Jess Harper has been at Sherman Ranch for only two weeks when he hears news about outlaw Frank Bannister. His reaction starts Slim Sherman on a discovery about his new ranch hand's violent past and volatile future. To build a friendship, they both will have to get through a passel of troubles and dangers! (Fills in some blanks and missing scenes for the "Men of Defiance" episode.)

Will anguish about the past force Jess to leave Sherman Ranch forever, or can one special Christmas gift help convince him to stay? (This story resolves a question raised in Memories' Battle Cries and Brotherhood Begun, so you'll probably want to have already read those two before this one, though this story is understandable on its own.)

Jess Harper's violent past catches up with him, bringing dangerous consequences. When the Sherman family and the town discover a gunslinger lives among them, will Jess lose his chance for a home and family? (Complete two-part story. Part Two begins in Chapter 13.)

A year after Jess settles in at the ranch, a member of the Sherman household realizes some questions about the war may be better left unanswered. Inspired by the great episode "The Replacement," this story reimagines Captain Halleck's arrival happening while Andy and Jonesy are still home. This story can be understood without seeing the episode, but it may have a couple spoilers.

Although it is not related to this particular episode, this story was born entirely on a line in "The Confederate Express". "Because of you, I'm walking on two good legs." -Jess. What happens if there is no one there to save him?

Jess's first weeks at Sherman Ranch. This is a new version of a previous fic, slightly revised and extended to make it fit better with "Destiny."

Can the residents of the Sherman Ranch find a way to cope with a terrible loss?

A past kindness returned in an unusual way.

Two statements: "I mounted my horse, another notch in my gun. Sad in my heart, another battle I won," Ballad of Jess Harper and, "There's only two other ways to get to Laramie: the Canyon Road that's where I sent Herb and his boys, and Crestwood Trail, Johnny White and his brothers" – Bud Carlin. This story plays with both ideas; set during Jess' first week on the ranch.

A band of outlaws bring violence and grief to the Sherman Ranch, sending Jess Harper spiraling down the vengeance trail

Missing scenes from the episode Bitter Glory; how did Jess get back to Laramie?

With Slim in Denver on stage-line business, Jess is forced into a gunfight in the Sherman Ranch yard. Now he's certain that, to protect his newfound family from possible harm, he must give them up. I've added nine numbered chapter heads for those who find one big chunk of fic difficult to read.

What happened after Coop Smith killed Sam Pulaski in the town plaza?

Companion piece to "The Beginning of the End," and sequel to "Men of Defiance," showing what happened after Jess returned to Sherman Ranch.

Missing scene from the episode Zebedee Titus: How did Coup get into such a mess?

Sent to buy horses up north, Jess is reported killed, and Slim takes the buckboard to "fetch him home." But when he gets there, the body isn't Jess.