Everyone ready to meet the Nesmith family?

Mike: No.

Miiiikkkkeeee...

Mike: Don't do that. :p

Micky: I'm ready!

Lauren: Me, too!

Peter: I'd love to meet your family, Mike! :)

Davy: I'm ready, too.

(We open in the morning in the kitchen of the Nesmith ranch. Aunt Kate pushes a rolling pin over a pie crust while Emma and Lauren slice apples. Peter mixes juice and lemon-lime soda in a punch bowl. Lucy and a few young women with long, straight black hair and almond-shaped eyes like Micky's form hamburger patties. Mike, grumbling, shells peas. Davy chops lettuce and onions.)

*Micky tries to snitch "taste-tests" from everyone.*

Aunt Kate: (Slaps Micky's hand) Micky, I told you. I'll have the extras set out on a plate later, before the party...but AFTER they're baked.

Mike: Why don't you do somethin' constructive?

Lucy: Work on the barbecue sauce. That ought to keep you busy.

Micky: *holds up his hands* Alright, alright! I thought taste-testing WAS constructive. ;)

Aunt Kate: Micky honey, if you keep taste-testing, there won't be enough left for the guests. ;) :p

*Micky grumbles, but sets about working on the barbecue sauce.*

Emma: I hope Daph and Val are ok. They're watching the kids.

Peter: I'm sure Jordan will be a good boy. He's usually taking his nap right about now, anyway. :)

Lauren: Actually, I'm not so sure Micky helping with the barbecue sauce is such a good idea. ;) :P

Davy: I'll keep an eye on 'im, Laur, and make sure 'e don't snitch THAT. ;) :p

Lauren: Hm. It's what he puts IN it I'm worried about.

Micky: I wouldn't do that to everyone. ;)

Mike: Don't do it to anyone, please. I know this is Texas, but not everyone goes for five-alarm. :p

Aunt Kate: Don't over-season the barbecue sauce, Micky. Some of us get heartburn rather easily. :p

Micky: *sighs* Okay, okay. :P

Lucy: Maybe he could work on the chili...

Girl 1: He could warm up the tamales.

Davy: 'E might blow up the stove, and we wouldn't want THAT right before the party. ;)

Aunt Kate: Just let him do the sauce. If he goes easy on the spices, it should be fine.

Micky: Thank you.

Lucy: Ok, Ma, I'm going to go out to the front with Clara to start greeting the guests. You should have more than enough here.

Aunt Kate: Right. Thank you, dear. And Lucy...

Lucy: Yes, Mama?

Aunt Kate: Don't let your brothers wrestle you to the ground this time. You know they hate losing to women.

Lucy: (Sighs) Yes, Mama. :p (She heads out the door)

Mike: (Grins) Lucy may look small, but she could probably wrestle a bear and come out with a fur coat. (Makes a face) Aunt Kate, do I really have to stay for this?

Aunt Kate: Michael, I know you don't like it, but you're part of our family...even if that no-good brother of mine doesn't think so. :p

Mike: (Mutters) You know why she left him.

Emma: Why DID she leave him?

Aunt Kate: Many things, all of which are in the past. Michael, I can't help how he's treated both of you, but I can at least give you something like a family.

Mike: You didn't seem interested after Uncle Pat died. :p

Aunt Kate: A lot of that was your mother. She inherited that land and wanted to use it. I told her she was plum crazy, raisin’ a child in that god-awful part of Dallas, but your mother is worse than you in the not-listening department. :p

Mike: Thanks a lot, Aunt Kate. :p

Aunt Kate: You're as stubborn as a mule, Michael. Remember when I told you not to climb the big tree near the house, and you did anyway and broke your leg and had to sit inside for months? :p

Mike: Freddie n' Ben dared me. :p

Aunt Kate: You didn't have to listen. You could have walked away.

Mike: And had them make even MORE fun of me 'cause I was a sissy?

Aunt Kate: Better a sissy than laid up for months with a broken leg. :p

Emma: Don't feel bad, Kate. He never listens to me, either.

Mike: When was the last time I didn't listen to you?

Emma: Do you want the whole list or just the top ten? :p

Mike: The only time I don't listen to you is when you start talkin' crazy! :p

Emma: You know, lighting is going to strike you one of these days for lying like that. :p

Mike: You DO talk crazy!

Emma: You aren't sane sometimes, either.

Aunt Kate: (Sighs; to Lauren) Are they always like this?

Lauren: *nods* Yup. :P ;)

Peter: It's usually worse!

Davy: You shoulda seen them a few months ago when we were workin' on the album. :p

Mike: (Mutters) Hadda get that done.

Emma: Thank goodness you did.

Micky: Yeah, we couldn't have taken much more. :P

(The door opens as Emma and Lauren pour sugar and cinnamon onto their bowls of apples and mix them and Kate puts the pie pans in the oven, along with a cookie pan of scraps of pie dough dusted with sugar. Lucy comes in with Joanne and Andrew.)

