"Don't tell me you don't want Urko dead, Burke," Malachi said evenly. He
took a step towards Elta.
"I do. I did.. " Burke shook his head. For a moment, the number of apes in the room doubled before his eyes.
"It's too late to turn back. After what you did to that gorilla today."
"It's called self-defense, Malachi. What's your excuse?" Burke flared, looking into Malachi's malevolent face.
"I was there, Burke. Pergis and I arrived in time to see it. There was nothing we could do for you until after you'd fled the scene.. Are you sure it was self-defense?"
Burke watched Malachi, eyes narrowing. "I repeat. what's your excuse?"
Malachi shrugged. "Urko has committed numerous crimes, has he not? All while operating under the sanctity of the law." He paused. "Are you forgetting how much he wants you dead?" He sidled still closer to Elta. A flash of loathing appeared on her face as she stared back and forth between the two.
"Get away from her, Malachi," Burke said.
"Or what? It's true I would be petrified of you, knowing how casually you kill, if it weren't for this weapon.."
"That makes you a big ma.. ape, does it?"
Pergis stepped forward. "Malachi, enough. Give me the gun."
Malachi laughed. "Pergis, you are a good ape. I'm sorry you had to be involved."
"Involved in what?" asked Pergis softly.
"Everything just fell into place, Pergis. Do you believe that? I did nothing. or almost nothing. Your convictions led you to this path. I merely nudged you along."
"Look, just tell us what you want, Malachi. Why are you here?" Pete asked.
"I'm here to kill Urko. Just as you said," Malachi replied. His eyes were like black stones. Burke stared at him. He wanted Urko dead, too. but much of the anger he carried had vanished in a cold white fog after he'd killed the guard. He was numb.
Did he really want to come into Urko's home and kill him - in cold blood? His head throbbed unceasingly, confusing him further. He put a hand on the back of his neck, trying to think. He must be crazy. He looked at Elta, and felt a stab of remorse. He hated Urko for what he'd done to Liska.. a voice inside his head added, whispering, and to Alan. to yourself. For what had happened between the three friends as a result.
C'mon, Pete, you did that all on your own, he thought. Nobody helped. How far are you willing to go?
It's too late, whispered the voice. You can't go back. He squeezed his eyes shut briefly. "It's a wonder you didn't die, lying in our hide-out. but you're tenacious, I'll give you that." Pete almost thought it was the voice in his head still speaking. But it was Malachi, and his voice brought anger seeping back.
Trahern and the other chimp dragged the motionless body of the gorilla guard into the room and laid him in the corner. "I hope he'll be all right." murmured Trahern.
Burke knelt down to him and examined him. "He's out cold, but he's breathing just fine. He'll be okay," he said, and stood.
Malachi laughed. "Such concern! For a gorilla, no less."
"Everyone here knows what Burke did today. I told them exactly what happened. exactly as I saw it. They know what the soldiers are like. They made their choice," Pergis said firmly.
"Everyone knows but me," said Elta. Heads swiveled in surprise at her voice. "You come in my home, you threaten my life, and my husband's. yet I know nothing of why you are here. Why you would do this."
"Surely you know enough of your husband's activities to know why this is possible," Pergis replied.
"He is a leader. He does what must be done. What others are afraid to do," she said, steel in her voice.
"He's a murderer! He killed Pergis's cousin," cried Trahern.
"We must be protected. sometimes, even from others amongst us," said Elta.
"Urko's wife admits to it!" said Malachi, amused.
"Here in this room, yes." She glared at the apes surrounding her. "Chimps are pacifists. so I thought. The authority my husband carries comes with enormous responsibility. Someone must make the hard choices. the ones no one wants to make. Urko does this willingly for all apes."
"I must say, I've never thought of Urko's generosity of spirit before," Malachi mused, eyes glinting.
"What of the murderer in your midst?" Elta cried, turning to Burke. All eyes followed.
She took advantage of the distraction, turning swiftly to Malachi, flinging her arm wide and hitting him in the mouth. He shrieked and brought his free hand up, almost incidentally catching her other hand in mid-air as it headed for his mid-section. Swiftly, he brought her arm around her back, pulling it upwards. She grunted as he jammed the gun into her temple.
"Stop this!" shouted Pergis.
"Pergis. didn't you know where your resolve could take you? To this moment? Ah, you are a good ape, Pergis, but so naïve," said Malachi softly, attempting to cover his anger. Blood ran from the corner of his mouth. He held tightly to Elta, who threw him a look of mingled disgust and fear.
"Malachi! What are you doing?" Burke said loudly, drawing attention to himself.
"It's strictly self-defense... Pete." Malachi stared at him.
Burke stared coolly back. "Don't get distracted. Urko could come in here any moment."
"We have guards outside," said Malachi. His hand shook as he pressed the muzzle into Elta's temple.
