Road to Rhohas – Chapter 2
Osmur adjusted his tunic again as he stepped from the door of his home. Satisfied it was in place, he began a leisurely walk through his town to report to his office. He purposefully established his residence, one of the few built with stone in this rugged town, near the edge of town to make this walk—to see and be seen. As Prefect, he thought it critical to gather information firsthand regarding the activities of his citizens and the human labor force, to fully understand the inner workings of the production and trade that kept Rhohas alive.
He made a mental note to ask Gressa, his beautiful wife of almost 10 years, to let out the seam of the tunic a bit—or make less delicious food. He was getting soft, and hefty. He wriggled his snout with chagrin. The general assumption from the capital, Central City, was that a hard edge was needed to run the Bordertowns. Not that they received much oversight from the City, especially when quotas were met and reportable incidents rare. Nonetheless, a chimpanzee who still harbored designs to move away from the draining life of the border to a more cultured life nearer the City needed to keep up appearances. He decided to conduct a town walk today. See and be seen—and perhaps shed a pound.
"Prefect Osmur! Prefect, Sir!" a familiar voice called out from across the town square as he neared his office.
Osmur turned and waited, one hand tapping the other, as he watched a tall human trot in his direction. The Prefect was pleased to note that the town bustled with early morning life. Apes passed him with a nod as they strolled to their businesses, and humans scurried about their work, heads bowed with respect as they passed around him.
"Prefect," the human stopped in front of the chimpanzee, his eyes lowered as he held his right hand over his left arm, stumped at the wrist, and waited for Osmur to acknowledge him.
"Trayus," the Prefect spoke the name as he studied the man for a moment. He stood at least four inches taller than him, his blond hair squared around his face. Osmur didn't know how to read age in humans, but he understood this one to be of similar age to himself, 40 years or so. The rounded end of his left arm an ever-present reminder of the dangers of mining work, he had lost his hand some 15 years ago in a milling accident when the stone slipped, crushing his fingers. Kaykos, the town veterinarian for over 30 years, determined that the only way to spare his life was to remove the hand. Many would have allowed the man to die, but the female chimp was known to have a soft spot for these creatures. Osmur had been Prefect for over five years, and he had come to respect her judgement. The humans could often be salvaged and still contribute even after challenging injuries. Trayus was a good example.
The man waited patiently for the Prefect's permission to continue. Osmur cleared his throat, and his thoughts of his musings. "You may speak." Osmur wasn't an overly officious type, but standards needed to be maintained, especially in the rough lands where they lived.
"Thank you for pausing to speak to me, Prefect. The Circle has been training on the cutting of gemstones, sir. Your permission is needed to obtain additional material for practice, sir."
"Hmm. Gemstones. A precious commodity," Osmur noted.
"Made more precious when properly cut, sir." Trayus' blue eyes darted briefly to the face of the chimpanzee.
"It does, indeed. We can charge double in the trades. See Kelgar for a list of what he can spare and present it to Judan for my signature. Is that all?"
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Trayus kept his head down as he took two steps back. He thought it best not to tell the Prefect that the list from Kelgar, the chimpanzee Guild Master of the Gem Cutters, was already in his pocket. He had learned that this Prefect preferred to know what was being asked of him before he was asked by his assistant, Judan. He would seek out the orangutan later in the day to give the appearance of the proper order of things. Osmur waved his hand in dismissal, and Trayus turned to go to the circle of stones he had built outside of town and where he conducted his daily routine.
He had gone but a few steps when a thundering sound reverberated from the east. The unmistakable pounding of galloping horses vibrated throughout the surrounding hills throwing echoes into the town. Billowing dust shimmered in the light of the sun which hung low in the eastern sky, hiding the approaching herd.
Osmur held his hand across his brow attempting to block the sun, but the orb stubbornly obscured his vision of anything but bright light and dust clouds. He felt the entire village freeze in place; all eyes turned to the mystery or menace that neared. Frightened murmurs grew louder as the cloud neared. An infant wailed.