Lucy: Hey, Mama, look who came to join us? :)

Aunt Kate: (Grins and turns around as she puts the last pie pan in the oven) Andrew! (Takes off the pie mitts) Are you all right? The kids told me about last night. I'm just glad no one was really hurt, includin' the horses.

Andrew: Everyone's fine, and the men who were captured last night are being questioned as we speak. The horses are a little listless, but whatever they used on them doesn't seem to have any other side effects.

Aunt Kate: Well, that's good to hear. I'm afraid I can't really offer you anything. It's a bit crazy here right now.

Andrew: Hey, I'll help! What do you need done?

Aunt Kate: Don't be silly! You're a guest! You just sit down and take a load off. You must be busy, preparing for the Rodeo and everything.

Andrew: That's all right, Kate. I'll just stand. At least let me do SOMETHING, or I'll go crazy.

Aunt Kate: You're crazy enough already. (Takes a pan and hands it to him) Here. Put these tamales in the oven.

(Mike is trying to avoid Joanne's eyes, suddenly VERY interested in his peas.)

Joanne: (Sits down with Mike) Mike, why are you avoiding me?

Mike: You left, not me. You went away with Chet Wilkins.

Joanne: Well, I made a mistake.

Mike: Some mistake. Did you enjoy leaving me in the dust? I thought you were actually interested.

Joanne: I was interested... *tries to look him in the eyes*

Mike: Joanne, I was crazy. Infatuated. You were the only girl who ever paid any attention to me, other than to make fun of the rags I wore.

Joanne: Because I saw past that. I saw you for you. I still do.

Mike: Then why did you go?

Joanne: I...I don't know. I was foolish. I didn't realize what I could've had.

Mike: No kiddin'. (Growls) I didn't enjoy havin' my heart broken, you know. All I knew is that you took off. I wanted to go to LA and try to find you, but Ma and the asshole found out and stuck me in the Air Force.

Joanne: I'm sorry, Mike.

Mike: (Faint grin) Just be glad you didn't see me in the Air Force. Got kicked out 'cause some general was givin' me lip and had no sense of humor. ;)

Joanne: *knowing grin* What'd you do? ;)

Mike: Turned over his plane. Got him mad, too. They threw me out afta that. Decided college was less complicated. ;)

Joanne: *chuckles* I would've loved to have seen that! ;)

Mike: The look on his face was somethin' else. I didn't think it was possible for jaws to drop that far. ;)

Aunt Kate: (Calls over) Are you two shuckin' peas or just jawin'?

Mike: Aunt Kate, give us a break! We ain't seen each other for years!

Aunt Kate: Well, do both. I need those peas for the salad.

Mike: (Shoves a bunch of peas in Joanne's hand) Here. Make her happy, or she'll never leave us alone. :p

Joanne: *nods* No problem. :P

Mike: So, what are you doin' now? Workin' for your dad?

Joanne: Yeah, and not too much else.

Mike: Guess you know what I'm doin'. Got married, had a kid, made a few albums with my buddies I met in LA. They're all good guys. Yes, even the one with the curls. ;)

Joanne: I never would've guessed. (Smiles) You've done very well, Mike. :)

("Some of Shelly's Blues" begins in the background as the three Native American girls chat with Micky and Lauren and Davy help Peter move the huge punch bowl outside.)

Mike: Yeah. Took a while. The guys n’ I got up the band in ‘65. Pete found this place by the beach we liked, and we all lived there together until a few years ago. Em n' Kate n' Davy n' Daph n' me still live there. (Shrugs) We met the girls when they didn't have a place to live. Val hired us for a party and fell hard for Pete. Davy n' Daph...well, that was a really long story involving a rock contest that ended up bein' somethin' of a, well, drag. (Sighs) You heard Em n' me. We do that a lot. She's stubborn, and I am too, I guess, but we love each other.

Joanne: That's what matters. :)

Mike: Yeah, she's a good girl, mosta the time. Sometimes, I don't get her, though. She gets real emotional and upset and stuff, and I gotta calm her down. She's real smart, though, and stronger than she thinks.

Joanne: And you think very highly of her. :)

Mike: (Nods, almost surprised) Yeah. She can drive me crazy sometimes, but that's sorta what I like about her. (Grins) You know, I told her we were gettin' married, and she came right out and ordered me to get on one knee and propose right. ;)

Joanne: *chuckles* Wow. ;)

Mike: (Nods at Micky dilligently mixing spices and tomatoes and brown sugar) By the way, DON'T let him put barbecue sauce on your hot dog. You should have seen what he did to his wife at a barbecue once. She almost took his head off 'causa that. ;)

Joanne: I'll make sure to remember that. ;)

Mike: (As he finishes the peas) Joanne, wanna go upstairs and finish this conversation?

