops charged toward the 'Confederates'!
"Attack!" Sam shouted as he unsheathed the sword at his side. He spurred on his horse, followed by Mike and the others.
As the two sides came near Cripple Creek, both sides began to fire their fake guns. Even though they weren't using real weapons, the guns still made noise and smoke as they were fired. A few men on each side 'died' when they were shot.
Looking around, Mike saw his friends and decided to have some fun with them.
Raising his sword, he let out a whoop and charged his friends who were near the opposite bank of the creek. Sam saw what Mike intended and tried to stop him.
"Sergeant Nesmith!" Sam yelled, "Hold the line!"
Unfortunately, Mike stopped his horse too quickly and it stumbled down the bank, sending Mike over the horse's head and down to the ground.
"Mike!" Micky, Peter and Davy yelled in terror when they saw what happened. The quickly forded the creek and went over to their fallen friend.
The sound of battle around them was deafening as Micky, Peter and Davy picked Mike up and carried him back up to the 'Confederate' side of the creek.
As they put Mike down, he began to stir.
"Oh, my head." Mike moaned, "What happened?"
"You got a little too into your role and fell off your horse, that's what." Davy told him.
"Can we have some help over here?" Micky yelled at the fighting soldiers, but to his surprise, he was ignored.
"C'mon, the man's hurt, he might need help!" Peter yelled, but the Confederate soldiers around them began to retreat as the Union soldiers crossed the creek and forced them back.
"I don't believe this." Micky muttered, "They're so into their roles, they don't want to stop and help."
Suddenly, they found themselves surrounded by Union troops.
"Finally!" Davy said, "He fell off his horse and might need help."
"We'll take care of him!" A soldier snickered, then turned to the others, "Go get a rope!"
"A rope?" Peter asked, "He's hurt!"
As if to confirm that, Mike sat up with a groan.
"You ok, Mike?" Micky asked.
"I think so." Mike replied.
A union soldier came over with a rope tied in a noose while other soldiers grabbed Mike and pulled him to his feet.
"What are you doing?" Micky demanded.
"Taking care of this rebel prisoner." The man with the noose replied, putting the noose around Mike's neck.
"I think you're taking this a little too far now." Davy said, getting scared.
"Really?" The man replied, "I guess you didn't have a relative hung by the rebels?"
The union soldiers began to drag Mike over to a nearby tree.
"What are you doing, let me go!" Mike demanded.
"Attention!" A commanding voice ordered.
Everyone stopped as a Union officer rode over to them.
"What are you doing?" The officer demanded.
"We were going to hang this rebel, sir." A soldier replied.
"No you will not." The officer said, "I will not tolerate this sort of behavior. Take the noose off his neck."
The soldiers did as they were told. Micky, Davy and Pete walked over to the officer.
"Thank you, sir." Micky replied, "They were taking this re-enactment a little too far."
"Re-enactment?" The officer asked, glaring down at him. "I don't know how long you've been with my regiment boy, but war is no re-enactment! This is real!"
Micky, Peter and Davy looked at each other as the officer turned to the other soldiers.
"Set up camp. "We'll be staying here tonight, and make sure the rebel prisoner is guarded. When he is better I'll interrogate him."
"Yes sir." The soldiers said.
The Union officer turned his horse and rode away, leaving the soldiers to do their duties. Mike was taken away by the soldiers, while Micky, Peter and Davy were left wondering what was going on.
"Boy, that guy really is in character." Peter said.
"Who is he?" Davy asked, "I didn't see him before."
"Yeah, where's general Breckenridge? He'd settle this all up." Micky put in.
"What are you three standing there for?" Another officer shouted at them, "There's work to be done! Help pitch the tents!"
"Yes sir." The three Monkees replied, going off to do their jobs.

As the tents were pitched, Mike was placed on the ground and given some water to drink and wash his face.
"Thank you," Mike told the soldier who had given him the water, "But I think I need to go back to my Aunt's house and rest."
The soldier and his friends laughed at him.
"You're not going anywhere until the Colonel talks to you, reb." He replied.
"My head hurts, I need to rest." Mike insisted, "I've had enough of playing war for the day." He tried to stand up, but the soldiers pushed him down.
"Sit down and shut up, we're not tellin' you again!" The soldier shouted.
Glaring at the soldier, Mike did as he was told.

Micky, Peter and Davy grabbed the canvas and tent pegs from the cart and carried them over to a clear place.
"All that training we had earlier sure is coming in handy now." Micky said.
"Yeah, these guys sure take this re-creation stuff seriously." Davy replied.
"Here's a good spot." Peter said, "But that guy is lying there."
"Ask him to move." Micky told him.
Peter bent down to the union soldier lying motionless on the ground.
"Hey mister, could you please move? We gotta put up these tents?" Peter asked politely.
The soldier did not move. The three Monkees looked at each other. Davy poked the man with his toe, but the man still didn't stir.
"This is going too far already." Micky groused, "C'mon, man! Play dead somewhere else!"
The man still didn't move and other union soldiers were stopping to look at them. Peter bent down and touched the man's wrist. A few seconds later, he let go and jumped back with a scream.
"What's the matter?" Micky asked.
"He's...he's dead!" Peter whimpered. "Dead for real dead!"
"What?" Micky and Davy said at once.
The same officer that had spoken to them earlier pushed the three aside and examined the man on the ground.
"Yeah, a yankee bullet right to the heart." He said, straightening up.
"That's murder! We gotta tell the police!" Davy exclaimed.
"What are you yammering about?" The officer asked, "Go get a stretcher and carry him over to the other bodies for burial."
"But he's been shot dead!" Peter said.
"Yes, that does happen in war." The officer said dryly.
"This wasn't supposed to happen! This is only a re-enactment!" Micky replied.
"What did I tell you before?" The officer demanded, "This is real! This is war! People die!" He shouted, "I don't like seeing any more young men dying, but this is what is happening! Now go get a stretcher and take that man over for burial or I'll have the three of you court-martialed!" With that, the officer turned on his heel and stormed away.
"You heard Colonel Tripper!" Another soldier said, "He means what he says, so you better do it!"
Shaking, the three Monkees got a stretcher and carefully put the dead man upon it. Then they carried the man over to a makeshift cemetery and put him down. There were a couple of other bodies lying nearby.
"Give us a hand, will you?" Another Union soldier said, picking up a shovel, "We gotta get these bodies buried right away."
"Sure...sure." Micky replied, dazed by what was going on.
So Micky, Peter and Davy helped bury the dead soldiers. As they dug the graves, they quietly talked between themselves.
"This has to be some sort of dream." Davy whispered.
"This is a nightmare." Peter whispered back, "One minute we're pretending to be soldiers, pretending to fight a war, now we're really doing it."
"We must be back in the past." Micky added, "Went through some time portal."
"One of us must be dreaming this." Davy said.
"Maybe Mike is." Peter replied, "He fell off his horse and hit his head, remember?"
"I hope he's okay." Micky said.

Meanwhile, after the tents were pitched and the camp secured, Mike was brought into Colonel Tripper's command tent. The Colonel was writing something on a piece of paper.
Mike stood before the colonel's table, flanked by guards on both sides.
Colonel Tripper stopped writing and, placing the pen down, looked at Mike.
"What is your name, Sergeant?" Tripper asked, looking at the rank on Mike's sleeve.
"Michael Nesmith." Mike said irritably, "Can I go now? I want to go back to my Aunt's house."
"You're going to answer my questions, Sergeant." The colonel replied sternly.
"Look, I've had enough of the civil war." Mike snapped, "I'm sure my friends are too, so find someone else to interrogate."
A soldier smacked his rifle against Mike's knee, causing Mike to fall to the ground.
"You talk respectfully to the colonel, rebel!" He shouted.
Mike clutched his knee as he slowly began to realize that this was no longer a re-enactment.