Pete laughed derisively. "Yeah. Two little university chimps.. I mean, it's all we've got, but I wouldn't count on 'em to stop Urko." He regarded Malachi skeptically. "Maybe I gave you too much credit."
Urko pushed the half-opened front door ajar still further and walked silently, slowly through the candle-lit hall. His pistol was drawn. He'd easily disabled those poor excuses for lookouts after realizing his soldiers were no longer at their posts. The students lay motionless where he'd taken them down.
He listened, disbelieving, to Burke's voice. In his home! His chest tightened with the effort to contain himself. He peered around the corner of the doorway. Burke's back was to him. Urko trained his pistol upon Pete and tightened his finger on the trigger.
"You don't need to kill her, Malachi. Urko's the one you want," Burke said clearly.
Urko lowered his pistol. Carefully he peered further around the door. Elta. Elta was being held by a strange chimpanzee. a gun to her head. Burke, trying to dissuade the chimpanzee.
Pergis spotted him and gasped. Making up his mind, Urko stepped quietly just inside the room. Malachi and the others froze in surprise. "Tell me what you want," he said, commanding.
Malachi spoke, recovering with an effort. "Put the gun down."
Urko laughed.
"Do you want her to die?" Malachi asked, nodding at Elta.
"You're already dead. whoever you are." Urko looked at him grimly.
Burke interrupted. "Malachi, stay with your objective."
Malachi issued a strained laugh. "Don't be in such a hurry, Burke. I promise I'll kill him." He turned to Urko. "You don't remember me?"
"I don't care who you are. Let Elta go and I won't kill you."
Malachi raised his brow. "Is that a request? I have one of my own. Try to remember. a horse race. In Parga. The prefect's name was Mordan."
"What of it!" Urko bellowed, striding closer.
"Stop!" said Burke, stepping in front of Urko. "I can help you," he said, in a low voice. "I know him. what makes him tick." Urko looked at the astronaut's bruised face. He was full of loathing, yet he made no further move.
"Mordan was one of the many prefects that you bested in your horse races. You forced him to bet everything. He lost everything. Everything he owned. His wife left him. My mother. He was completely ruined.
And you don't even remember," Malachi snarled.
Urko shrugged. "It was inconsequential."
"Are you crazy? Do you want to die, do you want her to die?" Burke demanded of Urko. "Just shut up a minute. Malachi, listen, you don't want to do this. What has she ever done to you? It's him, Malachi, him. Not her."
"I'll kill them both, Burke. Why do you care? I've gone too far. It's too late," Burke blinked rapidly and shook his head, regretting it almost immediately. Those words. so familiar. "None of us can afford witnesses, if nothing else."
Pergis spoke quietly. "You can't do this."
Malachi grinned. "Oh, but I can."
"My husband did this to you? And your family?" asked Elta, surprising everyone.
"He did this to many others, Elta," said Burke softly.
She glanced at him dismissively. "The ape killer. Everyone here seems to think you are justified in your actions. I would never excuse you."
"I'm trying to save you, Elta. Does that count for anything?" Burke looked at her for a moment. She dropped her eyes. He turned to face Urko, waiting. Urko stared at him, then nodded reluctantly.
"Does Pergis mean nothing to you?" Pete asked Malachi.
"He was a means to an end. Ever since I came to understand who was truly responsible for my father's death -" Malachi's face twisted. Against all common sense, Pete felt a sudden twinge of pity.
"Your father is dead? There's no one left, then," said Pete, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "You know what I think. I think Pergis is more to you than what you claim. He's been kind to you, been your friend. Who knows how long it's been since anyone has been your friend, Malachi.. You owe it to Pergis to let her go. He doesn't want Elta's death on his conscience. She means nothing to you."
Malachi stared at him intently. A hint of something sorrowful crossed his face, then was gone. He pushed Elta violently to the side. "Consider my debt paid, then." He turned quickly to train the gun upon Urko, and at that instant Pete stepped forward and swiveled alongside Malachi, slamming his elbow directly into his stomach. As Malachi hunched over, Burke pulled his gun from him with both hands.
Urko fired his gun just as Trahern grabbed his arm and the bullet hit the couch. Urko swung his powerful arm, knocking Trahern down.
"I just saved your wife for you," Burke yelled, furious, ignoring the insistent pounding of his head. He raised the pistol and aimed at Urko.
"You should have let me kill both of them, Burke," said Malachi. His dark eyes were emotionless. "You still have the chance. Take it." He held a hand to his face where Trahern had slugged him.
"I saved her, do you hear me? Not you. A human saved your wife. We have minds, and a conscience, and souls. whatever your goddamned Lawgiver says to the contrary," Pete said.
"You kill apes," replied Urko flatly.
"And you kill humans. And apes. You're the equal opportunity guy, when it comes to killing."
"Let me show you my gratitude," said Urko. Suddenly he swiveled to Malachi and fired. The report of the gun was loud in the room. Malachi crumpled instantly, knocking over a potted plant as he fell. Burke watched him go down, his shaking hand still tracking Urko with the gun.