Aunt Kate: (As Mike and Joanne start to get up) Where are you two goin'?

Mike: Upstairs.

Aunt Kate: Oh no, you don't! I have a hundred things for you to help with, and...

Mike: You have the others, Aunt Kate. I wanna talk to Joanne.

Emma: (Goes to Mike and puts her hand on his shoulder as "Some of Shelly's Blues" winds down) Mike, what's going on?

Mike: Nothin's goin' on. We're just talkin'.

Emma: Are you sure?

Mike: Em, don't worry. Go help Aunt Kate. You're a better cook than I am, anyway.

Emma: But... (Mike heads off with Joanne before she can further protest)

Aunt Kate: Don't worry, Em. They've been friends for years. He'll be ok up there.

Emma: That's what I'm afraid of.

Aunt Kate: Come help me with the greens for the salad. Get your mind offa the men. ;)

Emma: (As she joins Kate) Hey, Micky, how's the sauce coming?

Micky: *stirs the sauce* It's coming along just fine. It'll be ready shortly.

Aunt Kate: You and David can help Freddie and Jake set up the barbecue and get everything on. It's gonna take a couple of barbecues to feed all of us.

Micky: Yes, ma'am, you got it! ;)

Davy: Is that a good idea? 'E likes to play with the barbecues and the coals.

Aunt Kate: We don't use barbecues, boy. They'd never feed all of us in a million years! We use pits on the south side near the cabins.

Davy: That's worse. The last thing 'e needs is a biggah toy to play with. :p

Micky: *grins* I've never used pits before. ;)

Lauren: Oh, dear God. :P :-O

Aunt Kate: I take it you two are one of the best friend pairs. You wouldn't treat each other that way otherwise. ;)

Micky: Yeah, we usually are. ;)

Lauren: Except when they're biting each other's heads off. ;)

Aunt Kate: What are friends for? I have friends I've known all my life whom I argue with more than I agree. ;)

Andrew: Like me. When was the last time we agreed on something? ;)

Aunt Kate: I'd say about 1946. I agreed it was a bad idea to add that new stoplight to the corner of 4th and Denton in Junctionville. ;)

Andrew: Why don't we get this food movin' on? I'm sure all 5 million of your boys and their families are hungry by now.

Aunt Kate: I do NOT have five million children! :p

Andrew: You won't think that when you see your back lawn. ;)

(We cut to a huge, open field area as "Michigan Blackhawk" begins. Aunt Kate, Lucy, Emma, Lauren, and other women and a few men set out bowls and dishes of salads, tamales, chilli, pies, cakes, and cookies. Children run past them, chasing each other and playing games. Davy rides a horse for the kids, demonstrating a few easy tricks, much to their delight. :D)

*Micky tends to the barbecue pit, ignoring the occasional looks from the others, who are worried about him overdoing it.* ;)

(A few tall, lanky men who look like older versions of Mike bring plates of burger patties, steaks, pork chops, and vegetable and fruit chunks to be roasted. They slather the meat with Micky's barbecue sauce.)

(Katie stands behind her mama at first, feeling a little shy. Finally, a little girl with a long, black braid and big, almond-shaped eyes is encouraged by HER mother to say "hi" to the newcomer. They run off and join the other children, giggling. :) )

(Valerie and Daphne sit with other women. Valerie introduces Jordan to some of their babies and lets the women play with him. Daphne answers everyone's questions about her pregnancy excitedly. :D)

*Lauren goes over to the pit. She grins at Micky, keeping an eye on him and the pit.* ;)

(Two of the younger men tackle Lucy, and all three end up enthusiastically wrestling. All we see for a few moments is dust...before Lucy comes back up, pinning both down with a very big grin. :D)

(Davy rides the horse over to the barbecue pit to see how dinner's coming. He's followed by a rather long line of kids, including the twins.)

*Micky shakes his head at Davy, not believing that he brought the horse right over. He swats at Davy, motioning for him to go away.* ;)

(Davy and the horse stick their tongues out at him and ride away, though some of the kids remain, including, naturally, the twins. ;) :p)

(Emma chats with the Indian woman and her daughter...but her eyes keep straying to the house, and one window in particular...)

(We end as we return to the barbecue pit. Mothers come to round up their children and take them to the tables. The Sheriff we met at the Circle L Ranch ambles up to the pit.)

Sheriff: Hello? Andrew? Anyone here?

(The Sheriff steps aside just in time to not be flattened by two excited twins running to their mother. ;) :D)

Micky: *follows after the twins* Uh, sorry about that, sir. :">

Sheriff: That's all right, son. Children are supposed to do that. (Pause) You seen Andrew Marshall from the Circle L Ranch around? I need to tell him we may know who attacked his ranch and the others.

Micky: Well, he should be around here somewhere...

(Andrew, Aunt Kate, Emma, Valerie, and Peter join the group at this point.)