"Get up!" One of the soldiers snapped at Mike, pulling him to his feet once again.
"You people really think this is real, don't you?" Mike asked, unable to believe what was going on, "This is just a re-creation, I joined because my friend tried to impress a girl."
"There's that word again." Tripper said disgustedly, "Three of my soldiers kept saying this was play-acting too." He stood up and showed Mike his left hand, which had a large cut that was still healing across it.
"Does this look fake?" He demanded. "Look at his arm in a sling!" Tripper said, pointing to his secretary.
"Open the tent flap!" Tripper ordered a soldier. The soldier obeyed and Mike could see Micky, Peter and Davy burying dead soldiers.
"Tell the families of those dead men that this is a re-creation!" Tripper shouted at Mike.
Mike put his head in his hands as the truth of the situation hit him. He and his friends really were back in civil war years! This was a real Union regiment and he was a prisoner! Mike had no idea how it had happened, only that this must be a dream after he had hit his head. Still, he had to go along with it, if only to keep himself from a hanging.
"Well?" Tripper demanded in the silence.
Mike looked up at the Union Colonel. "Sir, I apologize for my behavior." He said, "The knock on the head I got must've turned me around a bit. What do you want to know?"
Tripper nodded, satisfied by Mike's answer.
"You can start by telling me what your regiment was doing out here and what it will do next."
So Mike told the colonel what he remembered about the battle of Cripple Creek, being careful to leave out how it ended.
"Those three men who were with you." Tripper said, "Do you know them?"
Mike hesitated. He wasn't sure if it was a good idea to let the colonel know about his friendship with Micky, Peter and Davy, but then decided the truth was the best policy. After all, Mike figured, brother often fought against brother in this war.
"Yes sir, I've known them for awhile." Mike answered, "But when this war started, we had a big argument and enlisted on opposite sides."
Tripper nodded again. "Yes, this isn't the first time I've had brothers and friends fight each other." He said sadly, "I do hope this war is over soon."
"I agree, Colonel." Mike replied.
"You also mentioned an Aunt." Tripper went on.
"Yes, she used to live around here." Mike replied, "But now I wouldn't know."
"Well, we'll see if perhaps you could be exchanged for other prisoners, sergeant Nesmith." Tripper finished, "For now you'll stay with us. Do I have your word you won't try to escape?"
"You have my word, Colonel." Mike replied, knowing he didn't have any other choice.
"Good." Tripper smiled, "Take the sergeant away." He told the soldiers.
Mike was escorted out of the command tent and over to a smaller tent that had just a few blankets lying on the ground inside. Mike wrapped himself up in one of the blankets and wondered how he and his friends were going to get out of this one.

Mike lay down on the ground and tried to get as comfortable as possible with the blankets. His head still hurt a bit but the pain was slowly going away.
As it was growing dark, Mike was awoken from a light sleep by voices outside his tent.
"What do you want?" One of the guards outside Mike's tent demanded.
"We have some food for the prisoner." The voice of Micky replied.
"Go ahead, be quick about it though." Another soldier replied.
"Thank you." Mike heard Peter reply.
Micky, Peter and Davy quickly came into Mike's tent. They put their fingers to their lips to stop Mike from saying anything.
"Are you ok, Mike?" Micky whispered to him.
"Yeah, I'm doing better." Mike replied, "But we're in a real mess."
"We know. We're back in time fighting the real battle of Cripple Creek." Davy said, opening up a towel he had in his hand. In it was a piece of bread and some beef jerky.
"Here, eat this." Davy said, "It's not too good, though. We already had some."
"Thanks," Mike said as he took the food from his friend. He then managed to break off a piece of jerky and put it in his mouth.
Peter handed Mike a canteen. "Have some water Mike." He said, "I got it from the creek, so I know it'll be good."
"Thanks, Peter." Mike smiled, taking a swallow. "Anyway, I told the Colonel we were friends before the war and then enlisted on different sides. So in case you're asked, you know me."
"Thanks for the warning, Mike." Micky replied. "We just gotta find a way to get back to our time now."
"This must be a dream I'm having." Mike said, trying a take a bite of the hard bread.
"A bad dream." Peter added, remembering the dead bodies he had to help bury.
"But I can't escape." Mike replied, "I gave my word on that. Besides, if we're caught, we'd likely be hanged."
"You done in there?" One of the soldiers outside yelled to them.
"Yes, we're coming." Micky replied, then quietly to Mike, "I guess our best bet is to stay with this unit until you wake up."
The others agreed and Micky, Peter and Davy said their farewells and left the tent.

As Micky, Peter and Davy walked over to their tent, the sound of horses' hooves could be heard. Coming into the camp was several Union officers and their men.
"Hey, that looks like General Breckenridge." Davy remarked.
"It's probably his grandfather or uncle." Micky replied, "Remember, just because they look like people we know from our time doesn't mean it's them."
"Right, gotta remember that." Davy said.

General Breckenridge got off his horse and walked over to the command tent. Standing in front of the tent was Colonel Tripper. He saluted the General as he came over.
"Greetings, General." Tripper said, "How are you?"
"As well as can be, Colonel." The General replied, returning the salute. "We've been busy taking care of rebel troops, but they're a stubborn foe, you think you have them on the run, but they're just regrouping for another shot."
"We just chased away the Thirteenth Texas infantry." Tripper replied, opening the command tent flap to let the general in, "We took a few casualties, but also captured a confederate sergeant."
"Well, let's go over our strategy and get some rest." Breckenridge replied, entering the tent, "I think it's going to be another long day tomorrow."

It was a moonless night, warm and quiet, with just a few campfires scattered around the camp to dispel the dark. The sentries slowly walked their route, watching for any sign of trouble.
Little did anyone know that the Thirteenth Texas infantry was using that darkness to sneak up on the Union camp. Most of the men in that regiment were locals and they knew the area quite well.
And they were planning on taking Cripple Creek back from the Union.
The Confederate soldiers knew the terrain a lot better than the union soldiers did, so they were able to sneak toward the camp with out being seen.
The Confederate Colonel split the regiment up in two groups so that they would flank the Union camp. When he heard the sound of an owl, he knew the lieutenant colonel was in position.
At the colonel's nod, a soldier fired his rifle in the air. Immediately, others around him began to do the same, waking up the camp.
"Sound the alarm!" Colonel Tripper shouted as he ran out of his tent.
The Union soldiers, half-asleep, were confused for a moment, but soon gathered their guns and ran out of their tents to confront the enemy.
Micky, Peter and Davy, asleep in their own tent, were also awoken by the noise.
"We're under attack!" Peter shouted.
"Let's go, we gotta make sure Mike is ok." Davy replied.
The three quickly grabbed their guns and ran out of their tent. They tried to run to Mike's tent but were stopped by an officer.
"Go with the others, make sure those rebels don't drive us back!"
"Yes sir." Micky stammered as the officer ran off.
Peter looked with horror at his gun.
"I can't fire this." He said.
"We had training during the re-enactment, Peter." Davy said.
"No, I can't fire this at another human being." Peter replied.
Suddenly, bullets came flying at them, but from behind! The three Monkees turned to see the other half of the 13th Texas infantry storming in behind the union troops.
"It's a trap!" Micky screamed.
"Let's split!" Davy shouted, and with that, he Peter and Micky took off. They ran as fast as they could, but Peter tripped on a rock.

"Go on without me," he said.
"We're not about to leave another friend behind," said Davy as he and Micky picked Peter up off the ground.
The three then took off once again, as the shots continued to fire out.
Luckily for the guys, they spotted a path which lead to the woods. Micky, Peter and Davy took the path.
Meanwhile, the men firing their guns were too busy to see what the Monkees were doing.
The three hid behind some trees.
"That was a close one," said Micky.
"What about Mike?” Peter asked.
"Don't worry Peter, as soon as the close is clear, we’ll go back for him," said Davy.