Malachi opened his eyes and looked painfully, reproachfully at Burke. "I told you. it's too late. There are no second chances. You can't save yourself, or anyone else, now."
Burke walked across the room towards Urko, keeping the gun pointed at him. Sweat ran down his forehead and blurred his vision.
Malachi said, weakly, "You're right to fear the humans. They'll wrest it all away from you, Urko. Your every fear will be realized. We're alike. but they're smarter. Look at the books. They'll be the masters and we'll be the beasts. again." He closed his eyes.
Burke heard the apes in the room mutter uneasily. He halted as he and Urko faced each other, mere feet apart, guns trained at each other. Suddenly Urko lunged forward, knocking Burke's arm aside, and the gun went flying. Urko grabbed his blue shirt in his fist and shook him, staring scornfully into his eyes, then pulled his arm back and slammed his weapon across Burke's face.
The rhythmic pounding in his head dissolved in the face of this new, encompassing agony. He lost his balance and fell to the floor, arching helplessly upwards at the impact. A high, thin ringing assailed his ears, and over this, a woman's voice. Liska. begging him to stay. He opened his mouth to tell her, to promise her he would, to promise her anything at all. This time she and her father would be safe.
He opened his eyes, uncomprehending as Urko's voice boomed at him from outside the deep tunnel he found himself in. The apes, the room... it all spun crazily, and he turned over, gagging.
Urko laughed.
Rage rammed up his spine at the sound. The bastard had killed her, her father. He climbed to his knees, clawing at the floor as it flip-flopped beneath him. Urko knelt down next to Pete. "Need some help, Burke?" he said in a jovial tone. Burke panted and forced himself to turn and look at Urko, saliva hanging in a thread from his mouth. "Sure." he croaked. Urko extended his arm, grinning. Burke grabbed the proffered arm and pulled himself upwards in a swift motion, yelping involuntarily as he sent his face crashing into Urko's.
He grabbed a thick, leathery chunk of skin between his teeth and bit down savagely. Urko shouted and jerked back, holding his hand over his bleeding cheek. Trahern rushed to Burke's aide, slamming Urko's arm down and picking up the gun as he dropped it. "Give it to me," said Burke fiercely. His own voice boomed at him eerily. He moaned, then shouted, heedless of the pain taking new life inside him, "Give it to me, now!" Trahern thrust the gun uncertainly into his hand. The hammering in his head resolved itself into great waves and he hung on, anger coursing through him. He rose and staggered to Urko, understanding there were no second chances for Liska and her father.
Malachi had been right all along. There was no turning back.
Pete knelt by Urko as he began to get up from the floor. He pointed the gun at Urko's forehead. "No, no, don't get up now," he said. He didn't think he could get up without falling. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, thinking. "I want you to stay down. Get over there," and he motioned.
There was a scuffle behind him, but Burke dared not look. Then Elta's voice, cursing the chimpanzees. "Move, Urko. now," he said. Urko pulled himself over to the chair, staring venomously at Pete. "Okay, Urko, that's a good ape. Now sit up. Slowly." Urko did as directed, leaning his back against the chair. Pete placed the muzzle of the gun in under the ape's chin, pointing directly upwards. "You move and you're dead. Got it?" Pete grinned at Urko's lack of response, but his eyes held no mirth. "Yeah, you got it."
There was a noise from deep inside his head -a droning, mechanical sound. Pete blinked, trying to focus. He knew Urko needed only an instant to finish him off, weak as he was. He was determined not to give him that instant.
"Where's Alan?"
Urko was silent. Pete ground the gun further up in under Urko's chin. "Answer!" It struck a chord in him. an answer, demanded. Ah yes, his dream. The wheel. Liska. 'Tell me who helped you.' He gritted his teeth against the memory.
"My soldiers were unable to capture him," Urko said tightly, and Burke wanted to sag with relief as he watched Urko's face. It was true. He kept his expression even with an effort.
"What about the disk?" There was no response. "The flight disk, Urko. What have you done with it? I'm warning you."
"You'll never find the disk without me. Not even Zaius knows its location. Are you willing to kill me without knowing where it is?" Urko said.
Again, the droning sound. Louder now. he frowned. Burke thought of Virdon. Then Liska, and Kabon. Galen. Poor Galen, who'd stuck his neck out for the astronauts. right into a noose. He'd been a good friend. A good ape. He focused on Urko. "I'm willing to let go of just about everything, Urko. In fact, I think I already have. don't you?" Urko's eyes widened as Pete's finger tightened on the trigger.
"What are you doing?" came Virdon's voice. Pete didn't turn. Virdon's stomach fell as he caught sight of Burke's sunken, puffy eyes, the bruises, his stranglehold grip on the gun.
"What the hell has happened to you. Pete. okay, okay." Alan took a deep breath and spoke firmly. "Just take it easy. Don't do anything rash. I'm gonna get you out of here."