Aunt Kate: You almost ready with those, Micky? The natives are gettin' restless. And have you seen any of my sons, or Michael, for that matter?

Emma: Mike went upstairs with Joanne. (Makes a face)

Andrew: I wondered where my darling daughter wandered off to.

Micky: *grumbles* It's gettin' there, it's gettin' there. :P ;)

Sheriff: Andrew, I have great news! You can all rest easily tonight. We have some clues to the identity of the perpetrators.

Andrew: That's teriffic, Jeb! The whole valley's gonna love that news! :D

Peter: Including the horses! :D

Aunt Kate: Stop holding us in suspense, Sheriff! What did you find?

Sheriff: We grilled the men at the station the moment we got back from the ranch. They told us that they'd been hired by a group of Indians, complete with full war regalia, who wanted the horses to sell to breeders back east. We're working on getting names and exact locations.

Peter: Indians?

Aunt Kate: That's the dumbest explaination for horse theft I've ever heard. :p

Andrew: It's plausible, Kate. Not nice, but plausible.

Aunt Kate: If that's plausible, I'm the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Indians around here wouldn't hurt a fly.

Andrew: I seem to remember you saying that about Ben Cartwright, too. :p

Aunt Kate: Andy, he pulled the wool over the eyes of the entire valley!

Sheriff: Exactly. And if he could, I don't think it would be hard for a pack of savages to do it, either.

Aunt Kate: Stop letting your predijudces run away with you. The Indians around here dress and act like normal people for the most part. :p

Micky: *folds his arms* And even if they didn't, what would it matter? :P

Peter: That's right! Just because they're Indians doesn't mean they'd steal anything! :p

Emma: The men who hired the others must have been dressed that way to disguise themselves.

Peter: Yeah, but that's an even worse disguise than Black Bart's outfit and mask. :p

Andrew: Not necessarily, son. The Indians may not dress that way reguarly anymore, but they do hold pow-wows and ceremonies every now and then. It's not uncommon to see them in full dress on the day of an event.

Emma: It probably isn't Indians. Why would they steal horses, anyway? This isn't some old Hollywood serial...and most Indians respect animals, especially the ones they ride.

Micky: That's right. It just wouldn't make any sense. :P

Sheriff: That's our only lead, though. The men either won't tell us more...or are just hired thugs and don't know.

Emma: Well, at least you know that someone is going around the valley dressed as Indians and stealing horses. Why, though?

Aunt Kate: Probably the rodeo.

Andrew: (Nods) Competition for buyers and traders at the Big Valley Rodeo is fierce. I wouldn't be surprised if someone is trying to force the other ranches out the hard way. :p

Peter: But this could destroy them permanently! :o

Valerie: Someone wants to be the only seller at that rodeo. We just need to find out who.

Aunt Kate: You know, a lot of the ranchers are at the party today, including some who lost a lot of their stock to thefts. We could spread out and talk to them.

Andrew: Someone's gotta spill something.

Sheriff: And the moment you find anything out, even the smallest shred of information, you come to me. Got it, folks?

Micky: *nods* Got it.

Valerie: Right. Let's split up. Lauren and Micky, you stay with your kids here. We'll go to the lawn and to the tables.

Lauren: Okay.

Emma: Katie's with Lucy and two of Mike's cousins at the tables. I'll go retrieve her and talk to them. Some of Mike's cousins work for ranchers; I could ask them if they've heard anything.

Valerie: (Cuddles Jordan) I have to take him inside for a nap. We could talk to some of the ranch hands and housekeepers who are still inside. :)

Aunt Kate: When you're in there, would you tell Mike and Joanne that dinner's ready?

Peter: Sure! They're probably having a great time being friends again! :D

Emma: (Mutters) Yeah, that's what worries me. :p

(As Peter and Valerie head for the main house, we fade out on the party and fade in on Mike and Joanne walking into a pretty, simple whitewashed room. The furniture is old but well-repaired. There's a TV on an antique table in one corner. The curtains are a medium blue, and the sheets are blue and white stripped.)

Mike: (Flops on the bed) Man, does this bring stuff back. I shared this room with my two youngest boy cousins when we lived here.

Joanne: Things haven't changed much.

Mike: Nahh. All Aunt Kate did when she found out about the oil was get better sheets and have the room painted and the furniture fixed. She likes to hang onto things. (Turns to the window) Old tree is still there. Remember how you'd sneak in here by climbin' the tree, and I'd sneak out to you in the dead of night?

Joanne: *nods* Yeah.

Mike: I wonder if anyone ever found my clothes. Freddy grabbed my clothes one day when I was at the swimmin' hole near your place and hid them, and I ended up wrapping someone's pants around me and running home.

Joanne: *chuckles* I remember that. Don't know if your clothes were found or not, though.