The door of the prefecture office flung open as Judan rushed from the interior. He and Osmur exchanged quick acknowledgements, both attempting to keep their faces a mask. Rhohas was a prosperous town but this far north, visitors were few. Only the trade wagons ventured here regularly. Osmur took strong steps in the direction of the sound as a platoon-sized number of mounted troopers emerged from the dust and spread a wide semi-circle into the town square. The Prefect held his breath as the lead rider wearing the raised helmet with general rank markings became clear.
He felt his heart stop completely when he recognized the Chief of Security, Commander of the Ape Forces, General Urko astride a white horse. The imposing beast—both ape and horse, Osmur admitted—danced in front of him.
Urko! In Rhohas! No good can come from this! The Prefect tightened his lips together. Osmur took another step forward. He felt his assistant, Judan join him a step behind. He had to admit that he appreciated the support that it gave him, and he found a strong voice.
"Chief Urko. Welcome to Rhohas. What an unexpected pleasure."
Pleased that he was recognized, Urko crossed his hands across his saddle horn as he peered down at the chimpanzee and orangutan standing before him. He turned his gaze across the town. No one moved. All eyes, ape and human, stared with a mix of trepidation and curiosity. He took a breath. They will all know the taste fear in their mouths before this day is done, he promised himself. He lowered a withering leer back at the chimpanzee.
"Prefect."
In a stroke of luck that Urko could not have planned better, a thumping of horses came from the west. The beasts galloped across the town center, forcing the mesmerized population to cry out and scatter. A squad of seven armed troopers pulled in front of the platoon, trapping Osmur and Judan in the center of the pawing hooves. One trooper stayed in motion and joined the troops at Urko's back with a stiff nod to his chief.
"Lieutenant," Urko greeted the garrison commander. He sat astride a black horse with a marked white chest, a close mirror of the vest emblazoned with a 'V' worn by the gorilla.
"All are in place so we shall begin," Urko announced. His deep voice reached the edges of the town center. All movement stilled once more. The sound of the young crying caused him to wriggle his snout. It perturbed him that he was unable to distinguish ape from human from the squalling. It was on the tip of tongue to dismiss them and their mothers, but he realized he preferred the growing tension.
"As the Chief of Security Forces and Member of the High Council, it is my duty to secure and safeguard all apes from the dangers that hide in plain sight," the gorilla began as he scanned the square once more. His eyes fell on a human, tall, clutching his hands together, pressed against the stone wall of the Prefect Office mere feet away. Urko felt the grin he kept hidden from his lips. The human was suitably bowed but also suitably blond. Now he just needed another.
"Prefect—?" Urko paused with a condescending nod toward the ape.
"Osmur," the chimpanzee responded after a pause once he understood the question. "I am Prefect Osmur of Rhohas, at your service. My assistant, Judan." He waved toward the orangutan. Urko noted that Osmur kept his face blank while the younger ape's eyes darted with nervousness. I will find your weaknesses soon enough, Prefect.
"And you are—?" Urko lifted his steely gaze toward the garrison commander who sat stiffly upon his horse. Urko was pleased to see the squad remained at attention, eyes forward. Only a twitch of the lieutenant's right hand gave away his apprehension as he faced his supreme commander.
"Lieutenant Balden, sir. Commander of the Rhohas Garrison," he raised his voice as he announced himself.
Urko knew both names, of course. He entered the town prepared, but thought it best to watch them squirm. The silverback gorilla pulled himself up in the saddle, accentuating his massive height and expanding his huge chest as he prepared to initiate his take-over of this town.
"Word has reached me that Rhohas boils with unrest; your slave force questions their place and seek to revolt against their Masters. Such treason will be met with swift and immediate annihilation." Urko allowed his baritone to fill the town, ensuring that all heard his warning. He glanced toward his 'Virdon' still unmoving against the wall, seeing confusion cross his face.
"Chief Urko," Osmur spoke, taking a firm step toward his horse, "we have no such troubles in Rhohas. Our humans obey and serve without question. I fear you have come a long way for baseless rumors."
Urko ignored him.