Meanwhile, Mike was awoken by the sound of battle. Peeking out from his tent, he saw that his guards had gone off to fight the intruders. Off to his right, Mike could see the flash of gunfire and it looked like it was coming closer! He realized that in the heat of battle, he could be shot! Furthermore, he was unarmed.
"I better get out of here," Mike thought to himself, "And try to find Micky, Peter and Davy."
Keeping low to the ground, Mike slipped out of his tent and tried to find a way around the fighting. He found a path that led to the woods and decided to take it.

Micky, Peter and Davy continued to hide behind some trees as the confederates pressed their attack.
"This is insane!" Micky shouted over the battle, "Both sides could be shooting at their own men!"
Just then, they saw Colonel Tripper being chased by several Confederate soldiers. The Colonel was desperately trying to unjam his pistol as he ran. The three Monkees noticed he was running toward them.
"Colonel Tripper is in trouble!" Davy exclaimed.
Peter gripped his rifle. "We gotta help him, but..." He looked down.
"I got an idea!" Micky said, "Fire up at the trees above the soldiers!"
Davy and Peter had no idea what Micky had in mind, but raised their rifles as he did.
"Fire!" Micky shouted.
The three fired into the trees above the oncoming Confederates, sending tree branches crashing down on them! Several of them tripped on the branches while a few were knocked out cold!
"Over here, Colonel!" Peter shouted.
Tripper ran over to them. "Thank you, boys. You'll get medals for this."
"Thank you, sir." Peter said, "Where's the General?"
"He's retreating back to the creek." Tripper replied, "We were outfoxed tonight." He said, "Whoever led this attack was a smart one."
"Go sir." Micky said, "We'll watch your back."
Tripper nodded and headed back to the creek. When he was gone, Micky looked at the others.
"We better go get Mike while the coast is clear." He said.
"I hope he's ok." Davy said, "He wasn't armed."
They began to run back along the path to where the camp had been. What they didn't know, since it was dark, was that Mike was heading in the opposite direction toward them. Without warning, Micky, Peter and Davy crashed into Mike, sending all four Monkees to the ground.
"Who...what's going on?" Mike asked.
"Mike, is that you?" Micky cried, trying to find his rifle.
"Micky?" Mike asked.
"It's me, Mike!" Micky said happily.
"Where's Peter and Davy?"
"Right here!" Peter and Davy said.
The four of them climbed to their knees and had a group hug.
"We were going back to camp to look for you." Micky said.
"I think the camp is in Confederate hands by now." Mike replied, "I'm glad you three escaped."
"So are we." Davy added, "So now what?"
Any reply by the other three Monkees was cut off by renewed gunfire from the camp. The last of the Union soldiers were making a last stand, but were being driven back across Cripple Creek.
"Stay low and let's move!" Mike shouted.
The Monkees moved as fast as they could back down the wooded path away from the camp. Suddenly, their way was blocked by Confederate soldiers...the same ones Micky, Peter and Davy had dropped the branches upon!
Mike looked behind him and saw other Confederate soldiers running down the path too. He had to think fast before his friends were shot!
Without warning, Mike snatched the rifle from Peter and aimed at his friends.
"Mike, what are you..." Peter asked, shocked.
"I'm sorry." Mike said quietly, then louder, "You Yankees throw down your weapons and put your hands up now!"
Micky, Peter and Davy looked at Mike in total shock, not realizing that Mike was doing this to protect them.
"NOW!" Mike ordered, his face stern.
Micky and Davy did as they were told. As the Confederate soldiers approached, Mike looked over at them.
"Who's your commanding officer?" He demanded, praying that his bluff worked.
"Who are you?" A soldier asked, looking at Mike curiously.
"I am Sergeant Nesmith of the Georgia third infantry." Mike snapped back, "Now answer my question, private!"
"Um, Colonel Bates is in command, sir." The chastened soldier replied.
"Very good." Mike said, "I'll take these three Yankee prisoners over to him."
As Mike was speaking, an officer on horseback rode over to the group.
"What's going on here?" The officer demanded.
Mike looked up at the man and his mouth dropped open in disbelief. The confederate officer looked just like him!
"Sam?" Mike asked.
"I am Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Nesmith." The officer replied, getting off his horse, and you are...?" Then he too looked at Mike in surprise. After a few seconds, the surprise wore off and the confederate officer barked out a laugh.
"Well, well. If it isn't my cousin Mike." He smirked. "I thought you had turned yellow and ran off, but it seems you joined the right side anyway."
"Yeah, I had do some thinking." Mike replied, trying to remember something about his ancestor. "Then I decided to enlist in the Georgia Infantry."
"Always was the smart one of he family. So what are you doing here?" Mike's ancestor asked.
"I was captured by the Yankees some time ago," Mike replied, "Then when you attacked, I was able to get the drop on these fellers."
"Yeah, they helped the Yankee Colonel escape." One of the confederate soldiers snarled, pointing at Micky, Peter and Davy. "Causin' trees to fall down on us."
"Is that so?" Sam replied, "Pretty rude, don't you think? Then maybe these boys need to be taught a lesson."
"No Sam, please." Mike said quickly, "I met them after I had left home...I guess you could say they're my friends."
Sam shook his head. "Friends with a bunch of Yankees? Yeah, that has happened a few times."
The other soldiers chuckled at that. Sam turned to them.
"Once the camp is secure, put them in one of the tents and tie them up. Colonel Bates might want to talk to them. If not, we'll send them on to Camp Ford."
"Yes sir." The soldiers said, then led Micky, Peter and Davy away.
Mike looked over at his friends, hoping they would understand. They looked at him and nodded slightly, knowing why Mike had done this. Sam tapped Mike on the shoulder.
"C'mon, cousin." He said, "We have some catching up to do."

While Mike followed his 'cousin' back to the confederate lines, Micky, Peter and Davy were taken by the soldiers to another part of the camp.
Dawn was just starting to come up over the hills, so the three Monkees could see the aftermath of the battle. Tents had been knocked down and equipment smashed, but now the confederate soldiers were trying to salvage what was left and make the camp usable for themselves. Several of the soldiers gave the three prisoners dirty looks as they were marched along. For their part, Micky, Peter and Davy could see the sad condition of some of the soldiers; torn uniforms, rags for shoes and hunger in their eyes.
Finally, the three Monkees were roughly pushed into a tent, then ordered to put their hands behind their backs. When they had done so, the soldiers took lengths of rope and tightly bound their hands. The soldiers were still angry at their prisoners for helping Tripper escape, so they were none too gentle.
"OW! "That hurts!" Peter yelped.
"Oooh, sorry ma'am." The soldier snickered, tightening the ropes further.
"Ah, please not so tight!" Micky grimaced.
The soldier tying Micky ignored him.
"Ouch!" Davy cried, his eyes tearing up.
"Shut up and lay down!" The soldier tying him barked, pushing Davy to the ground. Micky and Peter were pushed to the ground too.
The soldiers then tied their feet together. When they were done, they stood and glared at their prisoners.
"You Yankees make a sound and you're gonna get it! Understand?" One of them demanded.
The three Monkees nodded yes and the soldiers left. Once they were alone, Micky, Peter and Davy sat up as best they could.
"Ow, my hands." Peter moaned.
"Try not to move too much, Peter." Davy whispered.
"I hope Mike can talk the Colonel into letting us go." Micky told his friends, changing the subject.
"Yeah, since he got us into this." Peter replied, wincing.
"He did it to keep us from being killed, Peter." Davy said, "It was the only way."
"I know...still...I'm scared." Peter whispered.
"I am too." Micky replied, "We all are, but we gotta trust Mike. That's all we can do right now."
"Lean against me fellas," Davy said, "We can support each other...take the pressure off our hands."
Micky and Peter did so, and the three of them could only wait to see what happened next.