Mike: (Blushes) You SAW me? All of me? :o :">

Joanne: Well, not ALL of you. I just caught a passing glimpse as you were running home. ;)

Mike: That's all you need to see. (Sighs) Man, I kinda owe you one. You kept me sane. You didn't mind my workin' after school. You didn't even mind my cousins. I got so ragged on for bein' skinny and not talkin' much.

Joanne: *shrugs* Of course, I didn't mind. I always liked you for who you were and are.

Mike: And I liked you 'cause you listened...and you didn't hide my clothes. ;)

Joanne; I guess we really liked each other. ;)

Mike: We used to say we'd disappear, we'd become famous western stars like John Wayne and they'd never know until we were up there on the screen or the stage. And when I...hurt my hand...you sent me a book 'steada flowers.

Joanne: A book is more useful than flowers. :)

Mike: You were the only one 'sides Ma and Aunt Kate who knew I'd rather have somethin' to do insteada somethin' that just looks nice. I...thought my life was over after my hand got hurt. I wouldn't be in the movies or a stunt man or anythin'. (Looks at Joanne) Do you still play guitar?

Joanne: Of course! Never stopped. :)

Mike: You'd always nagged me to learn an instrument. Guess I never really thought about music, 'till Aunt Kate gave me that guitar. (Smiles) Wanna learn a new song?

Joanne: Sure! I'd love to!

Mike: (Goes under the bed and pulls out a guitar case) Isn't she gorgeous, Jo? I bought her with money I made the summer after I got out of the Air Force. The guitar Aunt Kate gave me was kinda old and not tunin' as well as it used 'ta, and she's just so pretty. I even named her. I call her "Black Beauty." :D :X

Joanne: Oh, wow, Mike, she's beautiful! :)

Mike: She's my pride and joy...other than Katie, of course. I've written all my best songs on her, and I always bring her on tour. There should be another guitar in the closet, too. The closet in this room is used for storage for junk Aunt Kate don't wanna get rid of. ;)

Joanne: *goes into the closet* Found it. *comes back out holding another guitar*

Mike: Ok. (Pulls some sheet music out of the guitar case) This is the one I'm workin' on. I call it "Carisle Wheeling." Think you can get it?

Joanne: *grins* I think so. ;)

Mike: Good. (They start playing, and we see a short performance montage to "Carisle Wheeling (Conversations)." When they finish, Mike looks up at her.) Ain't my best. Don't know if it'll go on the next album or not.

Joanne: I don't know, Mike. I really like it!

Mike: Thanks. Just somethin' I'm workin' on. Glad Val didn't publicize this trip. Needed the rest. (Crooked grin) Yes, even me. (Frowns) Jo...would ya mind if I...did somethin'?

Joanne: What did you have in mind?

Mike: Just...somethin'. (He puts his guitar aside and gives her a gentle, full kiss on the lips. She holds him and returns it...but they finally break apart with strange expressions on their faces.)

Mike: Ain't right.

Joanne: *shakes her head* No, it isn't.

Mike: It's not like it used to be. (Quietly) I guess you can't go back.

Joanne: No, you can’t.

Mike: (Quickly puts Black Beauty back in her case) We'll head back. They'll miss us. Em will miss us.

(The door opens at this point. Peter sticks his head in, smiling.)

Peter: Hi, guys! We were wondering what happened to you! Dinner's ready. Micky's almost done with the steaks, and they're serving the salads and everything. :)

Mike: (Raises his eyebrows) They let Micky in a barbecue pit, and we're all still in one piece? ;)

Peter: He hasn't caused any fireworks yet, if that's what you mean. Lauren's been watching him. :)

Mike: Lauren, I trust. I wouldn't trust her husband within a hundred mile radius of anything that burns. (Turns to Joanne) And, before you ask, yes, he's THAT bad. ;) :p

Joanne: Oh, dear. ;)

Peter: Valerie and I are asking some of the people in here if they know anything about the thieves who stole all those horses from the ranches in the valley and tried to steal from the Circle L last night. The men we captured told the sheriff Indians hired them, but we know that couldn't be true. Indians respect horses! They'd never hurt or drug them.

Mike: Yeah, and none of the ones around here have a nickel to rub together. They wouldn't be able to afford hirin' thugs.

Peter: We're trying to get some ideas on who might want to steal all the horses in the valley.

Mike: We'll join you. I'm hungry anyway, and we're finished up here.

Joanne: I'm hungry, too.

Peter: I am, too, so let's get going, before Micky eats all the food! ;)

Mike: Yeah, I'm sure he's workin' his way through the steaks he didn't blacken as we speak. ;)

(Fade out on Mike and Joanne as they head out; fade in on the barbecue. Micky, Lauren, Emma, and some of Mike's cousins dish out food to various hungry people.)

Man 1: Boy, this is some party, huh? (Shakes Micky's hand) I'm Fred Nesmith, Mike's older cousin. Where is that skinny cuz of mine, anyway? ;)

Emma: Good question. :p

Micky: *nearly getting shook out of his tennis shoes* Yeah...

