Jimmy Deerinwater and Yonah both shook their heads and mumbled disapproval.
“I am not,” said John. “I simply speak the facts, so that you may consider everything and determine your own course of action. I believe that here in this barn we have men and women possessing great faculty of mind. It is far too late to develop a plan to prevent what is happening. Between us, however, I believe it may be possible to reach an agreement about what we should do to help ourselves and our neighbors. I freely admit that I am as overwhelmed as you, Benjamin.”
The air in the barn was filling with tobacco smoke, as Tom and Jimmy had also joined with Benjamin in lighting up their pipes. Yonah produced a hand-carved pipe of his own and filled it with strong smelling tobacco from a small pouch. He did not speak, but made a show of filling and lighting his pipe, then exhaling the smoke toward Sal. It seemed that Yonah had selected Sal as an outlet for his resentment of the yonegas’ misdeeds.
“Phew, dude, what’re you smokin’ in that pipe? Old socks?” said Sal, waving the cloud of smoke from his face. “Are you sending smoke signals, or what? I thought you guys used a blanket and a campfire for that.”
“Quit your chattering, squirrel-man,” said Yonah. “We have serious business to discuss which will benefit from this good smoke.”
“The surgeon general might disagree with you,” mumbled Sal, “and whadaya mean by…”
“If we can get back to business,” Jimmy interrupted. “You all know my feelings. I’ve spent much money and plenty of effort to build one of the most modern farms in the Nation. It’s far from the largest, but Rebecca and I have put everything into it, and I’m not at all happy at the thought of walking away and turning it over to some Georgian yonega. I know I’ve been ignoring the warnings and putting up with the abuse for years, but I’ve had faith in the leadership of John Ross and believed that the lawmakers in Washington City would eventually be reasonable and just. Now I can’t fight and I can’t just walk away from everything; same situation as you are in Benjamin. The only option I have is to wait and hope that Chief Ross will come through for us.”
“I have some thoughts to contribute—if I may be permitted to speak?” asked Adam.
“You may. It is customary that everyone may contribute to the discussion,” said John Carter. “We would be appreciative to hear your thoughts.”
“And as long as they are relevant,” said Yonah. He gave Adam an austere look, and then turned his menacing glance toward Sal, who returned the stare.
“Of course, I believe they are pertinent. John and Benjamin have explained to us that the Cherokee people believe our version of the future, the one we came from, could be different than the one you will experience. But there are certain things that will remain basically the same, and I think it is important to keep this in mind.”
“John has told us about your version,” Yonah said, “and it is not very encouraging. Are the things you want us to keep in mind that we should despair because there is no hope?”
“Certainly not,” Adam replied evenly. “What I think you should keep in mind is that human nature remains the same, whether you believe my version of the future or not. The greed for your land by those who want to take it from you does not depend on the specific path that the future takes. It will be there regardless, and will have to be dealt with. There is also the human nature of your own leaders to consider. In my version of the future, the case could be made for either party, Chief Ross or Ridge, as they both probably had the best of intentions for their people. On the other hand, neither one is immune to temptation, as they are human. Both have something to gain—power, money, whatever, so their guidance may be influenced by those things. The leaders of both factions are successful and powerful, and did not become this way through compromise.”
“What you say is logical,” said John Carter. Jimmy and Benjamin nodded in agreement. “But how does knowing those things help our situation? Are we to distrust all of our leaders because they may put their own interests before ours?”
“No, I’m actually saying just the opposite. I think that each person must pick the path of the leader they believe in. All leaders are influenced by their own self-interest to some extent, even those who have dedicated their lives to those they lead. You know these men personally. I only know them historically. The knowledge you have of their personal motivations can help you determine what the outcome of their leadership may be, understand what they will settle for, and what their true goals may be. You must also remember that those being led also have their own self-interest in mind, and will be prone to make their decisions based on those interests.” Adam crossed his arms over his chest and continued.
“I don’t see how any version of the future will be less than disastrous for the Cherokee people. If you stay, you risk the violence of the soldiers. Even if Chief Ross is successful in delaying their action, you will still face their anger and greed. If you leave, you give up a homeland you love, and face an unknown future in an unknown territory.”
When Adam paused, Yonah said, “You are speaking of doom and despair as I predicted. And you also left out an option, the option to fight. We could act like the valiant warriors our ancestors were.” Yonah had had enough dealings with the whites to know better than to trust them easily. He was not about to take advice from these yonegas from the future incontrovertibly, not without knowing more of what was in their minds and hearts. He suspected the only counsel these soft-looking hatchlings would offer would be squawks of cowardice.
Adam held his ground. “I believe at this point that option has even more dire consequences. There is the obvious problem of being massively outnumbered. The young, unattached men may be able to successfully wage a guerrilla-style rebellion against the military for a while if they were willing to give up their present lifestyle and live in hiding. But if I recall my history correctly, this part of the country has had so much of the game depleted that living off the land for any length of time is hardly practical, especially if they must remain in hiding. They could stage raids for resupply, but what of those with families and small children to care for? Even Chief Ross is not advocating violence.”
