Redemption 1910 - Chapter 1

The year is 1910, and the Wild West is slowly fading into history. The days of cowboys and outlaws are coming to an end, as law enforcement cracks down on those who refuse to conform to civilized society. But despite the efforts of the law, there are still some outlaws who refuse to give up their way of life.

Amidst this changing landscape, two men find themselves on a collision course - one seeking redemption, the other seeking retribution.

The sun is just starting to rise on another peaceful day in the small town of Blackwater. The main street is quiet, with only a few early risers bustling about their business.

Into this peaceful scene rides a lone figure on horseback. He's a stranger to the town, but no one pays him much mind as he dismounts in front of the post office.

The man enters the post office and collects his mail, then quickly exits and mounts his horse once again. As he leaves town, he's suddenly stopped by a group of deputies, their badges glinting in the morning sun.

_Deputy 1_ : Hey there, feller.

_Rider_ : hey.

_Deputy 1_ : how are you doing?

_Rider_ : doing well.

_Deputy 2_ : Hardin? Keith Hadrin?

_Rider_ : I don't get you.

_Deputy 3 (grimly)_ : well he's asking you if you're him or not.

_Rider_ : no. I ain't him.

Deputy 1 gets off his horse while carrying a shotgun on his shoulder, and slowly walks to

the rider.

_Deputy 1_ : coming from Blackwater?

_Rider_ : yeah.

_Deputy 1_ : well I gotta tell you, feller.. you fit Keith Hardin's description.

_Rider_ : is that right?

Deputy 1 as he keeps walking around the Rider seeing if he truly matches the description.

_Deputy 1_ : you know of him?

_Rider_ : sure.

_Deputy 1_ : Well the truth is Mr..

_Rider_ : Chax.

_Deputy 1_ : the truth is Mr Chax.. he's been wanted for a long time, and the Pinkerton Detective Agency hasn't given up searching for him yet.

_Rider_ : oh I see. Quite the business.

_Deputy 1_ : yeah. And you know what's funny? We got a report of his sight in Blackwater. Exactly where you're coming from.

_Rider_ : well I was in Blackwater and I saw nothing.

_Deputy 1_ : hm.. maybe you weren't at the same place as him, but Mr Chax pardon me and I gotta say, you weirdly fit his description.

_Rider_ : you know what I find weird? Unqualified men like you being hired for such jobs.

_Deputy 3_ : hey! Are you taking us for stooges?!

_Rider_ : I'm taking you for unqualified deputies. You think that I'm the man you're looking for just because I partly match his description?

Deputy 1 goes upset and angry, and out of that, he points at the rider with his shotgun.

_Deputy 1_ : off the horse and your hands where I can see them!

_Deputy 2_ : Hey Mr Daly, calm down now. We're professionals here, we keep our cool.

_Deputy 1 (Daly)_ : this feller got some humor, doesn't he?

_Deputy 2_ : yeah I guess. Let's go Mr Daly. Sorry for any inconveniences Mr Chax.

The rider keeps staring at them with eyes full of focus, then Deputy Daly mounts up his horse.

_Deputy 2_ : So long now. We'll be on our way.

_Rider_ : sure.

_Deputy 2_ : But in case you meet Mr Hardin by any chance, tell him that we've found his old gang members. Now let's ride fellers.

They decide to ride back into Blackwater, but the rider Calles for them.

_Rider_ : hey!

The Deputies stop and turn back looking at the rider.

_Rider_ : you said you found his gang members?

_Deputy 2_ : why do you care? You ain't the person we're looking for.

_Deputy 3_ : yeah. Why would that suddenly become of any interest to you, Mr Chax?

_Rider_ : because.. I have something that I want back from them.

_Deputy Daly_ : oh cut the none-sense Hardin. We know you're him.

The rider realizes that he's been really recognized by the law, and that there's just no way of talking his identity out.

_Rider (Keith)_ : God damn it. Can I see them?

_Deputy Daly_ : no you can't see them.

_Rider (Keith)_ : but you said you got them, or you just showed your true colors as liars?

_Deputy 3_ : still having hatred for us, ain't ya?

