These stories were all sparked by a single urgent message:
a telegram and a cry for help!

***
A Friend in Need by Bakerj
Of all the people to be in need, Silas Davis was the last on Joe’s list to help.
Rating: PG Word Count: 10,077
Desperate Times bysmp4ever
Little did Joe know what he was about to encounter after he traveled to see S.Davis to uncover the desperate straits.
Rating: PG Word Count: 11,368
Dire Straits by Beppina
Ben receives a wire requesting urgent help. Are Joe and Hoss up to the challenge?
Rating: G Word count: 6766
Luck was on our Side by jfclover
A telegram—A madman—And three determined Cartwrights. Let the adventure begin.
Rated: PG Word Count: 9500
Sirius Major by lykkirykki
A desperate plea for help leads to a new job for the newest family member of the Cartwright Clan
Rating: G Word Count:1,930
The Lost Son by littlejoefan
Joe helps Ben’s old rival put his life back together again
Rating: G Word Count: 4,360
The Telegram by Marcella Petillo
A telegram with a desperate request for help disrupts normal life at Ponderosa. Hoss sets off to help, but is never heard from again. Joe’s concern turns into nightmares, and the young man senses that his brother is in danger”.
Rating: G Word Count: 8301