“As you said, he has his own agenda to consider,” Yonah said sternly. “Some things are worth fighting for, even though all odds are against you. Do the people of your time have no honor? Honor is something that used to be important to the Tsalagi.” In truth, Yonah knew the question of armed confrontation had been resolved long ago. It was not an easy admission for those of warrior blood, as he was, but he had ultimately come to grips with the realization that the only sane option left to them was passive resistance.
“It is still important,” Adam countered. “Yes, we value honor—and freedom above all. Many of our brave soldiers have fought and died defending our country against those who would deny us our freedom. Surely you recall the Revolutionary War.”
Yonah puffed out his chest. “Do you not believe our warriors are entitled to the same privilege of defending their nation against aggressors? Our ancestors also fought in that war!”
Adam knew he had read Yonah correctly—the man was testing him. He had often been in meetings where someone played devil’s advocate, challenging his every statement. He knew how to handle his type, even if the subject matter was different. Yonah had reacted to Adam’s last remark just as he expected he would. “I believe that they not only are entitled, but they have a duty to defend your nation.”
Yonah’s voice became confrontational. “A moment ago you claimed to be against armed resistance,” he scoffed. “Now you are in favor of it?”
Adam continued undaunted, without hesitation. “I am not in favor of reckless violence. What good is sending warriors against an enemy that they have no hope to overcome? It would be foolish, if not immoral. I have studied battles in which the Cherokee fought alone and outnumbered, and other battles together with whites, in which they played significant roles, just as you said. Those battles would have been lost without the cunn
ing and fierceness of the Cherokee. I have never heard of any battle they won by rash suicide.”
Yonah would not be won over with false bravado, but Adam’s remarks contained enough insight to merit further listening. He folded his arms across his chest and grunted at Adam. “We have already expressed the hopelessness of our situation. What good does it do to tell us these things?”
“I’m not just pointing out negatives, Yonah. You know better than I that not all battles are won on the battlefield. I believe that if the Cherokee Nation is committed to passive resistance by refusing to relocate until they are forced, there will still be great danger to them. Certainly the best thing that could happen would be a last minute reprieve, sparing the Cherokee from a forced relocation. If that reprieve doesn’t happen soon, things will get very ugly fast. In that event, the goal will be to prevent as much tragedy to the Cherokee as possible. First get the people safe, then regroup and strategize your most effective options without the pressure of this tense situation. I know you have all already thought this through.”
Yonah continued to stare at Adam, arms folded. His stern face did not betray the smallest hint of a reaction while he considered that perhaps this man was more perceptive than he looked. The harshness in his voice mellowed slightly. “Go on,” he said.
“I would like to propose some positive action my friends and I can take. As has been said, the Cherokee people are in the position of having only unacceptable options. It will be up to each person or family to make the decision how they will best cope with the transgressions. It is a highly stressful situation, and not conducive to making good decisions, especially for those who, unlike yourself, have not been tempered by battle.
“The four of us, even though we are in our own stressful situation, are not facing the catastrophic circumstances of your people. Unfortunately we have no political influence to use to dissuade the government from going forward with their plans. My suggestion is that you allow us to provide encouragement and support in whatever small way we can. That may mean doing nothing more than helping out on someone’s farm, like we did for Benjamin, or helping with any other tasks that need to be done. I know that doesn’t seem like much, but we would like to be able to offer some help to those who are facing such calamitous prospects. It could be just enough relief to prevent rash, stress-induced decision making. I am afraid there is nothing we can do to prevent this disaster, but some things can be done to ease the suffering that I believe will occur.”
Yonah turned toward Benjamin. “You have spent the most time with them, Benjamin, and have said they were helpful to you. Is that truth, or simply politeness?”
Benjamin rubbed his chin, carefully choosing his words before speaking. “In truth, they do not possess much knowledge of the running of a farm. But what they lack in knowledge they make up for with an abundance of cleverness and determination. They were able to quickly grasp what was needed of them, and they did not hesitate to exert themselves. On a farm, anyone who can do that is useful. An extra hand is always welcome.”
Yonah nodded curtly and said, “Then I am indifferent. If they wish to play at being farmhands, I suppose it will do no harm.”
“I can see how your suggestion could be beneficial, Adam,” said John Carter. “I see no reason to not take advantage of your offer to help. There is also another reason, more than just having your help as simple farmhands. It is undeniable that a great power has brought you here to us at this particular time, for some reason that is still not clear. We should keep you close at hand until it is.”
Yonah, Benjamin, and Jimmy exchanged thoughtful glances and murmured their agreement. John Carter had made a strong argument. This was not superstition; it is a part of Cherokee spirituality that teaches everything has a purpose and a destiny to fulfill. Something even Yonah would not deny.
“I wonder, though,” John continued, “if you have considered that for you and your friends to be most effective, it would mean being separated. Each of you would need to spend time with a different family or individual. Is that something you all would be willing to do?”