Mike and Sam walked back into the smashed camp and headed over to a gray-haired officer on horseback. The officer saw them and trotted his horse over.
"Report." The officer ordered Sam.
"The yankees have retreated to the other side of Cripple Creek and beyond, Colonel Bates. Very few casualties for us." Sam replied with a salute. "We almost had the yankee colonel, but were foiled by three yankee soldiers."
Bates sighed. "Any other news?"
"Those three yankees I mentioned are our prisoners." Sam replied, "Caught by this man." He indicated Mike.
Bates turned to Mike. "Who are you, sir?"
I'm Sergeant Michael Nesmith of the Georgia third infantry, Colonel." Mike said, coming to attention and saluting.
"Another Nesmith?" Bates asked, sounding surprised.
"Yes sir, we're cousins." Mike replied.
"Very good." Bates approved, "If you fight like your cousin Sam here, we just may beat those yankees yet."
"Yes sir." Mike replied.
Bates turned his horse around. "Come along to my command tent, both of you." He said, "We can get some breakfast and plan our next move."
"Sir?" Mike asked before the colonel could ride away.
"Yes, sergeant?" Bates replied.
"Those three yankees I caught, what will you do with them?" Mike replied.
"My cousin says he's friends with them, sir." Sam put in.
"I'll question them later, then they'll go to Camp Ford with the other yankee prisoners." Bates replied, then rode off.
"Well, you heard the colonel, let's go." Sam said, and lead the way to the command tent.
Mike followed, hoping his friends were going to be alright.

Sam and Mike ate with Bates in his tent. While Sam and Bates were discussing plans, Mike was quietly placing food in his pockets to take to his friends.
Suddenly, Bates noticed Mike's empty plate.
"You must be one hungry soldier there Nesmith," laughed Bates.
"Why do you say that sir?” Mike asked.
"You've cleaned your plate so quickly."
"Oh yes, I'm quite hungry."
After breakfast, Mike approached his cousin and Bates.
"I think I'm going to take a walk by the river to see if any of our enemies are heading our way," said Mike.
"Capital idea Nesmith," said Bates.
Little did Bates and Sam know that Mike was really going down to fill his canteen with water to bring to his friends.
After Mike finished filling his canteen to the top, he walked to the prison tent where Micky, Davy and Peter were being held.
"Excuse me, I'd like a word with the prisoners,” Mike said to the guard.
The guard let him pass and Mike entered the tent.
"Hey guys,” He said to his friends as he approached, I thought you could use this.”
He then took the food out his pockets, then untied the guys wrists so they can eat, then they each took turns having a drink from the canteen.
"Thanks Mike” said Peter, guzzling some more water.
"Any luck on talking Bates into freeing us?” Davy asked.
"Not yet," said Mike.
"Are they planning more attacks?” Micky asked.
"I hate to say this, but yes," said Mike.
"What's going to happen now?" asked Peter.
"Now Colonel Bates is going to question you three about what you know of the Union's plans." Mike replied, putting the top back on the canteen.
"We don't know anything." Peter said.
"I told the Colonel that." Mike replied, "And that the three of you are my friends, still..." He hesitated.
"What is it, Mike?" Micky asked.
"The Colonel said he's going question you three, then send you guys to Camp Ford, the P.O.W. camp."
"We'll be separated." Peter said, looking down.
"I know." Mike said, "I just wish this dream or nightmare I'm having would end already. We gotta get out of here."
"Where could we go?" Davy asked, "We don't even know where the Union camp is now."
"Yeah, and everything is so much different than how I remember it." Mike replied, "I wouldn't know where to go."
"Is there anything that's the same in our own time and now?" Micky asked.
Mike snapped his fingers. "The old barn near my Aunt's house!" He said, "It was over a hundred years old in our time, so it should be standing now."
"Good idea, Mike." Peter said.
Mike brought his friends closer to him. "Tonight I'll come for you three and we'll head for the barn. Then maybe we can find civilian clothes and escape for good."
The other three Monkees nodded, and Mike picked up the ropes lying on the ground.
"I better get back before the Colonel and Sam wonder where I've gone." He said looking sad, "I'm sorry, but I gotta tie you three up again."
"It's ok, Mike." Davy said.
Micky, Peter and Davy put their hands behind their backs and Mike tied them again, this time much more gently than the soldiers had done.
"How's that? Is it too tight?" He asked his friends.
"It's fine, Mike." Micky said. Davy and Peter agreed.
After making sure his friends were as comfortable as possible, Mike left the prison tent and went back to his cousin and Bates.

"Where were you, Nesmith?" Bates demanded as Mike walked inside the command tent. He and Sam were bent over a table looking over maps of the terrain.
"I was checking up on the prisoners, sir." Mike replied, "I'm sorry."
"Any yankees coming our way, Mike?" Sam asked.
"No, I didn't see any Sam." Mike replied.
"Good." Bates huffed, "But we can't rest, because we know they will not."
"Very true, sir." Mike replied.
"Now, look at this map here." Bates told him. Mike came over and looked at where the Colonel was pointing.
"We have to make sure those Yankees stay away from the creek." Bates told him, "Our farmers and citizens need it to survive. So we're going to make another attack and make sure the creek stays in confederate hands."
"I'll be leading the first charge." Sam added, "I'll make sure those Yankees think twice before coming to this area ever again."
Mike looked at his cousin. Sam looked exactly like the Sam he knew in the 20th century except for a small, fresh scar under his left eye. This Sam also had the devilish look in his eye like his present-day cousin had before he changed his ways. Suddenly, Mike remembered what Sam had told him just before the re-enactment--that Sam Nesmith had died during the battle of Cripple Creek.
"Um, you sure you want to do that, Sam?" Mike asked quickly.
"Why not?" Sam replied.
"You could get killed." Mike said.
Sam looked offended. "I've led lots of charges! While you were debating whether to join the war, I was risking my life for the confederacy!"
"I just don't want you to be hurt, now that I found you again." Mike replied.
"I appreciate that, Mike." Sam replied, patting Mike on the shoulder, apparently pleased by that answer, "But I'm ready to die for my country."
Mike just looked down at the table.