(Aunt Kate comes around with slices of apple pie for Micky, Lauren, and the twins. She's followed by an older man and woman in jeans and long-sleeved shirts. She has long, straight black hair and a sullen expression; he has thick, straight, short dark hair and is more cheerful. Both have plates piled high with salads and tamales.)

Aunt Kate: Here you go, kids. Hope you like apple. The pecan pies vanished as soon as I sliced them. ;) :p

Mick: I love apple! :D

Shelly: Yummy! :)

Aunt Kate: (Pats the twins' heads) You got good kids here, Micky. They have good taste. ;)

Freddie: Hey, Ma, what about me?

Aunt Kate: Are your limbs broken? You can get your own food! You haven't been slaving over a hot barbecue pit all day! :p

Man: (Taps Micky on the shoulder) May I have a hamburger, please? :)

Woman: I'd like a good, juicy steak.

Micky: You got it! Comin' right up! :D

Man: (As Micky puts a hamburger on his grilled bun) Thanks, son. Boy, that looks good. Beats the cook we have at the Rainbow Valley Ranch by a mile and a half!

Woman: Yeah, I'm not sure if he cooks steaks or just grabs a bunch of flat rocks and throws them on the grill. ;)

Micky: That bad, huh? :P ;)

Man: Yeah. (opens his mouth) I think I lost a tooth here after eating one of his T-bones... ;)

Micky: Well, you won't have to worry about that this time. :D

Aunt Kate: (Nods at the pair) Micky, these are Brad and Angie Bennington. They own the Rainbow Valley Ranch down the slope near Junctionville.

Angie: (Shakes Lauren and Micky's hands) Hello, Mr. Dolenz. I've heard your albums. They're quite creative. :)

Micky: Nice to meetcha. :)

Brad: (Rolls his eyes) You just like to buy the magazines so you can drool all over that little English guy. :p

Angie: I've heard you listening to them, too! You like Mike's songs! ;)

Brad: She soaked our copy of "Rolling Stone." ;)

Angie: Brad! :p

Lauren: *elbows Micky* Gee, this banter sounds familiar. ;)

*Micky sticks his tongue out at Lauren.* ;)

Aunt Kate: Angie and Brad are new in these parts. They're entering horses in the Big Valley Rodeo for the first time this year.

Angie: (Fierce fire in her eyes) And we're going to WIN, too! X(

Brad: (Puts a hand on her shoulder) Don't worry, sis. We have the best horses around. We'll be unbeatable.

Angie: You bet we will. We'll sell more horses this year than we have since we opened the ranch.

Fred: (Makes a face) Have you guys heard anything about these horse thieves? They hit the Circle L Ranch last night. The cops and a couple of other folks stopped them from making off with most of their horses.

Angie: (Coughs) Um, interesting...

Brad: (Subtle nudge to her) Do tell.

Aunt Kate: (Raises her eyebrows) You haven't heard?

Brad: Of COURSE we've heard. We own horses. It's hard not to follow the exploits of these people.

Angie: Personally, I wonder how they get away with it. And where are the horses? You couldn't sell a bunch of horses at any old place.

Fred: (Thinks) Unless you weren't selling them to a ranch...

Angie: Where else would you sell horses to?

Aunt Kate: Farms, factories, shipping them to the east...

(Davy joins them, leading his horse.)

Davy: Isn't she a beauty? I wish I could buy 'er. :D

Micky: *nods* She is very beautiful! :D

(Angie's eyes light up. Brad nudges her again. :p :X)

Aunt Kate: That's one of the horses from the Circle L, isn't it?

Brad: (Sniffs) It's nothing like OUR horses.

David: (Nods) I borrowed Sweet Potato Pie here to give the kids at the party 'orse rides. Thought it would amuse them and keep them out of their parents 'air while they got the food ready. :)

Aunt Kate: (Nods) And it was a good idea. The kids love it. Our horses are all in the barn, being fed.

(The twins finish their pie and go to see the horse. She leans down and nudges them playfully. :) )

Davy: They loaned 'er to me specifically 'cause she's good with kids. :)

Shelly: Pretty horse! :)

Mick: Tickles! :D

Angie: (Stiffly) Well, the children seem to like it.

Brad: (Leans over the kids) You know, they're having the rodeo not far from our ranch. Why don't you bring these moppets to see some REALLY pretty horses? ;)

Davy: I'm all for meetin' new 'orses. :)

Angie: You'll get to see them train for the rodeo! :)

Mick: *claps* Rodeo! :D

Brad: Let these kids see some REAL winners. ;)

(Mike, Peter, and Joanne appear at this point with plates and salads. Emma immediately goes to Mike.)

Emma: Mike, honey, are you ok? What were you doing in the house?