"Lieutenant Balden, Lieutenant Ullic," the Chief gestured to the gorilla who sat slightly behind him to his right. "Gather every male human of working age and have them kneeling before me in this square within the hour. Have your troopers search every structure. Every hut. Every field. Let no one leave this town without my expressed permission. Use whatever force is necessary."
"Yes, sir," Ullic snapped. Familiar with Urko's expectations and devoted to his cause, he gave a brisk nod. He turned to the platoon drawn from the maligned troopers from Central City marked for this duty due to their perceived involvement in allowing Burke—the much sought after Enemy of the State— to escape and disappear back into the countryside. The human had been caught by a southern garrison and brought to Central City to face his crimes. All had heard of his display on the Public Wall where humans were dangled before the crowds to remind them of the punishment they would receive for any infraction of ape law. This Burke had defied them and stood when he should have fallen, causing ripples of panic through the City as word of his rebelliousness spread. Every gorilla in this platoon had either witnessed or heard of the fight between Urko and the man—an actual conflict with a human challenging their general. The humans of the City had remained quiet, but many apes questioned the decision that allowed Burke to live. He was held for several days in an unknown location but moved to the Southern Hospital where Urko intended an experimental surgery to alter his brain to remove his free will and force willing compliance to his Masters. Except he escaped—
Despite an exhaustive search, Burke's known companions, another human called Virdon and Galen, a chimpanzee who defied all reason to join the men, were never caught. No one doubted it was those two who successfully pulled Burke from the hospital to fade like smoke into nothingness. Of course, Galen's parents were suspect, but Yalu, his father, was a well-connected politician currently serving on the Council. With no evidence to support their involvement, recriminations turned elsewhere. Some apes faced charges; a few would serve in labor camps, others reassignment or loss of rank. Every gorilla here carried the sting of a reprimand for simply being near the situation and now rode with Urko to learn the hard lesson of field duty.
Ullic had every intention of returning from Rhohas absolved of any perception of failure by fulfilling his duty with a badge of honor for his part in the crushing of a human rebellion in the Borderlands. He repeated Urko's orders aloud, pointing to his sergeants with specific assignments to begin the round-up of the humans.
"Balden? Did you not hear your orders? Every adult human male will be kneeling in this square within the hour, or YOU will face the consequences," Urko's tone lowered to a growl as the garrison commander froze in place at the magnitude of his instructions. Compounded by the ice twist in his stomach, Balden knew of no such troubles in the town, but was fully aware he would be held responsible for allowing an insurrection to exist under his very nose. "Begin with that one," Urko pointed to Trayus, clinging to the wall of the prefecture.
"Now see here!" Osmur found his voice as the grim-faced Balden nudged his horse forward toward the now wide-eyed human. "I will not have my entire town disrupted for ridiculous rumors that have found their way to Central City! Chief Urko, I must insist that you join me inside to discuss these stories that have been used to mislead you."
The gorilla turned a cold sneer back to the chimpanzee. "Prefect, you will either assist me or you will be held under guard until I am done." Urko stifled a chuckle as the ape moved his mouth soundlessly, unable to find the words to respond.
The orangutan next to him, recognizing the undeniable victor of this confrontation, lifted his eyes to the Chief. The first words hung in his throat but grew stronger as he spoke. "Tell us what you need Chief Urko. The Prefect dutifully serves the will of the Council and its Chief of Security."
Urko grimaced at the mention of the cowards of the Council but was pleased at how quickly this pair crumbled.
"Judan, was it?" The Security Chief tilted his head slightly. He was enjoying himself now. "I expect you to anticipate my needs. If I must ask, it is probably too late."
"Balden," Osmur pointedly ignored Urko's veiled threat as he turned to speak to the garrison commander, resuming at least the pretense of control of his town, "begin at the Work Centers to bring the men here." He then directed his comments to the human. "Trayus, move to the center of the square and organize the men into lines as they arrive."
"Yes, Prefect," Trayus murmured as he lowered his head and trotted away, moving gingerly around the horses. Balden, on the other hand, paused and stared at Urko until a wave of his black glove released him.