A little while later, Mike went to see Micky, Peter and Davy in the prison tent.
"How you guys doing?" He asked quietly.
"As well as can be." Micky replied, "What's up?"
Mike bent down and began to untie his friends' feet.
"Colonel Bates wants to question you three now." He said, "He wants to know the Union's plans."
"We don't know any of that." Peter said.
Mike went behind his friends and untied their hands.
"I told him that, and that you three are just common privates, not privy to any battle plans. Bates has already asked me about the Union regiment." Mike replied, "I told him I was a prisoner, so I didn't really know, either."
"So what do we do?" Micky asked.
"I don't know." Mike said, freeing Micky's hands.
"Make up something." Peter said, "We can't really tell the Colonel anything--and besides, we can't take the chance of changing history."
"But Samuel Nesmith is supposed to die in the battle of Cripple Creek, Peter." Mike said solemnly.
"You didn't tell him that, did you?" Davy asked.
"No, I just warned him to be careful, that's all." Mike replied.
Before anyone could speak again a voice interrupted.
"Are the prisoners ready, sergeant?" A soldier called .
"Yes, bring them out." Mike replied, cutting off the conversation.
A few confederate soldiers came into the tent and brought Micky, Peter and Davy out. As they walked back to the command tent, one of the soldiers pushed Davy. Mike wheeled on the soldier.
"Do that again, private, and you'll have latrine duty for a month." He growled.
The private saw the look in Mike's eyes and knew he meant business.
"Yes sir." He said.
Mike led the way inside the command tent, followed by the other Monkees. Colonel Bates and Sam were sitting there, waiting for them. Mike saluted his commanding officer.
"Here are the yankee prisoners, sir." He said, then stepping aside.
"Very good sergeant." Bates replied, getting to his feet. "Well, now. First off, you three tell me your names and ranks."
Micky, Peter and Davy told Bates what he wanted to know. Bates then proceeded to ask them about how many men, weapons and supplies the Union regiment had on them.
"Not too many men, sir." Micky replied, "Supplies are low too. We're far from home."
Sam chuckled at that. "You yankees should've stayed home, instead of coming here causing trouble."
Micky was going to argue back, but a warning look from Mike stopped him. Bates asked a few more questions, but it became obvious that his three prisoners knew nothing of value. He sat back down behind the table and looked at Sam and then Mike.
"These boys are of no use to us..." Bates began.
"So you'll let us go?" Peter asked hopefully.
"And have you join your regiment and fight us again?" Sam laughed, "No, you three are going to Camp Ford in the morning and join the other yankees prisoners there."
Mike stepped over to the table. "Colonel Bates, Lieutenant Colonel Nesmith, I ask you to please reconsider. These three men are friends of mine. They're good fellas. It was just bad luck on their part that they joined the Union."
But Bates shook his head. "I understand your dilemma, Sergeant." He said, "I too have friends that have joined the Union, friends I knew for years are now shooting at each other. But Lieutenant Nesmith is right, we can't have them go back and take up arms against us."
"We won't do that Colonel, honest." Davy pleaded.
Bates just gave Davy a little smile and turned back to Mike.
"The matter is closed, sergeant. Take them back to their tent."
"Yes sir." Mike replied, giving the Colonel a salute. "Let's go." He told his friends.
Silently, they obeyed and Mike led the way back to the tent. Once inside, Mike tied his friends up again.
"I'm sorry guys, I tried." Mike said.
"We know, Mike." Micky replied.
Mike leaned very close to his band mates. "Be ready. We're going to get out of here tonight."
His friends nodded and Mike left the tent.

Later that day, Mike came back into the tent with supper for his friends. It wasn't much, nor very good, but Mike told them to eat since they would have no idea when they would eat next.
When Micky, Peter and Davy were done, Mike tied them up again, but this time made sure the ropes were loose.
"I'm tying you three loose so you should be able to free yourselves before nightfall." Mike said. I'll cause a distraction and come around the back of the tent and get you three out."
"We'll be ready, Mike." Peter replied.
Mike patted his friends on their shoulders and left the tent.

When it grew dark, Mike was with Sam and Colonel Bates in the command tent, going over the battle plans for the next day. With them was Major Stephen Perry and all four men were standing in front of a table looking at maps.
"Our scouts say the yankees are a half-mile on the other side of Cripple Creek." Bates said, "Major, you will take the fourth division at dawn, cross the creek, head south and attack the Yankees' right flank." Bates told him.
"Yes sir." The Major replied.
"Lieutenant Nesmith, you and the sergeant will take the fifth division, cross the creek and head southwest. You will then attack the yankees' left flank." Bates told him, pointing at the map.
"Yes sir." Sam and Mike replied. Sam had a big grin on his face.
"We'll trap those yankees but good." He said.
"Yes, but no unnecessary risks." Bates replied, "You were in the hospital for two months after we attacked the Yankees in San Yacinto."
"That was bad luck, that's all, sir." Sam replied.
"Well, bad luck or not, I can't afford to lose any men. Especially one as capable as you." Bates told him.
"Thank you, sir." Sam answered.
"Well, that's all." Bates told the other three men, "Head on to bed now, we have a busy day tomorrow."
Mike, Sam and Major Perry saluted Colonel Bates and left the tent.
Major Perry headed to his tent, while Mike and Sam stood outside the command tent and talked.
"Come on, you'll stay in my tent Mike." Sam said.
"Um, I need to use the privy." Mike replied, "I'll see you in a little while."
"Alright." Sam answered, patting Mike on the back and starting to walk away.
"Hey Sam?" Mike called.
"Yeah, Mike?" Sam replied.
"Take it easy tomorrow." Mike answered. "Remember what the colonel said."
"Sure, sure." Sam laughed and walked away.
Mike sighed and headed toward the edge of camp. Looking around to see if anybody was watching, Mike slowly walked over to a campfire and dropped a pouch of gunpowder into it as he walked past.
Forcing himself to walk slow, Mike continued toward the prison tent. A few seconds later, there was hissing, popping and then an explosion as the gunpowder caught fire. Sparks from the explosion caught a nearby tent on fire. Mike ducked off to the side and grabbed a rifle leaning against a post. Running into the woods, Mike fired several shots into the air.
"The yankees are attacking!" A soldier yelled.
"Where?" Another yelled.
"Over there, the northern perimeter!" The first soldier replied.
Several soldiers grabbed their guns and headed in that direction. In the opposite direction, Mike ducked behind the tents until he was behind the prison tent. Pulling out a knife, he cut a hole in the back and climbed in. Waiting for him, free of their bonds, were Micky, Peter and Davy.
"Ready?" Mike whispered.
"Yeah, let's go." Micky whispered back.
The Monkees climbed out of the tent and ran into the woods. Once there, they looked behind them at all the confusion Mike had caused.
"Great job, Mike." Davy said.
"Yeah, but they'll realize soon enough there's nothing out there and come this way, so let's go." Mike told his friends.
"Lead the way, Mike." Peter said.
Mike then began to lead his friends to the barn a few miles away.

"Sure is dark." Micky said to the others as they crept through the woods. The Monkees were far from the camp, the fires only a speck behind them.
"Yeah we could use a light right now." Peter replied.
"Quiet you guys." Mike told them, "We can't risk a light. They might've realized we're gone by now."
The four men trudged on for a while, only taking short breaks every so often. Finally, they came out of the woods by a dirt road and in the distance, they saw a barn.
"Is that it, Mike?" Davy asked.
"Yeah, it should be." Mike replied, "In any case, it's getting light so we gotta hide somewhere."
The Monkees walked across the road and toward the barn. Once there, Mike opened the door and the four men went inside and gratefully flopped down on the hay.
"I'm beat." Micky said.
"Me too." Davy replied.
"Me three." Peter added.
"We can rest here for now." Mike said, laying down on the hay as well. "At dawn I can ask the owners for some food and clothes."
With that, the Monkees went to sleep.

