Fedor Chuga is a Pomor. A descendant of free Novgorodians and pirate “ear-men” (uškujniks), famous for their wild temper and love of freedom. Fedor traveled widely until he ended up in the western United States—the land of cowboys, Native Americans, and gold seekers. In a world where the most decisive word belongs to a “Colt.” Fedor Chuga fit into this world the way a bullet fits into a Winchester’s rifling. There were many Russians in that California of the time, but none of them had a reputation that could surpass the fame of the brave Pomor.