_Rider (Keith)_ : because of your lies. You lied too much, claiming your cause to be noble, but you've always been just as rotten as the people you chased down.

_Deputy 2_ : yeah yeah. We know all about that.

_Rider (Keith)_ : so, will you take me to them?

_Deputy 2_ : Look Mr Hardin, what I know for sure is that our boss was tasked to look for them and got some strong leads. Now, if you wanna discuss anything about them, you come with us and talk to him. We're just following orders.

The rider Keith thinks about that for a few seconds.

_Deputy Daly_ : So what say you?

_Rider (Keith)_ : alright.. but you better not try anything funny.

_Deputy 3_ : threatening us now? you should be begging us.

_Rider (Keith)_ : I beg God only.

_Deputy 2_ : how religious of ya. Follow us.

The deputies escort the rider to the Blackwater police office, and there the chief tells them that Agent Edgar Ross, the head of the Pinkerton Detective Agency is expecting them, and there they head next. After they reach the agency, Deputy Daly takes Keith to the office of Agent Ross.

_Deputy Daly_ : Boss..

_Boss_ : oh Mr Daly! Good news?

_Deputy Daly_ : yes.

_Boss_ : let him in.

Daly tells Keith to enter the office, Ross goes quite surprised to see him at last.

_Boss (Ross)_ : and I thought what they said was true. Turns out men.. can indeed come back from the dead.

_Keith_ : Who are you?

_Boss (Ross)_ : my name is Edgar Ross, head of the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Do you know how long we've been looking for you?

_Keith_ : long enough to have your hair going white, and I trust Gary Ross was your brother.

_Boss (Ross)_ : yes.. he was.

Keith smiles disrespectfully.

_Ross_ : but it was a dumb idea to cut through Blackwater.

_Keith_ : Alright. What do you want, Ross?

_Boss (Ross)_ : I want you for a mission.

_Keith_ : a mission? Listen, that ain't how we do things. Learn from your brother's mistake. Let go of my brothers first.

_Ross_ : you are in a position to bargain for nothing Mr Hardin. Besides, they escaped us and we don't know where they are exactly, but, since this mission requires skilled criminals only, then I'll see to it. Consider it an exception.

_Keith_ : find and let go of them first.

_Deputy Daly_ : we already told you that we got leads only.

Keith slowly turns his head to stare at Daly with an angry looking face.

_Keith_ : if you don't shut your Goddamn mouth right now. I'll make sure you shut it for good.

_Ross_ : hey hey easy ok? You're not bickering like kids here, not in my office. Mr Hardin.. you do this mission for us, and then I will find and release them.

_Keith_ : your word?

_Ross_ : sure.

_Keith_ : What do you need?

_Ross_ : before I say anything, do you still remember the Van Der Linde gang, Mr Hardin?

_Keith_ : yeah I do.

_Ross_ : good. What I want you to do is to chase down and capture some outlaws for us, including 3 former Van Der Linde gang members.

_Keith_ : gimme names.

_Ross_ : we want Bill Williamson, Javier Escuella, and Dutch Van Der Linde.

_Keith_ : Alright then. Where can I find them?

_Ross_ : wow wow easy, dear boy. There's another outlaw I need to tag along with you.

_Keith_ : Who might that be?

_Ross_ : Well, his name is.. Micah Bell and he's last been reported to be on the top of mountain Hagen. He'd been eluding us since the massacre of Beaver Hollow.

_Keith_ : Beaver Hollow? Your filthy brother and Wheeler were there, and they chased my brothers who were there also.. supporting you, then you stabbed them in the back!

Ross rises out of his seat and slams his hands on his desk, out of complete anger, and addresses Keith loudly.

_Ross_ : and I paid! I paid dearly! Your so-called brothers killed my Goddamn brother! And he left a wife and a couple of kids that I have been looking after ever since! Don't talk to me about brothers because I ain't the bad guy here! You! And your merciless murderers of brothers always are!

_Keith_ : we still ain't even..

_Ross_ : whatever.. go bring Micah Bell.

Keith wills to go.

_Ross_ : wait up.. Go to Strawberry. You'll find one of his boys there. Do whatever you wanna do with him, just make sure you get the location out of him, and take this.

Ross gives him a letter.