"I've got everything under control, Alan."
"You." Alan stared at him. God. "I don't think so, Pete."
"I'm going to get your flight disk back," Pete said reasonably. His head wanted to droop.
"Okay. We'll get it. Don't worry, I'll take care of it."
The corner of Pete's mouth lifted as he smirked, darting a quick glance at Alan. "You think I'm crazy. It has been a rough day. you know?" he said. He grinned a little.
Alan stared at him and said, evenly, "I think you're in pretty deep. I'm going to get you out, though. You're not a killer - now give me the gun."
"Oh yes. he is. Your friend Burke is a murderer," said Urko.
"Do yourself a favor. keep quiet." Alan snapped.
Burke laughed, then clutched his head. "Joke's on you, Alan."
Virdon knelt swiftly beside Burke and said, intent, "Stay focused if you're going to point that thing, okay?" Burke jumped as he felt Urko move. He thrust the gun firmly and jabbed hard into flesh. "Don't think I've forgotten you, buddy," Pete whispered solemnly.
Virdon went to Pergis. "Give me that gun," gesturing to the gun Urko had knocked from Pete's hand. "Better check on those guards, too. they might be coming around soon. I've got to get Pete out of here. I don't think he's going to be on his feet much longer." He turned back to Urko and Burke.
"Tell Virdon. Tell him what you did to my soldier," said Urko, fighting to breathe evenly as the gun pressed upwards.
"What's he talking about?" Virdon asked.
"Yes, tell him, Burke! He killed one of my troops. in cold blood."
"You're lying!" Burke shouted. "I had no choice!" Alan looked at him, shocked. For an eerie instant, Burke fell back in time, trapped in a subway station. Urko grabbed him and shook him, accused him of lying. he'd been frantic then. As now.
That damned noise. Like an elevator.yeah. Picking up speed.
Alan knelt down, slowly, gun trained on Urko. He reached out for Burke's gun. Pete squeezed the trigger back, increasing the tension slightly, watching Alan's eyes. Alan looked at him, just for a moment, as though he'd never known him. As though he were a wild animal..
In his mind's eye, the elevator jolted, descending. How did he get here? How had it gotten to this point? He didn't know. Last trip down. God he was tired.
Alan spoke slowly, deliberately. "How much do you think you have to pay for Liska and Kabon? For me and my hopes of going home? You lost sight of what you're fighting for, you don't know what you're responsible for anymore. I don't want this from you. I just want you to stop, before it's too late."
"No second chances," Pete said quietly.
"Maybe. Maybe not. but don't take it all the way. You're in no shape to make decisions. I'm asking you not to do it."
"The murderer kills a killer. Galen is dead, did you know that?" said Burke, knowing in that moment that it was true. Alan's face drained of color. He looked sick.
Everything slowed around him. "I'm sorry, Alan," Pete mumbled. He'd just blurted it out, and now he couldn't take it back.
Full stop, ground zero. He was still looking at Urko, but he wasn't seeing him. Pete's finger tensed on the trigger for the last time.
"Galen's not dead."
Pete froze. Alan switched his gaze to Urko, startled.
"Nice try," said Burke.
"Hold on. Pete. I said hold it," Alan said, eyes steely.
"He's trying to save his bacon, Alan, can't you." started Burke, then his eyes widened as the caught sight of Malachi, motionless on the floor. He was the one who'd told the students that Galen was dead. Was it possible.?
"Where is Galen?" asked Burke. The gun wobbled and he ground his teeth together, concentrating.
"In jail," said Urko. His raw wound stung and throbbed where Burke had bit him. He wanted to kill him.
"Let me handle this," Alan said to Pete.
"I can't do that. Urko still has to answer for Liska and Kabon."
"Didn't you hear him? Galen is still alive. We've got to get him out and we need Urko to do it," Alan said. He grabbed his friend's arm and Pete looked at him blearily. "It's too late for Liska and Kabon. Not Galen." Burke looked at Alan, undecided. "Pete. consider it an order."
Burke's mouth twitched. ""Do they have colonels in Hell?"
"Somebody's got to keep an eye on you." Alan trained his gun on Urko. "Pergis. help him. It's my show now." Pergis bent over Burke, but Burke waved him back.
" Al.. the disk." For a bare instant, Alan looked startled. Pete scratched his jaw, feigning nonchalance, and eyed Alan. "Don't make me have to come back here."
Jesus. Alan shook his head, staring back at Pete. He didn't know who was crazier at this point. "Where is it, Urko? No more games."
Urko looked at him. "It's in my office. in the city." His voice blustered, as always. Alan watched him a moment, eyes narrowed. "Get up," Alan directed. He searched Urko carefully.
He found it in its leather pouch around the gorilla's waist. Alan pulled the flight disk from the pouch, surveying it. It shone dully in the candlelight. He turned to meet Urko's dark, emotionless gaze.