"Follow me," the commander ordered his six troopers. He wheeled his horse to ride back out the way they had come. The main work centers lined the western road on the way to the mines.
Finally, the Prefect returned his gaze to the Chief of Security, even as he addressed his comments elsewhere. "Judan, go ensure that the visitor's quarters are prepared for Chief Urko. Alert Gressa of his arrival so that proper meals can be prepared for our guest. I am sure he had his fill of travel rations on their journey from Central City." The young orangutan nodded and began a brisk walk toward the residence of the Prefect where he would find Gressa. The Prefect's wife knew her responsibilities to ensure the needs of visiting dignitaries, not that many came here, and would need little instruction. He took a single glance back before quickening his pace. He wanted to return as quickly as possible. The thought had not escaped him that successful cooperation with the Chief of Security of Central City would be a boon to his career and a possible steppingstone away from the post he currently held. Osmur was a decent sort and Judan's job was not taxing, but he had no intentions of spending his life in the backcountry when the prestige of the City beckoned. He heard Osmur speaking as he hurried away.
"Chief Urko, we were not advised of your arrival. Although we can provide for you as an honored guest, I'm afraid that your troops will need to fend for themselves," Osmur spoke coolly. He refused to be intimidated, ignoring the thunder of his heart beating in his ears.
Urko sat back in his saddle with a satisfied smirk. "Your hospitality is appreciated, Prefect. Now that we have an understanding, this investigation should conclude quickly."
"Investigation? We can move to the privacy of my office so that you may enlighten me," the chimpanzee fought to remind Urko of his official role, and the power it entailed.
"I will wait. You may carry on as you will," the gorilla announced absently, waving a hand in Osmur's direction.
The chimpanzee scowled. He was trapped. He had no choice but to stand and observe the on-going activity for to leave would place Urko fully in control of his town. Unacceptable.
Urko sat alone atop his horse as his troops either dismounted to begin a building-by-building search of the visible structures or had left on horseback in different directions to follow their orders. Ullic guided his horse to the human, Trayus, kicking out at him, and giving instructions about where the humans were to gather. He then moved through the area yelling and pointing at the males. Urko wriggled his snout from time to time but kept his expressions neutral otherwise. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched the Prefect move from one foot to the other but stayed nearby as if supervising along with the Security Chief.
Over the next hour, the sun rose, and the heat increased. Dozens of humans of differing shades of skin, age and dress entered the town square. Some singly, most in groups driven forward by his mounted troops. All moved with the fear Urko hoped to see. The blond called Trayus greeted them by name and directed them to kneel in the dirt into lengthening lines. The gorilla felt his satisfaction grow as the human assisted the elderly to the ground, laid a soothing hand on the shoulders of the young, and gave soft words of encouragement to them all to keep the situation calm. Similar to Virdon in yet another way, Urko noted.A leader, of sorts, as much as a human could do such a thing, making him a believable organizer of the rebellion. Urko would have smiled if he was willing to reveal his thoughts.
He shifted in his saddle as the troops returned and began to ring the square as the hour neared its end. He had yet to see the other face he sought, needed, to satisfy his own personal vengeance. He scowled considering that he may need to settle when voices sounded behind him. A trooper yelled at a group of four men bunched together, heads down, that walked past him. Until one glanced up, ever so briefly and Urko felt a disquieting lurch in his chest.
Dark hair, dark eyes.
Urko could not tear his gaze away. He followed as the human docilely joined the rest of the men of the town, nodded at the one called Trayus, and knelt quietly toward the end of one of the back rows. He whispered a few words to those around him but otherwise sat with his hands folded at his knees, his eyes on the ground.
Ahhh, human, you will come to hate Burke as much as I do.
A guttural laugh emerged as he kicked his horse forward. Osmur stiffened and looked up at the Security Chief as the gorilla made a sound for the first time in almost an hour. The chimpanzee had no choice but to follow.
"Let us begin!" the booming voice of the Security Chief announced.