Mike: Yeah, I'm ok. Just rememberin' things. Jo helped me get over some stuff I needed to get over. (He puts a hand on her shoulder and grins his crooked grin) That's all, honey. Don't work yourself into a nervous breakdown. I know you've got those knots you always get in your stomach when you're nervous.

Emma: (Covers one nail-bitten hand with the other) Um, yeah. :">

Fred: Mike! (Grabs Mike and gives him a hug that nearly knocks him to the ground) How ya feelin', cuz?

Mike: (Gasps for air) Windless. :p

Aunt Kate: Don't strangle the poor boy, Freddie!

Emma: Knocking the wind out of his sails is my job. ;)

Mike: Hey! :p

Mike: (Looks at Micky) How's the food comin'? Anythin' edible? ;)

Micky: Of course it's edible, Mike! Yeesh. :P ;)

Fred: (Joking) Ert! Sorry, Mike, but everything got up on little legs and ran off to get married in Vegas! ;)

Mike: Micky's food's been known to do that. ;)

Micky: *shakes his tonges* Watch it, Mike. :P ;)

(Another Mike look-a-like appears, this one older. He has an empty plate.)

Older Man: Can I have another steak? I sure do love that barbecue sauce! I haven't had such a kick since Old Man Tucker's horse knocked me half-way down Dead Man's Peak! ;)

Aunt Kate: (Sighs) This is my oldest son, Jeremiah.

Jerry: Jerry for short. (Grins) I'll take the biggest steak you have left! :D

Mike: The devoted carnivore. Good ol' Jerry. ;)

Brad: Jerry, about the horses...

Jerry: I just ain't interested, Brannington. I already have a couple comin' from the Circle L.

Aunt Kate: Jerry owns a children's horse ranch near Dallas.

Jerry: Yeah, it ain't much, but it keeps kids off the street and doin' more sensible stuff than we ever did. I have afterschool programs and camps every summer. The kiddies eat it up, especially the girls. :)

Angie: Look, Jeremiah, those horses are in perfectly good condition!

Jerry: I already bought horses from the Circle L, and I've heard how rough you can be on your ponies! I don't want something that will hurt the kids!

Angie: (Fire in her eyes again) They'd do no such thing. We have the nicest mares...

Jerry: I already made my order. Maybe next time. You're new. You'll be around. (He looks up at Micky and grins) Thanks again! My compliments to the head of the barbecue pit. ;)

Micky: You're welcome! Thank you! :D ;)

Fred: (As Jerry leaves) He always WAS a stubborn mule. :p

Mike: He's a good guy. Raised four kids on his own. His wife died in a car accident a few years ago.

Lauren: Awe. :(

Aunt Kate: That's why he started the ranch. He wanted to give his children and their friends something to do, and it sort of spread. It's still not a huge operation, but he's happier than I've seen him since his wife died.

Mike: Do you think the theives would go after them?

Aunt Kate: As much as I'd like to say no, they do have horses there, and they only do afterschool and weekend afternoon programs at this time of the year.

Fred: It would break Jerry's heart if he lost his horses! He loves what he does!

Mike: (Growls) We ain't gonna let that happen.

Brad: Someone's gonna knock his block off if he keeps being stuborn.

Aunt Kate: As you'll learn in the coming years, Mr. Brannington, that runs in the Nesmith family.

Emma: (Grins) No kidding. ;)

(Mike glares. :p)

Brad: (Just makes a face) Come on, Angie. Let's go see if there's any tamales left. (Nods at Micky) Thanks for the meat. I second Jerry's opinion. You're a fairly creative cook. ;)

Micky: *grins* Thanks! ;)

Lauren: *glances at Micky* I can see his head swelling from here...

Angie: You saw it too, huh? (Nods at her brother) Must be one of those man things they don't think women understand. ;)

Peter: I didn't understand it.

Mike: There are many things you don't understand. :p

Peter: (Shrugs) True. Can I have some grilled vegetables? :D

Micky: Sure, Pete. Help yourself. :)

Brad: Thanks again. (He and Angie head off)

Mike: (Frowns as he picks through the steaks and burgers) Did anyone else just get some weird vibes off those two?

Micky: *nods* Yeah.

Peter: (Nods as he loads grilled vegetables onto his plate) Me too. Their auras were really familiar.

Mike: (Dead quiet) How familiar?

Peter: I know I've seen them recently.

Mike: My wolf's intuition is tellin' me you might have seen them more recently than that!

Peter: But I just met them!

Emma: I think he means we might have found our horse theives.

Peter: (Eyes widen) No! :o

Joanne: (Shrugs) But why would they want to destroy half the valley? (Joins Mike at the meat)

Aunt Kate: Especially since they're new. Burglarizing ranches is NOT the way to get started.

Mike: 'Cause they want to be the best.