_Ross resumes_ : if he doesn't wanna co-operate, kill him.

Keith then leaves the office immediately riding out of Blackwater going to Strawberry. Some time later, 3 other individuals by the names of John, Sadie and Charles reach the town of Strawberry, and as that, they dismount.

_John_ : alright. Sadie, you said Cleet is here right?

_Sadie_ : yup. Disturbing as always.

_Charles_ : we'll find him.

They start searching for Cleet in town, then they find him hanged at the gallows, and bleeding from his face with bruises all over his face, the trio get so surprised to see him like that.

_Sadie_ : hey, there he is.

_John_ : is that Cleet?

_Sadie_ : yeah.

_Charles_ : Who hung him?

A civilian nearby hears Charles, then he comes and answers him.

_Civilian_ : someone a while ago.

_John_ : someone?

_Civilian_ : yeah. He came here, found this sad sorry of a man, gave him some hard beating then hung him. He did us all a favor.

_Sadie_ : God damn.. how did.. ?

_Charles_ : now we can never know where Micah is.

_Civilian_ : Micah you say? well I heard something about that man, I think he's up Mountain Hagen.

_John_ : Mountain Hagen?

_Civilian_ : yes.

_Charles_ : ok. Thank you, mister. Let's go.

They mount up and ride out immediately to Mountain Hagen.

_Charles_ : it looks like we ain't the only ones after Micah.

_John_ : so it seems.

_Sadie_ : I didn't know Micah was this popular.

_Charles_ : yeah, but we gotta ride fast.

They reach Mountain Hagen, and at the bottom, they stop at a whole pile of dead bodies laying around.

_John_ : what the hell?

_Sadie_ : this is something else.

More men of Micah come and start shooting at them, but the 3 resist and shoot their way up to the top, seeking Micah.

As they are getting close to the top of the mountain where Micah's camp is located, Charles and Sadie both get shot by a member of Micah's gang from up a near boulder.

_John_ : what the?!

John quickly headshoots him, then he goes to check about his partners.

_John_ : Charles! Sadie! you ok?!

_Charles (painfully)_ : shot in the shoulder,. Nothing to worry about. You.. just go..

Sadie tries to stand up but due to her injury, she fails at even kneeling, John aids her up.

_John_ : are you ok?

_Sadie (painfully)_ : ain't nothing. Go.. I just need to rest..

_John_ : ok. Just.. look after each other.

John continues his search alone.

After some time of advancing, John makes it to the top of the mountain where that camp of Micah really is, however, he hears someone calling.

_Stranger_ : Micah Bell! Come out here! I got a few words to talk with you!

John takes a sneak peak while hiding behind a big rock, and he sees the stranger who turns out to be Keith.

_John_ : we ain't the only ones after all.

Micah comes out of the main cabin of the camp, answering Keith's call.

_Micah_ : Who are you?

_Keith_ : I got you a business proposition, and here.. take this.

_Micah_ : hm?

Micah takes the letter, unfolds it and starts reading it, and after he finishes, he throws the letter in the air and shoots it with his gun in front of Keith, delivering a strong statement that he is not willing to accept Agent Ross' offer. Following that,

John interferes while pointing at both of them with his guns, sending Keith confused, but Micah apparently recognizes John.

_Micah_ : Scarface..

_John_ : Micah..

_Keith_ : well at least I tried..

_Micah_ : some manners you got. Interfering in a business which you ain't got nothing to do with.

_John_ : you're about to pay for what you've done.

_Keith_ : excuse me.. but I was the one talking here.

_John_ : you got a problem? I can end it right here.

Keith feels challenged with the way John is addressing him, but Micah comes out with a sarcastic solution.

_Micah_ : well John.. I advise you not to be stupid.. like last time.. why don't you join me?

_John_ : no.

_Keith_ : So it goes..

Keith brings out his two guns also at John as well as Micah while taking steps backwards, Micah does just the same but at both John, and Keith but he starts shooting immediately, then everyone immediately takes cover behind the wooden crates laying around.

_Keith_ : Micah Bell! You got yourself to blame!

_Micah_ : I gotta break it to you, Feller! You ain't too convincing!

_Keith_ : So be it!