Urko was pleased to see a large gathering of apes, mostly chimpanzees, a scattering of gorillas, and a few orangutans clinging to the walls of the buildings. Osmur dealt with one particular orang who was demanding to know how his losses of the day would be compensated. The assistant, Judan, had returned and hovered near the Prefect. Urko realized as an afterthought that he should have insisted that the female humans be brought as well, if for no other reason than to stoke fear; however, by the crowds of them hanging to the rear, he assumed most had come without his directive.
Quick computation showed almost a hundred human males knelt in the dirt before him. The one called Trayus took his place at one end of the first row without being told. Urko was glad to see that Osmur had been correct when he said his humans were obedient. It would make his work easier. He allowed the silence to build as he stared across the town square. A horse nickered, and he heard whimpering from among the crowd. He straightened, laying his hand across the stock of his rifle secured next to his knee.
"Citizens of Rhohas," Urko looked toward the apes, "a great disservice has been done to you. Your safety has been ignored and a pestilence allowed to grow around you!" The gorilla allowed the shocked murmurs to build and spread as the apes turned to one another. He saw Osmur begin to speak, think better of it, and close his mouth again. The human Trayus lifted his head slightly toward the Prefect. The dark-haired human he had targeted remained surprisingly still, almost unconcerned.
"Your needs will be ignored no longer. Before we are done, the leaders of the human rebellion will be identified and publicly executed." The ape voices grew as the anxiety levels rose, and many of the humans now began to stir nervously as the words reached them.
"Ullic."
"Yes, sir." The lieutenant kicked his horse to move in front of his commander.
"Select the troopers who will supervise the jail. Move those that I indicate to the cells," Urko continued. The gorilla reacted immediately to obey. Urko's surreptitious glance toward Balden revealed him anxiously awaiting instruction as a task that fell to his authority was removed. The lieutenant wisely remained silent. Let him wait.
"Prefect, my troopers will be assuming the security of your jail for the duration of my operation," Urko pronounced without making eye contact.
"As you wish, General. Judan, you will assist them," Osmur responded. Urko couldn't help the appreciative grunt from his own throat as the chimpanzee sought to curry his favor with the use of his official military rank once Urko declared this action under that purview. A clever chimp, indeed.
Six troopers designated to the jail positioned themselves along the first line of humans. He pointed to one of the creatures just to get things started.
"No, sir! I am obedient!" the man cried out as the soldier lifted him from the ground and began the walk to the jail. A single hysterical cry went up from the human crowd which was quickly hushed as others converged around a mousy looking female.
"Have that one wait behind the Prefect." Urko waved nonchalantly at Trayus, who obeyed immediately. "Release the first row." As they were released, the men scurried to the sides joining the woman. All waited, fear growing, as the general nudged his horse to the next row.
Over the next half hour, Urko moved with excruciating slowness, building the tension even as his own anticipation grew. Once again, the gods favored him today as his final target waited in the last row. He had selected nine to ten random men for appearances. He had little interest in them, although their frantic cries provided entertainment. His heart beat faster as he moved along the final row to his desired destination.
"YOU!" he shouted with more force than he realized as the dark head jerked up, brown eyes wide with fear in a priceless look of shock. Urko felt a satisfying ripple of pleasure through his body as he envisioned that look on his true nemesis, Burke, knowing the day would come that he would bring him down like the animal he was. His pleasure was fully consummated as he rode his horse back toward the Prefect. Both he and the human displayed similar shock when he ordered, "Bring that one, too," pointing to the light-haired man. Ullic prodded him with a rifle to direct him toward the jail.
"Balden!" he shouted before any arguments could be made.
"Yes, sir!" The lieutenant trotted his horse forward and sat stiffly in his saddle, waiting for his instructions.
"There are woods in this area?"
"Yes, Chief Urko."
"Build a cage in the town square. The rebels will be on full display for all to see as they await their execution."
"Yes, sir!" The gorilla had the sense to remain silent when his face revealed he had no idea how to complete his task.
"Requisition any labor you require. I want it done before nightfall. Understood?"
"Understood, sir," Balden noticeably sighed with relief. Urko saw his eyes dart toward the watching humans knowing which ones he could command to successfully complete the task.
"Begin," the Chief ordered as Balden sat unmoving. He jerked the head of his horse away and began shouting names.