“Tom? Alice? Sal?” Adam said. “What do you say?”
“We all agreed,” said Alice, “that we would do whatever we could to help. I have no problem trying to help a family however I can.” The others nodded agreement. “But we also have our own interests to serve. Our ultimate goal is to get home, which we think we can do by finishing whatever quest the LANav has given us, and we need to follow the beacons to determine what those are. Adam, have there been any changes to the display?”
“Good thinking,” Adam said, pulling the LANav from his pocket. “Hmm,” he scratched his head as he studied the display, “I don’t see how it could be any clearer.” Adam held up the device for the others to see. There were four separate beacon indicators now flashing on the LANav’s display.
“I ain’t so sure I trust that crazy thing anymore, dude,” said Sal, “but I guess if it’s more effective for us to split up, then it’s okay by me. Whatever the heck we can do to speed up getting out of here and back home, I’m all for. Uh, not that I don’t enjoy your company,” he said, casting a sarcastic look at Yonah. “I’d just like to get back before the manure spreading season is over, ya know?”
“I guess we should give it a try.” said Tom, “I’m also anxious to return home, but since we’re here I think we should study and observe as much as possible about this period. My scientific curiosity needs to be satisfied, and we must try to look at our situation as an unprecedented research opportunity. Each of us going to a different household will expedite our investigations.”
“You’re beginning to sound like your old self, Tom,” said Adam, “and you’re right, if we can put aside the distress of finding ourselves nearly 200 years in the past, it is an unprecedented opportunity. John, it sounds like we are in agreement, but I’m a little concerned about not having a way to communicate between us.”
“I am sure in your time,” said John, “there are excellent methods of communication. I have been told about an invention called an electrical telegraph, but we currently have nothing like that. I’m afraid you will not have a way to send messages, that is, without sending a messenger. I will do what I can to convey messages for your group, but under the circumstances it may not always be possible.”
Adam shrugged. “I suppose that will have to do. Do you have any thoughts about where you would like each of us to go?”
“Yes, I have been considering a few possibilities. If they are willing, I believe Jimmy and Rebecca Deerinwater would find your assistance most helpful.”
“Of course,” said Jimmy, “we would be happy to have you with us for a while. Rebecca has been understandably troubled about the threat of removal, and the distraction may be helpful for her. I can always use an extra hand on the farm, and I’d be pleased to show you some of the modernization I have implemented. Perhaps you can give me some further ideas from the future.”
“Alice,” said John, “Benjamin tells me that you were quite useful to him and Catherine, and have formed a special friendship with his daughter Sally. Perhaps you would return with him to his farm.”
“Sure, I’d love to spend some more time with Benjamin’s family. They’re wonderful people, and the food is great!” she said to laughter and nods of agreement.
“My suggestion for you, Tom,” John continued, “is to go to the home of Guwaya and Woyi Ward. They live somewhat traditionally, so you may satisfy some of your research curiosity by learning something of their lifestyle. They have two small children, and Guwaya’s mother also lives with them. I am going in that direction from here, so you can travel with me to their home.
That leaves Sal, whom I believe would be most beneficially paired with Yonah.”
“Yo!” cried Yonah, eyes wide in astonishment. “I have no need of a farmhand. I have serious business to attend! Why would you think I need the help of this squirrel-man? I am Gvnigeyona, a proven warrior who has fought at Horseshoe Bend
with Chief Junaluska to win the battle for Old Hickory. What need does a bear have for a rodent?”
“Look here, Tonto,” said Sal, puffing himself up and eyeballing Yonah. “I’m willing to go wherever I’m needed to help out, and I don’t need you breakin’ my balls…”
“Of course, Yonah,” John Carter interrupted. “I am well aware of your record of outstanding accomplishments, although, respectfully, that was many years ago. If you would trust me, I believe you will find that Sal has a strong spirit when called upon, and will prove to be a value—even to you. I also believe he will gain immensely from an association with you.”
“He will gain if he can prove himself worthy. My road is long and littered with perils.” Yonah answered, ignoring Sal, who was still staring at him. “I will trust you with this, John Carter, only because I have never been disappointed by your judgment before. I only hope that this time you have not lost your senses.”
Yonah turned to Sal, returning his stare at last. “I mean you no insult, squirrel-man, but my life is not an easy one. You may be of some use to me, though you should know that I have no time to coddle an usdi. I need no infants with me. But I will show you how to survive in my world if you are certain you can endure it.”
“My life hasn’t been a picnic, either, Tonto,” Sal said. “I may not have your knowledge of the wilderness and warfare, but I can hold my own on the streets. Given half a chance, I’ll endure. Maybe even show you a thing or two, old man.”
“We shall see, squirrel-man.” Yonah smirked, his voice was without conviction. He turned to Adam, puffed his cheeks, and said, “I will accept your friend as helper and teach him as I would a young warrior. I will do my best to return him to you safely.”
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