"Time to get Galen," Alan said.
"I do. I did.. " Burke shook his head. For a moment, the number of apes in the room doubled before his eyes.
"It's too late to turn back. After what you did to that gorilla today."
"It's called self-defense, Malachi. What's your excuse?" Burke flared, looking into Malachi's malevolent face.
"I was there, Burke. Pergis and I arrived in time to see it. There was nothing we could do for you until after you'd fled the scene.. Are you sure it was self-defense?"
Burke watched Malachi, eyes narrowing. "I repeat. what's your excuse?"
Malachi shrugged. "Urko has committed numerous crimes, has he not? All while operating under the sanctity of the law." He paused. "Are you forgetting how much he wants you dead?" He sidled still closer to Elta. A flash of loathing appeared on her face as she stared back and forth between the two.
"Get away from her, Malachi," Burke said.
"Or what? It's true I would be petrified of you, knowing how casually you kill, if it weren't for this weapon.."
"That makes you a big ma.. ape, does it?"
Pergis stepped forward. "Malachi, enough. Give me the gun."
Malachi laughed. "Pergis, you are a good ape. I'm sorry you had to be involved."
"Involved in what?" asked Pergis softly.
"Everything just fell into place, Pergis. Do you believe that? I did nothing. or almost nothing. Your convictions led you to this path. I merely nudged you along."
"Look, just tell us what you want, Malachi. Why are you here?" Pete asked.
"I'm here to kill Urko. Just as you said," Malachi replied. His eyes were like black stones. Burke stared at him. He wanted Urko dead, too. but much of the anger he carried had vanished in a cold white fog after he'd killed the guard. He was numb.
Did he really want to come into Urko's home and kill him - in cold blood? His head throbbed unceasingly, confusing him further. He put a hand on the back of his neck, trying to think. He must be crazy. He looked at Elta, and felt a stab of remorse. He hated Urko for what he'd done to Liska.. a voice inside his head added, whispering, and to Alan. to yourself. For what had happened between the three friends as a result.
C'mon, Pete, you did that all on your own, he thought. Nobody helped. How far are you willing to go?
It's too late, whispered the voice. You can't go back. He squeezed his eyes shut briefly. "It's a wonder you didn't die, lying in our hide-out. but you're tenacious, I'll give you that." Pete almost thought it was the voice in his head still speaking. But it was Malachi, and his voice brought anger seeping back.
Trahern and the other chimp dragged the motionless body of the gorilla guard into the room and laid him in the corner. "I hope he'll be all right." murmured Trahern.
Burke knelt down to him and examined him. "He's out cold, but he's breathing just fine. He'll be okay," he said, and stood.
Malachi laughed. "Such concern! For a gorilla, no less."
"Everyone here knows what Burke did today. I told them exactly what happened. exactly as I saw it. They know what the soldiers are like. They made their choice," Pergis said firmly.
"Everyone knows but me," said Elta. Heads swiveled in surprise at her voice. "You come in my home, you threaten my life, and my husband's. yet I know nothing of why you are here. Why you would do this."
"Surely you know enough of your husband's activities to know why this is possible," Pergis replied.
"He is a leader. He does what must be done. What others are afraid to do," she said, steel in her voice.
"He's a murderer! He killed Pergis's cousin," cried Trahern.
"We must be protected. sometimes, even from others amongst us," said Elta.
"Urko's wife admits to it!" said Malachi, amused.
"Here in this room, yes." She glared at the apes surrounding her. "Chimps are pacifists. so I thought. The authority my husband carries comes with enormous responsibility. Someone must make the hard choices. the ones no one wants to make. Urko does this willingly for all apes."
"I must say, I've never thought of Urko's generosity of spirit before," Malachi mused, eyes glinting.
"What of the murderer in your midst?" Elta cried, turning to Burke. All eyes followed.
She took advantage of the distraction, turning swiftly to Malachi, flinging her arm wide and hitting him in the mouth. He shrieked and brought his free hand up, almost incidentally catching her other hand in mid-air as it headed for his mid-section. Swiftly, he brought her arm around her back, pulling it upwards. She grunted as he jammed the gun into her temple.
"Stop this!" shouted Pergis.
"Pergis. didn't you know where your resolve could take you? To this moment? Ah, you are a good ape, Pergis, but so naïve," said Malachi softly, attempting to cover his anger. Blood ran from the corner of his mouth. He held tightly to Elta, who threw him a look of mingled disgust and fear.
"Malachi! What are you doing?" Burke said loudly, drawing attention to himself.
"It's strictly self-defense... Pete." Malachi stared at him.
Burke stared coolly back. "Don't get distracted. Urko could come in here any moment."
"We have guards outside," said Malachi. His hand shook as he pressed the muzzle into Elta's temple.
Pete laughed derisively. "Yeah. Two little university chimps.. I mean, it's all we've got, but I wouldn't count on 'em to stop Urko." He regarded Malachi skeptically. "Maybe I gave you too much credit."