A little past dawn, two young ladies came out of the house next to the barn. Carrying milk pails, they started to walk toward the barn. One of the ladies had long brown hair and the other kept her blonde hair short. The lady with the brown hair kept looking nervously around her.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Lucille?" She asked, "There's been fightin' down by the creek. Those yankees could still be around."
"War or not, Virginia, the cows need to be milked and the chickens fed." Her friend told her. "Anyway, I heard our boys drove those yankees out of here yesterday."
The two ladies came over to the barn door and Virginia opened it. They walked inside and then gave a little scream when they saw Mike standing there.
"Don't be afraid, ladies." Mike said quickly.
"Sam!" Lucille yelled, dropping her pail and running over to him, "I'm so glad to see you!" She cried, giving him a hug.
"I'm not Sam, I'm Mike." Mike told her, "I've come back home."
Lucille stared at Mike in shock for several seconds.
"Mike?" She breathed, "Oh my goodness." She looked at his uniform. "I knew it, I knew it."
"Knew what?" Mike asked.
"When you ran off when the fighting started, everybody called you a traitor, a coward and worse." Lucille replied, "But I knew you weren't one, I knew you'd join the Confederacy."
"Yes...it took me awhile to get my head on straight but I later joined a Georgia infantry." Mike replied. "Then I was captured by the yankees, but I managed to escape."
"Have you seen Sam?" Lucille asked, "How's my brother?"
"He's fine, Lucille." Mike replied, "He's in good health." He looked over at Virginia. "I'm sorry, what's your name, ma'am?"
"Why you big kidder." Virginia replied, "You mean you've forgotten your childhood friend Virginia?"
"No...no I haven't." Mike said quickly, "You've just changed so much since I last seen you."
"So why are you here in the barn, Mike?" Lucille asked. "You should've come over to the house."
"I wasn't sure how you'd react to me." Mike replied, "I was a bit nervous, so I hid in the barn."
"No need to worry about that." Lucille said with a laugh, "Come on, I'll get you some breakfast."
"Lucille...I need a favor." Mike said quietly.
"What's that, Mike?" Lucille asked.
"During my travels before I joined up, I made friends with three men. Nice fellas, but later they ended up joining the yankees." Mike said.
"Oh my." Virginia said, walking over.
"What about them?" Lucille asked, wondering what Mike was getting at.
"It turned out they were in the yankee infantry fighting us over Cripple Creek and I captured them to keep them from being shot." Mike replied.
"You were always a bit more kind than my brother, Mike." Lucille replied with a smile.
Mike took a deep breath. "Yeah, well...I brought them with me so they wouldn't be taken to Camp Ford."
"You what?" Lucille and Virginia replied as one.
"I need your help to keep them out of the way so they'll be safe." Mike finished.
"Michael Nesmith, are you crazy?" Lucille shouted. "You want us to give aid to the enemy?"
"They're not the enemy." Mike replied, "They're like a lot of young men, like me, who were caught up in all this. They never fired a shot at our boys."
"Oh my goodness." Virginia shook her head.
"Where are they?" Lucille asked.
Mike turned to a haystack. "Come on out, fellas."
Micky, Peter and Davy climbed out from the haystack and stood in front of Lucille and Virginia.
"Meet my friends, Micky, Peter and Davy." Mike said, "Fellas, meet my cousin Lucille and my friend Virginia."
"How do you do?" Davy asked, looking at Virginia. She stared back and Davy got stars in his eyes, and so did Virginia.
"I'm fine, how are you?" Virginia replied, her voice dreamy.
"Uh, Davy..." Micky warned.
"Virginia..." Lucille warned.
"We gotta help them, Lucille." Virginia replied, looking at her friend. "We can't let these poor boys go to a prison camp." She and Davy held hands.
"But Virginia..." Lucille said.
"Please, Lucille." Mike begged Lucille, taking her hand, "Just for a day or two, then I'll send them on."
Lucille looked down. "Alright, but they'll have to stay hidden here."
"Thank you, Lucille." Mike said, kissing her cheek.
A few seconds later, the sound of horses' hooves could be heard. Everyone stood still as Lucille crept over to the entrance and looked out a crack in the door.
Riding past were several confederate soldiers. To Lucille's relief, they kept on riding past, hardly giving the barn a glance. Lucille walked back to the group.
"It was soldiers riding past." Lucille told them, "But they barely looked over here."
"Maybe they were from a different division that didn't get the word about the yankees." Virginia replied.
"I hope so." Lucille replied, then turned to Mike. "Well, c'mon. We'll get some breakfast for you and your friends."
"Thank you, Lucille and Virginia." Micky said.
"Yes, thank you for not turning us in." Peter replied.
"You're welcome." Lucille replied, "But the faster you boys are gone the better."
She and Virginia led Mike out of the barn and over to the house.
"So how's the rest of the family?" Mike asked his cousin.
"Mother is ok, but she's worried sick about Sam...and you too, but she only told me that." Lucille replied. "You're going to have to mend a lot of fences when this here war is over."
"I understand." Mike replied, wishing this nightmare of his was over too.
Mike, Lucille and Virginia walked into the front parlor and then over to the kitchen. Lucille looked around.
"I wonder where Mother is." She mused.
The three walked into the kitchen and Lucille let out a gasp.
There, sitting with his legs propped up on the kitchen table, a pistol laying across his lap, was none other than Sam. A pair of riding gloves was on the table as well and behind him was Mike's Aunt Kate. Mike recognized her immediately, since she looked exactly like her ancestor did in the 1960's. Several other soldiers, guns drawn, were behind him as well.
"Hello, Mike." Sam said, an evil grin splitting his face, "Fancy meeting you here."
"Sam?" Lucille asked, stunned, "What are you doing here?"
"I should be asking you why you're helping a traitor to the confederacy." Sam replied, taking his legs off the table.
"She had nothing to do with this, Sam." Mike said, "Leave her out of this."
Sam stood up, picked up his riding gloves and slapped Mike across the face. Mike's head snapped to the side.
"Shut up, you yellow traitor." Sam snarled, "Before I have you shot on the spot."
"That's enough, Sam." Kate told him, "I won't have any violence in this house."
"I'm the one giving orders now, Mother." Sam told her sharply. Kate glared at her son, but said nothing else.
"What are you doing here anyway?" Mike asked, rubbing his cheek, "I thought you were going after the yankees."
"Oh that!" Sam laughed, "That discussion we had with Colonel Bates and Major Perry was all a ruse to test you, to see if you really were on our side." He said. "The yankees are really long gone from here. When you and your buddies went missing last night, we knew you were working for the yankees."
The sound of several people coming into the house and over to the kitchen interrupted Sam. He looked past Mike and smiled.
"Speaking of your friends, here they come now."
Micky, Peter and Davy, their hands tied behind them, were roughly shoved into the kitchen and forced to stand next to Mike.
"We're sorry, Mike. They had the barn surrounded." Davy told him, "We couldn't escape."
"No, I'm sorry, it's all my fault for getting you three into this." Mike replied, shaking his head.
"Well, I hope you four get it sorted out real soon." Sam told them.
"Why?" Peter asked, gulping.
"Because your friend here is going to be hanging by his yellow neck very soon." Sam replied, poking Mike in the chest with his pistol.
Sam then ordered his soldiers to take Mike and the other Monkees outside. Lucille grabbed her brother's arm.
"Sam, you can't do this!" She begged, "He's kin!"
"He stopped being kin when he ran away from home, Lucille!" Sam retorted, pulling his arm away from her. "When I'm done with him, I'm taking you and Virginia to Colonel Bates and tell him you were hiding the enemy!"
"Sam, think about what you're doing! Lucille is your little sister!" Kate cried to her son, "You've let this war harden your heart!"
"That's enough, Mother!" Sam shouted at her, then turned to a couple of the soldiers. "Make sure my Mother, sister and her friend stay here...a hangin' ain't fit for womens' eyes."
"Yes sir." The soldiers replied.
"What are the rest of you waitin' for?" Sam shouted to the other soldiers, "Get them out of here!"
The soldiers quickly took the Monkees out of the house and into a small courtyard. Kate, Lucille and Virginia could only sit in the kitchen and cry.