"Judan, go with Lieutenant Balden," Osmur announced loud enough for Urko to hear. The gorilla grinned to himself.
Urko glanced at the sun. It was late morning and after the exertions of the day, he was hungry. He finally pulled his leg over his horse and dismounted. He waved his fingers at Osmur to draw him his direction and was happy to see him approach even as he scowled. Although it was unnecessary—the huge gorilla towered above the chimpanzee—he expanded his chest and held his arms away from his body to accentuate his physical dominance. Urko doubted the chimp even realized that he subconsciously lowered his head slightly to him.
"Osmur, it is time for the kind hospitality you have promised," he altered his tone to bring the chimpanzee a sense of ease that he could later exploit.
"Of course, Urko. Your quarters are this way," he gestured. "My wife, Gressa should have food prepared. I know she will be looking forward to meeting you."
"Well, lead the way," he said with a laugh as they fell into step together.
The day kept going Urko's way, he noted with contentment. The quarters Osmur provided were utilitarian, which suited him fine, clean and near the jail and town center. And although she had the misfortune of being related to Galen, Osmur's wife, Gressa, cooked well providing a filling meal. The Prefect seemed to have accepted that he would need to cooperate with him if he hoped to maintain his position—he wouldn't, Urko would see to that—but it made the rest of the day go smoothly.
Osmur demonstrated the annoying courtesy of the government types by avoiding discussion of the matters of the day as they ate, choosing instead to engage in small talk about the functioning of the town and its rich contributions to the State and Central City. It did remind Urko of the need to pull the mine operations into his investigation. Bulta, his long-time friend and assistant, had recommended one of the troopers to liaison with the mining overseer—what was his name? Messar,… Melear,… Meelar, that was it. Said he had some useful skills for this mission. He would need to send him out after his initial interrogations to reinforce the notion that the humans responded to his successful questioning.
Even Osmur's pathetic attempts at the proper courtesies worked to the gorilla's advantage. When the Prefect was ready to broach the subject of the investigation, and its doubtful veracity, he was able to dismiss the conversation in order to return to the jail and his "suspects."
"Did you wish to join me in my interrogations, Prefect?" Urko offered as he rose from the table.
"I, um, I suppose I must. These humans fall under my jurisdiction," Osmur justified to himself the need to engage in tasks he found most distasteful.
"Indeed, they do," the Chief concurred. Osmur felt a chill as the gorilla smiled ominously, grasping the inference of responsibility immediately.
"Let us begin then," Osmur reluctantly agreed as he pulled his tunic down over his expanding girth. He idly thought that he would prefer a different approach to weight loss as he was barely able to eat. His dear Gressa, who had served as an exemplary hostess, flashed him a sweet smile of encouragement as they left to go to the jail.
Eleven humans were placed in the four cells of the jail. Urko pulled each one individually into the main office area, pushing them roughly into a chair. A trooper, gun in hand, stood in front of the exterior door to prevent any attempts at escape. Osmur sat at the desk, making notes as it struck him that he needed to be prepared to make an appeal to the Council. His nose twitched as Urko shook the humans by their clothing or grabbed at their hair or threatened more stringent techniques—hanging by the thumbs or lashing with a whip was used often—but Osmur acknowledged their own overseers treated them with similar handling. He could make no complaints about Urko's techniques.
Urko finished with the sixth man, all of whom denied any involvement of rebellion and pleaded loyalty to their Masters. Some provided names of humans from the mines, but none made any accusations against another, crying that they would report any such talk if they had heard it. Osmur felt a level of smug calm rising as the gorilla failed to solicit a whiff of misconduct among his humans.
The Chief took a short break to send one of his troopers to the mines, saying he intended to arrange a meeting with the mine overseer as there were suspicions that the rebellion initiated with those slaves. The Overseer was an unsavory gorilla by the name of Vulko whose methods of management of his slaves was highly questionable, leaving a near constant shortage of labor. Osmur latched onto that theory, thinking he would be happy to defer blame in his direction should Urko twist a confession from one of the humans. He knew Kaykos, the veterinarian, would celebrate his termination. Many of her patients stemmed from his abuse rather than injuries in the mine.