Urko pushed the half-opened front door ajar still further and walked silently, slowly through the candle-lit hall. His pistol was drawn. He'd easily disabled those poor excuses for lookouts after realizing his soldiers were no longer at their posts. The students lay motionless where he'd taken them down.
He listened, disbelieving, to Burke's voice. In his home! His chest tightened with the effort to contain himself. He peered around the corner of the doorway. Burke's back was to him. Urko trained his pistol upon Pete and tightened his finger on the trigger.
"You don't need to kill her, Malachi. Urko's the one you want," Burke said clearly.
Urko lowered his pistol. Carefully he peered further around the door. Elta. Elta was being held by a strange chimpanzee. a gun to her head. Burke, trying to dissuade the chimpanzee.
Pergis spotted him and gasped. Making up his mind, Urko stepped quietly just inside the room. Malachi and the others froze in surprise. "Tell me what you want," he said, commanding.
Malachi spoke, recovering with an effort. "Put the gun down."
Urko laughed.
"Do you want her to die?" Malachi asked, nodding at Elta.
"You're already dead. whoever you are." Urko looked at him grimly.
Burke interrupted. "Malachi, stay with your objective."
Malachi issued a strained laugh. "Don't be in such a hurry, Burke. I promise I'll kill him." He turned to Urko. "You don't remember me?"
"I don't care who you are. Let Elta go and I won't kill you."
Malachi raised his brow. "Is that a request? I have one of my own. Try to remember. a horse race. In Parga. The prefect's name was Mordan."
"What of it!" Urko bellowed, striding closer.
"Stop!" said Burke, stepping in front of Urko. "I can help you," he said, in a low voice. "I know him. what makes him tick." Urko looked at the astronaut's bruised face. He was full of loathing, yet he made no further move.
"Mordan was one of the many prefects that you bested in your horse races. You forced him to bet everything. He lost everything. Everything he owned. His wife left him. My mother. He was completely ruined.
And you don't even remember," Malachi snarled.
Urko shrugged. "It was inconsequential."
"Are you crazy? Do you want to die, do you want her to die?" Burke demanded of Urko. "Just shut up a minute. Malachi, listen, you don't want to do this. What has she ever done to you? It's him, Malachi, him. Not her."
"I'll kill them both, Burke. Why do you care? I've gone too far. It's too late," Burke blinked rapidly and shook his head, regretting it almost immediately. Those words. so familiar. "None of us can afford witnesses, if nothing else."
Pergis spoke quietly. "You can't do this."
Malachi grinned. "Oh, but I can."
"My husband did this to you? And your family?" asked Elta, surprising everyone.
"He did this to many others, Elta," said Burke softly.
She glanced at him dismissively. "The ape killer. Everyone here seems to think you are justified in your actions. I would never excuse you."
"I'm trying to save you, Elta. Does that count for anything?" Burke looked at her for a moment. She dropped her eyes. He turned to face Urko, waiting. Urko stared at him, then nodded reluctantly.
"Does Pergis mean nothing to you?" Pete asked Malachi.
"He was a means to an end. Ever since I came to understand who was truly responsible for my father's death -" Malachi's face twisted. Against all common sense, Pete felt a sudden twinge of pity.
"Your father is dead? There's no one left, then," said Pete, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "You know what I think. I think Pergis is more to you than what you claim. He's been kind to you, been your friend. Who knows how long it's been since anyone has been your friend, Malachi.. You owe it to Pergis to let her go. He doesn't want Elta's death on his conscience. She means nothing to you."
Malachi stared at him intently. A hint of something sorrowful crossed his face, then was gone. He pushed Elta violently to the side. "Consider my debt paid, then." He turned quickly to train the gun upon Urko, and at that instant Pete stepped forward and swiveled alongside Malachi, slamming his elbow directly into his stomach. As Malachi hunched over, Burke pulled his gun from him with both hands.
Urko fired his gun just as Trahern grabbed his arm and the bullet hit the couch. Urko swung his powerful arm, knocking Trahern down.
"I just saved your wife for you," Burke yelled, furious, ignoring the insistent pounding of his head. He raised the pistol and aimed at Urko.
"You should have let me kill both of them, Burke," said Malachi. His dark eyes were emotionless. "You still have the chance. Take it." He held a hand to his face where Trahern had slugged him.
"I saved her, do you hear me? Not you. A human saved your wife. We have minds, and a conscience, and souls. whatever your goddamned Lawgiver says to the contrary," Pete said.
"You kill apes," replied Urko flatly.
"And you kill humans. And apes. You're the equal opportunity guy, when it comes to killing."
"Let me show you my gratitude," said Urko. Suddenly he swiveled to Malachi and fired. The report of the gun was loud in the room. Malachi crumpled instantly, knocking over a potted plant as he fell. Burke watched him go down, his shaking hand still tracking Urko with the gun.