Micah laughs maniacally at Keith's words, and Keith responds with some shots at Micah that fly inches away from his face.

_Micah_ : hehehaha! That was soo close!

_Keith_ : John!

_John_ : yeah!

_Keith_ : I need him alive!

_John_ : oh yeah?!

_Keith_ : yeah! I don't know what bad blood you got with him! But I need him alive. It's uhh.. complicated!

_John_ : that's if I don't kill him first!

The 3 men exchange fire at each other.

_Micah_ : I got the money, John! I got the money from Blackwater!

_John_ : that ain't gonna save you!

_Micah_ : Come take it! But I won't let you share a penny with your friend!

_Keith_ : I don't want your money! And I ain't his friend!

_Micah_ : we should team up on him, John! Join me!

_John_ : never! you rat!

Sadie approaches their location then she falls on her knees due to her injury, challenging her situation to aid John.

_Sadie_ : John!

_John_ : Sadie? Get outta there, Sadie!

Micah takes advantage and comes from behind Sadie, then grabs her with his gun next to her head, after that both John and Keith come out of their cover aiming at Micah.

_John_ : no! Let her go, Micah!

_Micah_ : Look who we got here.

_Keith_ : coward.

_Micah_ : Are you still here? You should've ran away.

A gunner of an ally of Micah joins him carrying a shotgun that's directed at the two opposing figures.

_John_ : Joe?

_Joe_ : put down your guns, Gentlemen.

_Keith_ : Now who is that?

_Micah_ : Do you remember Joe, John?

_John_ : a bit.

Keith quickly comes up with a plan, and in order to execute it properly, he realizes that he needs John to help him, and for that, he talks to John in a low voice so that Micah and Joe don't hear them.

_Keith_ : Listen John.. we got one shot at this; I take Joe, you take Micah, and fast. Let's stall them and take them by surprise.

_John_ : you think so?

_Keith_ : It worked many times for me.

_John_ : what happened to.. "I need him alive" ?

_Keith_ : he got himself to blame.

John thinks about it for a couple of seconds, after that he addresses Micah, and indirectly tells Keith that he's on his idea with him.

_John_ : Let's talk about this, Micah. Release Sadie.

_Micah_ : no no no, she's my chance to correct any mistakes you'll make, and guess what, John? This ain't the only surprise for you today.

The door of the main cabin of the camp gets kicked by another figure, who steps out of the cabin, with both of his revolvers 2 at John and Keith.

The figure apparently is an old acquaintance of John called Dutch, but his appearance makes Keith's plan a bit harder.

_Dutch_ : Hello Son, Mrs Adler. It's been quite a while.

_Micah_ : ain't this nice huh? The gang's back together again.

_John_ : what are you doing here, Dutch?

_Dutch_ : same as you, I suppose.

_Micah_ : Dutch and I are.. teaming up once more. We got money. We got dreams.

_Keith_ : how very cheerful of ya.

_Dutch_ : and who you might be?

_Keith_ : I'm none of your Goddamn business.

_Dutch_ : Listen friend, I don't know what you're doing here, but trust me, this ain't where you should be.

_Keith_ : I shouldn't be anywhere but here.

_Joe_ : I say this is taking longer than it's supposed to. Why don't you fellers drop your guns?

_Micah_ : join us John, and since you feller ain't gone yet, so you may as well join us too. We got most of the money from Blackwater. It'll be more than enough for all of us.

_John_ : Nice try.

_Keith_ : That's a no from me too.

_Dutch_ : Then something needs to be done about this.

_John_ : Dutch.. Dutch Come on now.

_Dutch_ : you shot at me.. son.

_John_ : you started it.

_Dutch_ : you betrayed me.

_John_ : I could say the same as you.

_Dutch_ : I was trying to do my best, but you.. you just cared for yourself.

_John_ : I think differently.

_Micah_ : join us, John. Join us.

_John_ : I won't join you. Arthur sacrificed his own life to make something outta our lives. I won't let him down.

_Micah_ : Arthur has been dead a long time. This is a new century.

_John_ : Dutch.. Dutch, we all did our best for you. It ain't our fault how things turned out the way they did.

