Alan peered into the torchlit shadows of the jail courtyard. The muzzle of
the gun he carried pressed into Urko's leather-clad back. Just behind him
awaited Trahern, Pergis and Pete, spread along the outside wall. Trahern
had half-dragged Pete to get him this far. Alan watched as his friend
rested wearily against the wall, leaning into it as if he wished it would
recline back beneath him. It was obvious to Alan that Pete has sustained a
head injury - how serious was difficult to tell. He seemed fairly coherent
in the few quick exchanges they'd had, yet Alan had seen him keep his head
aright with an effort, and he didn't like the dull look of his eyes.
They'd need a place to hole up in, or they'd carry him out of the city on
their backs. Whatever it took.
The cicadas chirped in the heavy silence. Alan glanced up at the half- moon. A figure was framed in the light of the jail doorway for an instant. As the door closed, the observers beheld a young ape, clad in dark clothes. He moved slowly, hanging his head, seemingly lost in thought. "Gathor!" Pergis whispered, looking from behind Alan into the courtyard. "What is he doing here?"
"He one of yours?" said Alan, watching intently.
"Yes. he's also the reason Galen got shot. Accidentally, of course," said Pergis dryly.
"Of course," Alan muttered. The torchlight gleamed dully on his blond hair, and a slight breeze brought welcome relief. He was too focused to engage in small talk. "Why is he here?" He nodded to Pergis. "Ask him."
Pergis eyed Virdon, narrow forehead puckering. "Humans from your time have a talent for telling others what to do," he said, twitching his nose. He waited until Gathor stepped out from the courtyard into the darkened surroundings and then stepped forward.
"Pergis?" said Gathor, looking with astonishment at the group of men and apes. "Urko! By the Lawgiver!"
"What are you doing here, Gathor?" asked Pergis, face pale in the dim light.
"I came to Galen, to apologize and offer my help." He glanced at Urko and then drew Pergis aside. "I tried to plan a rescue. He'd hear nothing of it," he added, chagrined. "I wish there was something I could do that would show him how sincerely sorry I am." His eyes locked onto Urko's dark countenance as he and Pergis turned back. "Why do you bring Urko with you?"
"We've come to get Galen. Go home," said Alan tersely, nudging Urko forward with the gun. Urko grimaced, throwing an angry look back at the astronaut.
"If you chose to stand with them. you'll fall with them, as well," said Urko, returning the young chimp's fascinated stare with a hard look.
"I'm staying," Gathor declared, a bit timidly but holding his ground. He could have slapped himself - his voice very nearly squeaked.
"We've got too many with us already. Don't you understand the danger you're putting yourself in?" Alan demanded.
"Please. I can help. I'm sure of it."
Alan's glance was tinged with impatience. They didn't have the time to argue with this young, idealistic chimpanzee, bent on making amends. He pushed his misgivings away. "Wait outside." He urged Urko ahead of him into the courtyard. Alan surveyed the shadows in the corners and those cast by the surrounding bushes. Finding nothing amiss, he motioned Urko forward to knock on the door. "Okay, Urko, you're up. Don't do anything stupid."
Urko turned to look at him, dark eyes piercing his a moment before turning away. "As you say. Virdon. For now."
Virdon tensed as he heard movement from inside the doorway of the jail. "Who is it?" came the deep voice of a guard.
"Galwait, you idiot, open up!" Urko bellowed. Alan cast him a warning look, and Urko snorted, broad shoulders turning back to him. Galwait hurried to open the door. His eyes widened as he spotted the blond astronaut, and he reached for his pistol.
"Put your hands up," said Virdon in a commanding tone. Galwait looked uncertainly from him to Urko and back.
"Do as he says," Urko added grudgingly. Galwait stared at them, then turned with his hands held up.
"Get inside." Galwait moved across the threshold and the door closed behind them. Alan disarmed him swiftly. "Take us to Galen. Now." Alan strained to hear any sound presaging movement before them. His pulse beat in his ears. A few steps took them through the small entryway and into a stone passage. Torches dotted the walls. At the widening of the passage before a closed wooden door, another guard stood duty. Galwait spoke quickly to him, eyeing Virdon who pushed forward, his hand on Urko's arm. Urko looked down threateningly at the human hand holding him just below where his gauntlet would rest. Virdon ignored the look.
"Now unlock the door," Virdon directed the second gorilla. Although the night had cooled, the jail was still warm, and Virdon wiped his forehead. "Hurry it up," he said harshly, and the gorilla directed a quick, threatening look his way as he retrieved the keys from his belt. He fingered his way through the jingling ring until Virdon wanted to shake him. Instead he pressed the muzzle of his pistol deeper into Urko's back. Urko looked back at him, staring, and growled almost imperceptibly.
"Alan?" came Galen's voice from the other side of the door.
"I'm here, Galen. We'll have you out in a moment," he called reassuringly. He stiffened at a sudden jab to his back. A gun.