Malachi opened his eyes and looked painfully, reproachfully at Burke. "I told you. it's too late. There are no second chances. You can't save yourself, or anyone else, now."
Burke walked across the room towards Urko, keeping the gun pointed at him. Sweat ran down his forehead and blurred his vision.
Malachi said, weakly, "You're right to fear the humans. They'll wrest it all away from you, Urko. Your every fear will be realized. We're alike. but they're smarter. Look at the books. They'll be the masters and we'll be the beasts. again." He closed his eyes.
Burke heard the apes in the room mutter uneasily. He halted as he and Urko faced each other, mere feet apart, guns trained at each other. Suddenly Urko lunged forward, knocking Burke's arm aside, and the gun went flying. Urko grabbed his blue shirt in his fist and shook him, staring scornfully into his eyes, then pulled his arm back and slammed his weapon across Burke's face.
The rhythmic pounding in his head dissolved in the face of this new, encompassing agony. He lost his balance and fell to the floor, arching helplessly upwards at the impact. A high, thin ringing assailed his ears, and over this, a woman's voice. Liska. begging him to stay. He opened his mouth to tell her, to promise her he would, to promise her anything at all. This time she and her father would be safe.
He opened his eyes, uncomprehending as Urko's voice boomed at him from outside the deep tunnel he found himself in. The apes, the room... it all spun crazily, and he turned over, gagging.
Urko laughed.
Rage rammed up his spine at the sound. The bastard had killed her, her father. He climbed to his knees, clawing at the floor as it flip-flopped beneath him. Urko knelt down next to Pete. "Need some help, Burke?" he said in a jovial tone. Burke panted and forced himself to turn and look at Urko, saliva hanging in a thread from his mouth. "Sure." he croaked. Urko extended his arm, grinning. Burke grabbed the proffered arm and pulled himself upwards in a swift motion, yelping involuntarily as he sent his face crashing into Urko's.
He grabbed a thick, leathery chunk of skin between his teeth and bit down savagely. Urko shouted and jerked back, holding his hand over his bleeding cheek. Trahern rushed to Burke's aide, slamming Urko's arm down and picking up the gun as he dropped it. "Give it to me," said Burke fiercely. His own voice boomed at him eerily. He moaned, then shouted, heedless of the pain taking new life inside him, "Give it to me, now!" Trahern thrust the gun uncertainly into his hand. The hammering in his head resolved itself into great waves and he hung on, anger coursing through him. He rose and staggered to Urko, understanding there were no second chances for Liska and her father.
Malachi had been right all along. There was no turning back.
Pete knelt by Urko as he began to get up from the floor. He pointed the gun at Urko's forehead. "No, no, don't get up now," he said. He didn't think he could get up without falling. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, thinking. "I want you to stay down. Get over there," and he motioned.
There was a scuffle behind him, but Burke dared not look. Then Elta's voice, cursing the chimpanzees. "Move, Urko. now," he said. Urko pulled himself over to the chair, staring venomously at Pete. "Okay, Urko, that's a good ape. Now sit up. Slowly." Urko did as directed, leaning his back against the chair. Pete placed the muzzle of the gun in under the ape's chin, pointing directly upwards. "You move and you're dead. Got it?" Pete grinned at Urko's lack of response, but his eyes held no mirth. "Yeah, you got it."
There was a noise from deep inside his head -a droning, mechanical sound. Pete blinked, trying to focus. He knew Urko needed only an instant to finish him off, weak as he was. He was determined not to give him that instant.
"Where's Alan?"
Urko was silent. Pete ground the gun further up in under Urko's chin. "Answer!" It struck a chord in him. an answer, demanded. Ah yes, his dream. The wheel. Liska. 'Tell me who helped you.' He gritted his teeth against the memory.
"My soldiers were unable to capture him," Urko said tightly, and Burke wanted to sag with relief as he watched Urko's face. It was true. He kept his expression even with an effort.
"What about the disk?" There was no response. "The flight disk, Urko. What have you done with it? I'm warning you."
"You'll never find the disk without me. Not even Zaius knows its location. Are you willing to kill me without knowing where it is?" Urko said.
Again, the droning sound. Louder now. he frowned. Burke thought of Virdon. Then Liska, and Kabon. Galen. Poor Galen, who'd stuck his neck out for the astronauts. right into a noose. He'd been a good friend. A good ape. He focused on Urko. "I'm willing to let go of just about everything, Urko. In fact, I think I already have. don't you?" Urko's eyes widened as Pete's finger tightened on the trigger.
"What are you doing?" came Virdon's voice. Pete didn't turn. Virdon's stomach fell as he caught sight of Burke's sunken, puffy eyes, the bruises, his stranglehold grip on the gun.
"What the hell has happened to you. Pete. okay, okay." Alan took a deep breath and spoke firmly. "Just take it easy. Don't do anything rash. I'm gonna get you out of here."