Dutch takes his words firmly, implying that he cares for none of them, but John yet again resumes talking, hoping to reason with him.

_John_ : Dutch.. killing me.. won't solve nothing!

_Micah_ : put down your gun, Marston!

Keith tries to help John, by reasoning with Dutch.

_Keith_ : I believe you were the leader of the Van Der Linde Gang. From what I heard.. y'all used to be so much of a family, then things went so horrible. Dutch's Boys you were called.. yeah.. now I remember. Dutch the ideal father figure. So, why don't you say or do something fatherly about this, huh Dutch? Your boys are outta control.

_John_ : yeah. Say something about this, Dutch! Say something!

_Dutch_ : I ain't.. got too much to say no more..

Dutch turns his attention to Micah and Joe, then he shoots both of them, right after that, Keith takes advantage and kills Joe. Plus, as Micah takes the shot, he releases Sadie who crawls away from there.

_Micah_ : you shot me..

Micah puts his hand on his wound and starts laughing maniacally about what's happening.

_Micah_ : you shot me pretty good.

John acts to finish things off once and for all, by finishing Micah off. With Micah finally laying face first on the ground dead, John takes an honest sigh as a sign of relief, but he yet again tries to talk to Dutch, but in a good way this time.

_John_ : tha.. thank you. I.. I..

Dutch stares at John with an angry face, meaning that he still considers him to be an unfriendly figure, then he walks away from there, but Keith addresses Dutch.

_Keith_ : Hey Dutch.

Dutch turns to look at Keith.

_Keith_ : get outta here as far away as you can.

_Dutch_ : gentlemen.

Dutch walks away.

As things finally cleared out, John goes to help Sadie.

_John_ : you ok?

_Sadie_ : yeah, I'm fine.

_John_ : you're crazy.

_Sadie_ : I hope so. Help me up.

John lifts her and helps her to lay on a nearby wooden crate, then their other friend Charles also arrives to the spot, having been shot in his left shoulder.

_Sadie_ : the money from Blackwater should be inside that cabin.

_Charles_ : you guys alright?

_Sadie_ : enjoying the view, and you?

_Charles_ : I don't like heights that much..

Keith realizes his cue, and he as well walks away, but John stops him to tell him something.

_John_ : hey! Thank you..

_Keith_ : no hard feelings.

Keith walks away, his steps heavy with the weight of what he has witnessed. As he descends the rugged mountain trail, he finds solace in the rhythmic clip-clop of his hitched horse's hooves against the rocky terrain. Determined, he rides with purpose towards Blackwater, where Agent Ross awaits to be informed of the harrowing events.

The journey to Blackwater stretches out before Keith, affording him ample time for contemplation. Thoughts swirl in his mind like dust kicked up by the hooves of his steed. Agent Ross's mission looms large, its implications and consequences weighing heavily on his conscience. But amidst the chaos, memories of his brothers and other faces from his past flood his thoughts. Their voices echo in his ears, their words of wisdom and caution resounding within him.

Time passes, the landscape shifting as Keith's horse tirelessly carries him closer to his destination. Finally, the familiar sights of Blackwater come into view, signaling the end of this leg of his journey. Keith dismounts and makes his way towards Agent Ross, his mind focused and his determination unwavering.

After briefing Agent Ross on the events that transpired, Keith's duty is fulfilled. He leaves Blackwater behind, mounting his loyal steed once again. The horse's hooves thunder against the earth as they set off towards Emerald Ranch, a sprawling estate that now serves as Keith's temporary haven.

The ride to Emerald Ranch is long, the miles stretching out before Keith like an open book. Thoughts and memories intermingle in his mind, blending into a tapestry of emotions. The beauty of the countryside passes him by, unnoticed, as he delves deeper into his reflections. The faces of his brothers and the voices of old friends resurface, their words of advice and encouragement whispering through the wind.

Finally, Keith arrives at Emerald Ranch, the sight of the vast landscape punctuated by the comforting presence of a nearby ranch. His thoughts are interrupted as a familiar voice calls out to him. It is Thomas, a fellow worker at the ranch, who beckons him over.

With a smile and a nod, Keith steers his horse towards Thomas.

_Thomas_ : hey Valen!