There were several trees in the little courtyard, which was surrounded by a wooden fence. The soldiers picked a tree and threw a rope around one of the lower limbs. Micky, Peter and Davy were pushed off to one side, while Mike was dragged over to the tree. One of the soldiers walked over to Sam.
"What do we do about the three Yankees, sir?" He asked.
"Tie them to the fence." Sam ordered, "After they watch their friend swing, we'll give 'em a taste of the horsewhip for all the trouble they've caused us...then send them on to Camp Ford."
"Yes sir." The soldier replied with a salute, then went off to obey Sam's order.
Mike's hands were bound behind him and a noose was placed around his neck. Sam walked over to him.
"Any last words, traitor?" He sneered.
"Don't do this, Sam." Mike begged, "Your mother's right, you've let the war harden you! Can you really hang me? Would you really turn in your little sister and her friend?"
"Yes I would." Sam said slowly, "This is a war for the very survival of the Confederate States of America!"
What kind of Confederacy are you fighting for, Sam?" Mike asked, "Where people are hung without trial, and get in trouble just for associating with the wrong side?"
Sam just stared back at Mike, and Mike pressed his point.
"I know you're not like this, Sam." Mike said, taking a gamble because he really had no idea of what this Sam was like compared to the Sam he knew in the twentieth century. Finally Sam spoke.
"While you were wondering around, I saw things that would've turned your hair gray." He said. "I had to be tough to survive."
"Has the war toughened you to reject family ties?" Mike asked. "To hurt people you love?"
Sam turned and noticed that all eyes were on him, waiting to see what would happen next. The anger in Sam's eyes had diminished somewhat when he turned back to Mike and spoke again.
"Still, you are a traitor to the Confederacy and to the state of Texas." Sam said quietly, "And for that, I have no choice but to order your..."
The sound of hoof beats interrupted what Sam would've said next. The rider turned out to be a confederate messenger. He rode up to Sam, jumped off his horse and saluted.
"Messaged from Colonel Bates, sir." He gasped.
"What is it?" Sam demanded.
"The yankees are back, sir." The messenger replied, trying to catch his breath, "They've gotten re-enforcements and are crossing the creek again, attacking our positions!"
Sam let out a curse. "How did they sneak up on us?" He demanded.
"They marched during the night, sir." The messenger replied, "Colonel Bates is ordering your immediate return."
Sam turned to his lieutenant. "Gather the men on the double except for the two guarding the women. They'll stay and watch them. We're marching back to the creek."
"Yes sir." The lieutenant replied, then ran off.
"What about the prisoners, sir?" Another soldier asked. "Want us to hang the traitor?"
Sam looked at Mike for a long moment then back over to the soldier.
"No. Tie him to the fence with his friends." Sam replied, "I'll deal with them all later, after we deal with those yankees."
The soldier took the noose off of Mike's neck and pushed him over to the fence.
A minute later, all the soldiers, except for the two in the house, were lined up. Sam climbed up on his horse and gave the order to march. The four Monkees, now all tied to the fence, watched them go.

Inside the house, Kate, Lucille and Virginia heard the sound of the soldiers leaving. Kate walked over to the window and saw Sam and the soldiers leaving, plus the four Monkees tied to the fence.
"What's going on?" Kate asked one of the soldiers.
"Them yankees are attacking again." The soldier replied, "The prisoners will be dealt with later."
"What about you two, aren't you joining the battle?" Lucille asked.
"No, we gotta stay and watch you ladies." The other soldier replied, clearly not happy over the situation. "Now you three just sit and relax."
Kate sat down again and looked at her daughter and Virginia, trying to form a plan. A few minutes later, the soldiers started poking in the cupboards, and Kate got an idea.
"Are you boys hungry?" She asked.
"Yeah, it's been awhile since we ate." One soldier relied.
"Well now, can't let you boys go hungry." Kate smiled, getting up and walking over to one of the cupboards.
Lucille and Virginia looked at each other, wondering what Kate was doing.
Kate opened the cupboard door and pulled out a few jars of strawberry preserve. The soldiers' mouths dropped open.
"Here you go, boys." Kate smiled, handing them the jars.
The soldiers grabbed the jars from her.
"If you want some bread, it's in the pantry." Kate smiled.
"Thank you!" One of the soldiers said as he and his friend ran through the pantry door.
Swiftly, Kate ran over and shut and locked the door behind them. Virginia stood up and helped Kate push her chair under the door handle. The two soldiers realized they had been tricked and began to pound on the door.
"Let us out!" The shouted.
The three women then pushed the table over to the door as well, further trapping the soldiers.
"That was brilliant, Mother." Lucille smiled, kissing her mother on the cheek.
"At least they have something to eat." Kate smiled back, "Now let's go free Mike and his friends."
The three women grabbed the soldiers' guns and ran out of the kitchen.

Outside, the four Monkees, lashed to the fence posts, were struggling to break free.
"Any luck, Micky?" Peter asked.
"No, how about you?" Micky replied.
"No." Peter shook his head.
"We gotta get loose somehow and rescue Aunt Kate and the girls." Mike said.
"Looks like they can take care of themselves, Mike." Davy said, looking up at the house.
The Monkees looked to see Kate, Lucille and Virginia running toward them.
"Are we sure glad to see you three!" Micky exclaimed.
"Glad to see you boys are ok, too." Kate replied, beginning to untie them.
"I'm glad you're not hurt, Davy." Virginia said quietly to him as she untied his ropes.
"Thank you, Virginia." Davy smiled.
"How'd you get away from the soldiers?" Mike asked his aunt.
"A little bit of strawberry preserves goes a long way." Kate chuckled.
"Now you boys gotta get out of here." Lucille told them.
"I'm going back to the battle." Mike told everyone.
"So are we." Micky added.
"You can't, Mike." Kate said, "You've been marked a traitor now."
"I was called a traitor before, Aunt Kate, and it didn't stop me then." Mike replied. "Now I'm going to fight alongside Sam."
"After what he tried to do to you?" Lucille asked, astonished.
"Yes, he's still kin." Mike replied, not wanting to reveal the real reason.
"Mike, think about this." Davy replied, also knowing why Mike wanted to go back to the battle-to prevent Sam from getting killed.
The sound of gunfire could now be heard. The battle was heating up.
"I need a horse, Aunt Kate." Mike told her.
"There's a few in the barn." Kate replied, walking away, "I'll go get them."
"Mike, you can't change history." Peter whispered to him. "Sam Nesmith dies in the battle of Cripple Creek."
"He's still a relative." Mike replied, "I've had a lot of people die in my family, I going to try and stop at least one death."
"But Mike..." Micky said, but was interrupted by Kate leading down a group of five horses.
"This is all I have, Mike." Kate told him. "You and your friends pick a few, we're going to use the rest for ourselves."
"Where are you going?" Mike asked.
"With you." Lucille replied, "We're going to help tend the wounded."
"But it's too dangerous!" Peter exclaimed.
"And what you're doing is not?" Virginia replied.
"But..." Davy started to say.
"Let's go!" Mike shouted, Getting on a horse.
"I can't ride." Micky said.
"Climb up behind me then, Micky." Mike said.
Micky did as Mike told him. Davy climbed onto a horse and Peter got up behind him too. Kate, Lucille and Virginia got on the last three horses.
Just then, the two Confederate soldiers that the women had locked in the pantry came running toward them. They did not look happy at all.
"I think we better go, Mother." Lucille said.
So the seven of them rushed off to join the final battle of Cripple Creek.

Following the sound of gunfire, the Monkees, Kate, Lucille and Virginia sped toward the fighting. As they rode along, several other people were hurrying the other way, trying to stay clear of the action. Those people looked at the riders as if they were crazy for heading toward danger.

It wasn't long before the seven of them came upon the back part of the confederate army. Mike, Kate, Lucille and Virginia climbed off their horses, while Micky, Peter and Davy stayed hidden by some trees.
"You fellas head back to the union side if you can." Mike told his friends, "I'm staying here."
"Mike, you can't do this." Peter told him, "You can't change history!"
"What's one life, Peter?" Mike shot back, "One life?"
"You don't know what this Sam would do if he lives, Mike!" Micky replied, "He could change history."
"Yeah, he could change it for the better." Mike told him, taking a gun from the saddle holder, "My mind is made up, now go!"
"But Mike..." Peter said, but then Mike yelled and slapped the horses that his friends were riding and they shot off down the rode. Micky was barely able to hang on to the reins, but luckily Davy got control of his horse quickly and helped Micky stop his horse too.
"That stubborn..." Micky growled, looking back where they had come form.
"Wait, this is only Mike's dream, Micky." Davy told him, "Even if he saves Sam, it won't change history."
"We don't know that." Peter replied, "We don't know if this is Mike's dream. For all we know we could somehow be back in time."
"Then no matter, what we should be with him." Micky stated.
So the three Monkees began to head back where they had left Mike.