Micky: Exactly. :P

Emma: And did you see Angie? Man, just mention the horse competition, and she lights up like a firecracker over the Wildwood Boardwalk on the Fourth of July. She's got more heat in those eyes than the entire Atomic Energy Commission supposedly has in New Mexico.

Lauren: Talk about a dead giveaway. :P

Mike: Brad's the one we gotta worry about. She's all heat, but he's the fire.

Peter: Huh? When did we start talking about smoke?

Davy: (Rolls his eyes as he picks through the steaks) What he means is, Angie may have the tempah, but Brad's the smart one...and the one who won't lose his cool. He probably handles the business side and keeps 'er undah control.

Mike: She's the horse woman, though. (Finally pulls a steak out of the pit) I give her credit. She loves those horses.

Emma: Too much. They want to make a name for themselves, without considering who they're hurting on the way.

Peter: Guys, we don't really KNOW this.

Aunt Kate: I agree. Don't go jumping to conclusions.

Peter: (Looks at Micky and grins) Hey, Mick, wanna do some undercover work again? ;)

Micky: *grins* I'd love to. ;)

Mike: (Puts up a hand) Oh, no. Last time you two did that here, you almost got yourselves shot.

Peter: What if Valerie and Lauren went with us?

Micky: Yeah!

Emma: If they don't mind. We could find out more on this end.

Davy: I'll ride down to the Circle L tomorrow. I 'ave to return Sweet Potato Pie.

Mike: I'll go with you. I wanna talk to the Sheriff and Andrew and see if we can pick up anythin' else from that crime scene.

Emma: And I'll go with him. (Nods at Mike)

Aunt Kate: Lucy n' I will go with you, too. Andrew's complainin' he didn't get any tamales, and that's our cook Philla's specialty.

Fred: I'll help watch these rugrats. (Looks down) How would you kids like to see the ol' climbin' tree near the house? I can show you some neat tricks! ;)

Mike: Oh no, Freddie, you ain't teachin' them any of THAT sh...stuff. :p

Fred: Why? I taught you, and it didn't hurt you none! ;)

*The twins cheer, yelling "Tricks!"* :D ;)

Fred: I hope you're better climbers than Mike was. He once fell outta the tree and broke his leg. ;)

Mike: Oh, man, FRED! :p :">

Joanne: Fred, they don't need to hear that. :p

Aunt Kate: And they don't need to be climbin' trees and killin' themselves, either.

Lauren: Let them get a little older before they start breaking stuff, please. :P

Fred: But Ma...

Aunt Kate: If you're gonna teach them to get into mischief, at least teach them somethin' that won't end up with them sittin' around with busted limbs. :p

Mike: (Looks at Micky and Peter) I'm not so sure sending you two off into enemy territory again is a good idea, either.

Peter: It's not like last time, Mike!

Micky: Yeah, man. :P

Aunt Kate: You still gotta act more western...but please, no silly "Lone Ranger" costumes. That was just dumb. :p

Peter: I liked being an Indian! :D

Mike: Pete, if you're an Indian, I'm Santa Claus.

Peter: Mike, you aren't big enough!

(Mike just sighs. :p 8-| )

Aunt Kate: No, what I mean is, dress like cowboys...but like REAL cowboys, not the kind you see on TV re-runs. :p

Peter: That's no fun!

Mike: Yeah, but you'll get around in the valley without a lot of questions.

Micky: Fine with me.

Aunt Kate: And it'll help hide your identities. You ARE celebrities.

Mike: Yeah, I know. (Puts his plate down and picks a steak) So, it's settled. Em, Dave, Aunt Kate, Lucy, and I will go to the Circle L tomorrow and talk to Andrew.

Joanne: I don't know if you'll find much in the stables by this late date, but you could question our farmhands, just casually, to find out if they've heard anything.

Davy: Daphne could come with us on this one, too. She's dyin' to somehow be a part of this adventure. ;)

Peter: And the rest of us will investigate Rainbow Valley Ranch and the rodeo site! :D

Aunt Kate: Just be careful, all right?

Micky: We will.

Emma: That's why we're sending their wives with them. They'll have people who THINK around. ;)

Lauren: Right. ;)

Peter: Hey, I think!

Emma: (Mutters) When your mind isn't a million miles away. :p

Davy: For now, then, we'll eat and find Val.

Mike: Yeah, she'll wanna know she's gonna be doin' undercover work. ;)

Emma: It'll help to prepare her. ;)

Davy: And I'll ask Daph if she wants to come with us, though I suspect the answer will be "'eck yeah!" ;)

Mike: Ok, now, there's just one thing more I wanna know.

Emma: (Raises her eyebrows) ONE thing?

Mike: (Holds up a blackened steak with a fork) If I eat this, will I be able to blow smoke rings without smokin'? ;)

Micky: *dull glare at Mike* Very funny. :P ;)

(The camera fades out as everyone laughs, the twins pet the horse, and Micky grumps. ;) :p)