The mid-afternoon interrogations followed a similar pattern, although Urko seemed to be taking more time with each man. A slap, a twisted arm, a kick to the shin. Reasonable force that could not be construed as coercion. And no evidence of Urko's rebellion. Osmur caught the gorilla glancing outside with some frequency.
"Down to the last two," the Prefect noted as much to himself as to the Security Chief.
"What are they called?" Urko asked.
"Trayus is the older. I think you remember him from this morning. The last is a wagon driver called Phyn," Osmur offered, pleased that he could identify most of the labor he supervised. "I must admit surprise that you suspect Trayus."
Urko turned slowly to meet the eyes of the Prefect. "Oh, do you vouch for him?" The gorilla's innocent tone sent a warning shock through the chimpanzee.
"Well," he blustered, recognizing he entered dangerous territory. "Um, he has been a dependable producer and reliable," Osmur explained, but seeing the wicked grin curl at Urko's lip and remembering his veiled threat of casting blame, the Prefect knew better than to engage with the Security Chief. No human was worth risking his career. He went on, "But who can know what evil a human might hide."
"On that we can agree, Prefect."
The sounds of a wagon floated through the window minutes before Balden opened the jail door and stepped past the armed guard.
"Chief Urko, the materials have been acquired. I need your final approval for the location of the cage you want erected." The garrison commander kept his eyes straight, his arms stiff.
Urko blinked slowly, wishing he had time for a game of Shells. He couldn't lose a turn today. He had delayed his final interviews until he could rid himself of the chimpanzee. His Virdon and his Burke needed special attention—a reward to himself. His fists itched. It was time for Osmur to be gone.
"Prefect, I defer that decision to you."
"Judan—," Osmur began but was cut off.
"—seems to take pride in circumventing his Prefect," the gorilla suggested quietly. "Bring in the one called Trayus," Urko called to the guard.
"Ahh, well. Perhaps so." The chimpanzee was caught flat footed. "I was saying, Judah would like to make that decision, but I must leave you and handle this matter myself." Urko grinned. Ahh, for this type of good fortune on a race day, he mused to himself.
"Lock the door," Urko ordered as soon as the Prefect left. The guard reacted with precision as a second trooper pulled the human into the room and forced him into the chair with a thud.
Urko walked around the chair slowly, noting the sweat on the human's brow, the nervous tap of his right hand against… a stump. He was deformed. Of little matter. He broke two fingers on his remaining hand and closed one eye when he denied any knowledge of organizing a rebellion in the town. Urko asked few questions, but the man did seem to be hiding something. Not a rebellion. Something unspoken about the town though. It piqued the gorilla's curiosity, but it would have to wait. Trayus was still able to walk unaided as the trooper shoved him back to his cell.
Urko experienced a primeval stirring as the one they called Phyn was thrown in the chair before him. He appeared young as much as Urko recognized such things. His arms were thick, evidence of heavy labor, his body broad but muscular. The human folded his hands in his lap, his dark head down, his face unseen. He respectfully waited for his ape Master to speak. Urko had waited all day for this. Every muscle tingled with anticipation. He grabbed the man by his black hair and jerked his head up, staring into brown eyes suddenly wide with fright.
"Ahh, this could have been a perfect day if only you were Burke," he mused aloud.
Urko asked no questions. In fact, the only muttered words the dark-haired human Phyn heard the gorilla speak as the fists pounded him again and again was the name 'Burke.' Against all his indoctrination that he was not allowed to speak to an ape without permission, he heard himself finally cry out, "I know no Burke, sir!"
"Ahhh, but I do." The large gorilla yanked his face up by his chin, blood caked in his nostrils, one eye swollen shut, his gasps ragged against his tortured ribs. His open brown eye tried to look away with proper respect as the ape leaned in to stare at him, his hot breath brushing against his cheek. "And since Burke is not here, you human, will have to do."
And without another word, Urko took his glorious time to beat the dark-haired man into unconsciousness.