Meanwhile, Mike advanced past the wounded soldiers who had been brought to the back of the line and toward Sam's regiment. Kate, Lucille and Virginia stayed behind and helped tend to their injuries.
Mike looked around, and could see Sam sitting on his horse, watching the battle. Gripping his gun, Mike started over to him. Sam glanced over and glared at Mike as he walked over.
"What are you doing here?" Sam demanded. "Where's your yankee friends?"
"They're long gone." Mike replied, "And I'm here to help you, cousin."
"I don't need a traitor's help." Sam sneered. "Now get out of here before I shoot you on the spot."
Just then, a messenger arrived from the front line.
"Sir, the yankees are advancing along the northern line! Major Perry is asking for reinforcements!"
"Then he'll get 'em." Sam told the messenger, "Line up!" He shouted to his men, "One last charge! We're gonna chase them yankees back up to Pennsylvania!"
Shouts and cheers greeted his orders and Sam began to advance. Mike followed next to him.
"I told you to get out of here!" Sam yelled at Mike.
"Let me stay, Sam." Mike begged, "Let me prove myself!"
Sam responded by pulling his leg out of a stirrup and pushing Mike to the ground. He then spurred his horse to a gallop while the other men raced behind.
Mike picked himself up and began to race after him.

Meanwhile, Micky, Peter and Davy got off their horses and quickly tried to get to the confederate lines. As they got closer, a few rebel soldiers saw them and began to fire. The three Monkees ducked down out of sight.
"We not gonna reach Mike." Peter said.
"And there's Sam." Micky pointed out.
Sam was indeed riding past. Mike's cousin pulled out his sword and turned to his men.
"CHARGE!" He shouted.
The soldiers behind him gave up rebel yell and followed him toward the yankee lines. It was then the three Monkees saw Mike trying to catch up.
"Mike!" Davy yelled, but Mike didn't hear him. He kept on running after the confederates.
"Let's go!" Micky exclaimed, jumping up from the brush.
Peter and Davy got and ran too, and soon they were all right behind Mike.
"Sam!" Mike yelled at his cousin.
"Mike!" Micky, Peter and Davy yelled at their friend.
The sound of gunfire grew louder as they got closer to the front line. With a burst of speed, Micky tackled Mike, bringing him to the ground.
"Attack!" Sam yelled to his men. He pulled out a pistol and began to fire at the yankees as he rode toward their lines.
A heavy line of yankee fire tore into the confederate ranks, knocking several men down, including Sam's horse. His horse buckled and Sam managed to climb off before it collapsed.

"Let me go!" Mike demanded of Micky, "I gotta save Sam!"
"No, Mike I won't." Micky said as Peter and Davy joined him.
"Help, I'm being attacked by these yankees!" Mike shouted to the other soldiers.
A few soldiers grabbed Micky, Peter and Davy and pulled them off of Mike. Without a word, Mike charged toward the line again...just in time to see Sam stagger back after being hit by yankee gunfire.
"SAM!" Mike shouted in horror. He and another soldier pulled Sam clear of the line of fire.
"Oh no, Sam." Mike whispered.
Just then, something hit the side of Mike's head and the world went black.
"MIKE!" Micky, Peter and Davy screamed. They tried to go to their fallen friend, but were held by the confederate soldiers.
"Ha, serves him right for fallin' in with you yankees." A soldier told them.
"Let's do what we should've done earlier and kill these yankees." Another soldier said to the others.
The three Monkees were pushed to the ground and the soldiers pointed their rifles at them...
"Charge!" A voice cried out, followed by gunfire.
The confederate soldiers looked to see Colonel Tripper on horseback leading a charge toward them! A few confederates fired back, but most of the others just ran away. The union soldiers chased after them, while Tripper held back and looked at Micky, Peter and Davy.
"You boys alright?" He asked.
"Yes, thanks to you sir." Micky said.
"Just returning a favor." Tripper smiled, then spurred his horse onward.
The confederate army was now in full retreat. Thanks to re-enforcements from the Massachusetts ninth brigade, the Union now had full control of Cripple Creek. The confederates would not be able to use the creek to get water any more.
The three Monkees ran over to Mike and Sam, both laying side by side on the ground. A quick check showed Sam was dead, but Mike had a cut across his left temple where a bullet had grazed him.
"Mike, wake up!" Peter told him, slapping his face slightly. Mike stirred a bit and opened his eyes.
"Sam?" Mike whispered.
"Sam is dead, Mike." Davy replied, "I'm sorry."
"I tried to warn him..."
"Yes you did, but he wouldn't listen to you, Mike." Peter said sadly.
Just then, Kate, Lucille and Virginia came running over.
"Sam!" Kate cried, running over to his body. "Oh Sam!" She repeated, tears coming down her cheeks as she held his body in her arms. Lucille came over and joined her mother in crying over him and Virginia could only stand there in shock. Davy walked over to her.
"Mike tried to save him." He said softly, taking her hand.
Virginia nodded. "Is Mike alright?" She asked, wiping a tear away.
"He was grazed by a bullet, but he'll live." Davy answered.
Behind them, there was sudden cheering and rejoicing.
"Nice of them to cheer at a time like this." Virginia said sarcastically, then began to cry. Davy held her in his arms.
One of the union soldiers ran over to them.
"Great new!" He shouted, "The war is over! Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox, Virginia yesterday!"
"Yesterday?" Peter shouted at him. "Why so long?"
"The lines have been down, so it took longer for us to get the news." The soldiers said, "But there's no more fighting!" He shouted, then ran off.
"Then Sam didn't have to die..." Mike breathed before blackness overtook him again.

"Mike? Mike wake up, please?" A female voice pleaded.
Mike opened his eyes to see his cousin Lucy standing over him. She was still wearing the gown she had made before. Ginny was in the tent too.
"Oh good, he's awake." Kate said, walking into Mike's view.
"Sam will be glad to hear that."
"Sam?" Mike asked, "Sam is dead."
Lucy, Kate and Ginny looked at each other.
"No he's not." Lucy replied softly, "They haven't had the final charge yet."
Mike sat up, ignoring his throbbing head, and looked around. He was in a tent, lying on a cot, with modern medical equipment around him.
"What happened?" He asked.
"You took a tumble of your horse and hit your head." Kate told him. "You were out for a while there, but we Nesmiths are a tough lot."
"So...I'm back here again, the re-enactment?" Mike asked, feeling the bandage on his temple.
"Yeah, where else?" Lucy asked.
Mike just shook his head. "Where's my friends?"
"Outside, I'll go get them." Ginny replied.
Kate went to the tent flap and called Micky, Peter and Davy inside. They quickly ran in, still wearing their union uniforms.
"Hey, Mike how are you?" Micky asked.
"I'm ok, are you three ok?" Mike asked back.
"Yep, we're fine." Davy replied.
"And Sam's ok, too?"
"Yes, he'll be here when he gets a chance." Kate said.
"So it was all a dream." Mike said quietly.
"What was?" Pete asked.
"I dreamed we were in the real battle of Cripple Creek and I tried to save Sam." Mike replied.
"You what?" Sam asked as he came inside, wearing his confederate uniform.
Mike stood up and gave Sam a hug. "I'm glad you're alive, Sam."
"Um...so am I, Mike." Sam replied, a little confused, "What's this about trying to save me?"
"I think you all better sit down. It's a long story." Mike said.

So Mike told everyone his dream and how he and tried to keep Samuel Nesmith from dying. When Mike finished, Sam gave Mike a big hug. After hearing Mike's dream, the four Monkees stayed out of the rest of the re-enactment, preferring to simply watch history repeat itself once again.


THE END