"Drop the weapon," said a voice behind him. Alan stayed as he was. "I said drop it!" the voice repeated, jabbing him once again.
"Do that again and I'll shoot your general, here," he replied, speaking swiftly. "If you shoot me, I'll take him with me, I promise you. Make up your mind how you want it to go."
After a moment, the gun was withdrawn from Alan's back. He drew in a short breath of relief, then turned with Urko and disarmed the gorilla who'd threatened him.
"Alan, what's going on out there?" Galen called anxiously.
"Everything's okay, Galen," he called back to the chimpanzee, than addressed the third gorilla guard. Any more like you?" Alan asked. The gorilla remained silent, scowling.
The guard found the correct key and unlocked the wooden door. Galen walked from the cell, blinking, looking at the apes and Alan. Blood crusted at his hairline and he looked pale, but otherwise all right.
"Good to see you, Galen," Alan said with a broad smile. "How's your head?"
"I'll live. You weren't joking when you promised not to leave me here," Galen smiled at him warmly, relieved, then glanced around. "Where's Burke?"
"The murderer is outside with the heretics," Urko replied, contempt evident.
Galen gazed steadily at him. "Why do you insist on calling him that? You know I don't believe it."
Alan's lips pressed in a straight line as he looked away, blue eyes shadowed. He changed to subject. "There's no time. Let's get you out of here."
Galen deposited Galwait and the other two guards in his former cell as Alan kept an eye on Urko and watched for other guards. They locked the cell door and went back down the passageway to the entrance, stepping out into the dim courtyard. Galen looked at Alan and spoke in a low tone. "What aren't you telling me, Alan?"
Alan gave Galen a quelling look after glancing at Urko, and the chimpanzee sighed. He stretched his back and breathed deeply of the night air as Alan paused, thinking. "There's a lot you need to know, but the most important thing, right now, is that we get out of the city. which isn't going to be easy."
They emerged from the courtyard, keeping an eye out for more guards. Galen breathed a sigh of relief as no one attempted to stop them. Alan took the lead with Urko before him, and they headed for the back of the building where the rest of the group awaited them.
"Galen! We thought you were dead," said Pergis in an excited whisper. He patted him enthusiastically on the back.
"Pergis, thank the gods. If ever you scare me like." Galen said, beginning to scold. He trailed off as his eyes spied Burke.
Pete leaned against the back wall, watching him. "Galen. glad you could make it," he said, voice low. Galen nodded, hesitating, then looked away.
Virdon's skin prickled as he watched Galen. It hit him then. Galen knew. He realized what Burke had done, or was, at the very least, afraid that he had. Why wouldn't he admit it? He paused, considering. Somehow, the chimpanzee's fears outweighed his usual clarity of thought.
Virdon understood the implications raised by Galen's denial. Burke's actions were serious enough to threaten their friendship. Alan brushed his own worries aside. If Burke.. when Burke recovered, they'd deal with it. All the deception that had smoothed their paths was over. When the time came, they were all going to hunker down and pay the piper. For now, he bent his concentration to their escape from the city.
Virdon looked about, trying to orient himself, give himself direction. He looked at the sky again. Going north would be the quickest way to get out of the populous area, he calculated, dredging up what scarce knowledge he could of Central City from his previous visits. With the exception of the jail, all the buildings were silent and dark. The streets were deserted. Virdon squared his shoulders, having made a decision. They were a bulky crew and Virdon knew they'd pressed their luck to the breaking point. He decided they'd damn the torpedoes and walk forth as boldly as if they owned the city. It was insane and he knew it. He took a deep breath. Nothing new there, his mind argued, and sheer bravado had kept them alive today. Maybe, just maybe, their luck would hold.
He'd keep Urko along with them awhile longer. He couldn't bring himself to leave him at the jail with his guards. Alan was sure that somehow Urko would manage to free himself and come after them. If that made him a little paranoid, then. so be it. Better that than make a fatal mistake.
The group walked in the middle of the road, the chimps attempting to appear casual. Virdon kept right behind Urko, dogging him, weapon pointed in the tall gorilla's back. Only once did they run into company - a chimpanzee couple. They looked like scientists, with their simple long coats. As soon as they were sighted, the students did their best to appear unconcerned, faking conversation and trying not to eye the two chimpanzees walking closer. What scared Alan more than anything was the feeling that the gun in his back didn't intimidate Urko.
His breath ratcheted up in his throat as the chimpanzees drew alongside the group, glancing quizzically at the two humans. They weren't following like most slaves did their ape masters, were they? One seemed to be injured, though. Urko opened his mouth to speak, and Alan jabbed the gun into his kidneys, grinding hard. With a low warning growl in his throat, Urko twisted to glare at the astronaut. Alan stared back, eyes hard. The chimp couple spared the group a second curious glance, then hurried to whatever business kept them in the city after hours.
