Ep 31. Is This Fort Really Necessary?

In season 2 episode 31 of F Troop, titled "Is This Fort Really Necessary?", the soldiers at Fort Courage begin to question the need for their post as they have not experienced any hostile actions from the Native Americans in the area. Captain Parmenter even mentioned in a letter to his superiors that the fort may no longer be necessary.

This idea is fueled when a group of Quakers arrive at the fort, on their way to California. They preach non-violence and their presence causes some of the soldiers to question if they should really be there, as they don't want to harm anyone who is peaceful.

Meanwhile, Sergeant O'Rourke and Corporal Agarn have their own problems to deal with. They have purchased a herd of cattle that is infected with a disease and are trying to sell them off before anyone notices. However, when they try to sell them to the Quakers, they are denied because they refuse to profit off of something that could harm others.

As tensions rise and opinions on the necessity of the fort become divided, a group of Native Americans arrive and request to speak with the captain. They explain that they have been peaceful the whole time, and have never had any intentions of attacking the fort. They also provide a gift of fresh food, indicating that they want to be on good terms with the soldiers.

After hearing their message, Captain Parmenter realizes the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the Native Americans and decides to stay at the fort, but only under the condition that all soldiers will treat the natives with respect and kindness. The Quakers are then impressed by this change of heart and offer to help the soldiers in any way they can.

The episode ends with the soldiers working alongside the Quakers to build a new schoolhouse for the children of the fort, a symbol of the new sense of community that has been established between all parties involved.