Snippet #2602928

Sheriff Thompson raised an eyebrow at Anna, frankly surprised by her command. He grimaced, and looked away nervously, before ultimately sighing. After a moment he stated, "I can understand the idea, Ma'am, and I'm sure it could be implemented...in theory. In practice, though...well, I just have a hard time seeing people from that posse shooting their fellow folk, if it came down to it. If someone tried to get past the watch, for whatever Prophet damned reason. No offense meant, Ma'am. It's just...these people have lived with each other for years, decades even. I'm sure no one would be stupid enough to try and sneak past the watch, but...at the same time...I don't know a lot of people who'd have the...guts, I guess, to shoot someone they've known for a lifetime, if it came down to it."

Thompson hesitated, before adding, "If you really want me to go through with it, Ma'am, I'll do it. I make no promises though. I can't speak for the rest of the townsfolk, even those I know to be loyal to Sheriff Cobbs."

Meanwhile, back with the telegraph operator, the man himself looked stonefaced. He had carried out all her telegram messages, sending them to the appropriate parties, but he appeared to become increasingly mutinous, as his face started to redden. He clearly didn't like the orders Anna was issuing, and ended up murmuring something about, "A woman should know her place...damn bitch should be pregnant with her fourth child, not playing the part of a man."

Thompson shot the operator a warning look in response, trying to keep the foolish traditionalist from voicing any more suicidal thoughts. Unfortunately, the operator had more or less sealed his fate with his heated comment, given how little Anna would value such a statement...