"I've got everything under control, Alan."
"You." Alan stared at him. God. "I don't think so, Pete."
"I'm going to get your flight disk back," Pete said reasonably. His head wanted to droop.
"Okay. We'll get it. Don't worry, I'll take care of it."
The corner of Pete's mouth lifted as he smirked, darting a quick glance at Alan. "You think I'm crazy. It has been a rough day. you know?" he said. He grinned a little.
Alan stared at him and said, evenly, "I think you're in pretty deep. I'm going to get you out, though. You're not a killer - now give me the gun."
"Oh yes. he is. Your friend Burke is a murderer," said Urko.
"Do yourself a favor. keep quiet." Alan snapped.
Burke laughed, then clutched his head. "Joke's on you, Alan."
Virdon knelt swiftly beside Burke and said, intent, "Stay focused if you're going to point that thing, okay?" Burke jumped as he felt Urko move. He thrust the gun firmly and jabbed hard into flesh. "Don't think I've forgotten you, buddy," Pete whispered solemnly.
Virdon went to Pergis. "Give me that gun," gesturing to the gun Urko had knocked from Pete's hand. "Better check on those guards, too. they might be coming around soon. I've got to get Pete out of here. I don't think he's going to be on his feet much longer." He turned back to Urko and Burke.
"Tell Virdon. Tell him what you did to my soldier," said Urko, fighting to breathe evenly as the gun pressed upwards.
"What's he talking about?" Virdon asked.
"Yes, tell him, Burke! He killed one of my troops. in cold blood."
"You're lying!" Burke shouted. "I had no choice!" Alan looked at him, shocked. For an eerie instant, Burke fell back in time, trapped in a subway station. Urko grabbed him and shook him, accused him of lying. he'd been frantic then. As now.
That damned noise. Like an elevator.yeah. Picking up speed.
Alan knelt down, slowly, gun trained on Urko. He reached out for Burke's gun. Pete squeezed the trigger back, increasing the tension slightly, watching Alan's eyes. Alan looked at him, just for a moment, as though he'd never known him. As though he were a wild animal..
In his mind's eye, the elevator jolted, descending. How did he get here? How had it gotten to this point? He didn't know. Last trip down. God he was tired.
Alan spoke slowly, deliberately. "How much do you think you have to pay for Liska and Kabon? For me and my hopes of going home? You lost sight of what you're fighting for, you don't know what you're responsible for anymore. I don't want this from you. I just want you to stop, before it's too late."
"No second chances," Pete said quietly.
"Maybe. Maybe not. but don't take it all the way. You're in no shape to make decisions. I'm asking you not to do it."
"The murderer kills a killer. Galen is dead, did you know that?" said Burke, knowing in that moment that it was true. Alan's face drained of color. He looked sick.
Everything slowed around him. "I'm sorry, Alan," Pete mumbled. He'd just blurted it out, and now he couldn't take it back.
Full stop, ground zero. He was still looking at Urko, but he wasn't seeing him. Pete's finger tensed on the trigger for the last time.
"Galen's not dead."
Pete froze. Alan switched his gaze to Urko, startled.
"Nice try," said Burke.
"Hold on. Pete. I said hold it," Alan said, eyes steely.
"He's trying to save his bacon, Alan, can't you." started Burke, then his eyes widened as the caught sight of Malachi, motionless on the floor. He was the one who'd told the students that Galen was dead. Was it possible.?
"Where is Galen?" asked Burke. The gun wobbled and he ground his teeth together, concentrating.
"In jail," said Urko. His raw wound stung and throbbed where Burke had bit him. He wanted to kill him.
"Let me handle this," Alan said to Pete.
"I can't do that. Urko still has to answer for Liska and Kabon."
"Didn't you hear him? Galen is still alive. We've got to get him out and we need Urko to do it," Alan said. He grabbed his friend's arm and Pete looked at him blearily. "It's too late for Liska and Kabon. Not Galen." Burke looked at Alan, undecided. "Pete. consider it an order."
Burke's mouth twitched. ""Do they have colonels in Hell?"
"Somebody's got to keep an eye on you." Alan trained his gun on Urko. "Pergis. help him. It's my show now." Pergis bent over Burke, but Burke waved him back.
" Al.. the disk." For a bare instant, Alan looked startled. Pete scratched his jaw, feigning nonchalance, and eyed Alan. "Don't make me have to come back here."
Jesus. Alan shook his head, staring back at Pete. He didn't know who was crazier at this point. "Where is it, Urko? No more games."
Urko looked at him. "It's in my office. in the city." His voice blustered, as always. Alan watched him a moment, eyes narrowed. "Get up," Alan directed. He searched Urko carefully.
He found it in its leather pouch around the gorilla's waist. Alan pulled the flight disk from the pouch, surveying it. It shone dully in the candlelight. He turned to meet Urko's dark, emotionless gaze.
"Time to get Galen," Alan said.