The group had gone on for nearly an hour after that, encountering no one else save a distant trio of gorillas that had nearly given the chimps a heart attack. The streets had changed gradually from commercial to residential. Now even those warmly lit windows came at intervals further apart. Alan felt a sense of exhilaration. Almost made it. Almost. He could taste it. He glanced quickly at Pete and Trahern. Not good. Pete stumbled along - the tall chimp very nearly carried him. Alan looked grimly ahead. He was going to have to do something, and soon.
Urko suddenly spoke. "It must feel good to be back with your friends, Galen. Do you think they'd be so glad to see you if they knew your plans to betray them?"
"Quiet," Alan snapped.
Galen stopped, touching his sore scalp and turning to survey his surroundings, spotting a house some distance away, windows dark. They were out of the city at last. He faced Urko in the dim night and sighed. "I wouldn't betray them, Urko. They know that."
"You were going to renounce these humans to the students. That was our agreement," said Urko, voice barely controlled.
"I planned to ask Pergis to stop the protests. You blame Burke for the murder of the gorilla in the city, to use him as an excuse. To further curtail the freedom of humans." Galen turned and spoke to Pergis. "If you can get to Zaius before Urko finds you again and guarantee him that you'll stop the protests, I'm sure he'll agree to call off the new restrictions. Otherwise, with all the anti-human sentiment running so high, the humans will be beaten back and slaughtered as we've never seen before. You've got to stop it."
"It won't work even if you get to Zaius before I put a bullet in you. A human has killed an ape in the heart of the very city my soldiers protect. It's too late for your bargains," Urko said, anger escalating. He shifted as Virdon pushed the gun harder into his back. He longed to tear him apart.
Pergis regarded Urko calmly. "You killed Malachi. You burned a human village. Our families will believe us - the citizenry will believe us when we tell them that this is another plot against the humans put in motion by Urko."
"You've gone too far. You will all be jailed. or worse," Urko promised.
"Do that. Your influence in Council will be over. Some of our families might support you now. but that won't last if what you say comes to pass. Oh, you might put myself and others at the forefront of this movement away, but the rest will receive a slap on the hands - nothing more. If Zaius agrees to what Galen has proposed here tonight, you won't be able to do even that." Pergis's frank gray eyes awaited his reaction.
"A soldier lies dead. who will pay?" demanded Urko, brows drawn.
Pergis hesitated, then looked to Virdon. "Does Galen know who did it?"
"He's known it since I first told him. Burke is a killer," said Urko, dark face angry.
"That's enough," Virdon snapped. The tension was building, and he sensed the danger. His control over the situation was slipping.
Galen looked at Virdon, then walked to where Burke stood, heavily supported by Trahern. "Tell him he lies," Galen said, biting down hard on the words. He waited in silence for Burke's reply.
"Pete. go on." he tilted his head, looking into Burke's face. Burke held his gaze with some difficulty. Galen leaned closer to him. "They've hurt you, Pete. What have they done?" He reached a hand out towards him.
"You're not looking so good yourself, buddy," Burke said quietly.
"No, no, I'll be fine.. " Galen said. He waited. The silence stretched out. Galen let his hand drop, and looked at the ground. "You did it."
Burke looked off miserably, then back. "It's true, Galen. I had no choice."
Galen's face drained of warmth as he stared at his friend. "There had to be another way."
"What do you want me to say? If there was another way, I didn't see it. I don't see it." Pete's brown eyes fastened on Galen's.
"There's always another choice," said Galen. He looked at Burke as though he didn't know him.
Burke swallowed. His face tightened. "Fine, Galen. I admit it. I shot him. I wanted him dead, okay? You want me to verify it for you. there it is. I wanted him dead," he repeated. He put his hand to his mouth, then pulled it back.
Galen looked closely at him. "Just tell me this, Burke. how am I to continue calling you friend after what you've done?"
Burke blinked and looked away before his eyes returned to peruse Galen's. His jaw clenched. "Maybe you shouldn't."
"This isn't the time!" Virdon hissed.
Pergis drew close to the two. "Listen, cousin, and listen good. This fool is too stiff-necked to say what needs to be said, but I'm not. I was there, with Malachi, at the market square. We saw it. He was hunted down like an animal - the gorilla played a game with his life. He shot another human female right in front of him. Burke actually managed to fight back and that's when he was injured. There was nothing else he could do but shoot, unless it was to die. Galen," Pergis said, eyes searching his cousin's, "if I can see that, having only known him for a short time, why can't you, who professes to be his friend. who after being his friend, professes to believe in the equality of man and ape?"
Burke groaned. "Shut up, goddammit! I put the gun in his face, I watched his eyes, watched him know what was coming, and I blew his head off. I hated him, I killed him, understand? That's what's important, that's what you really want to know, isn't it, Galen?"
Galen looked as though he'd been slapped. Slow understanding dawned over his face. "I think it's important that you want me to know it."
Suddenly, taking quick advantage of the situation, Urko twisted violently to one side, smashing Virdon's arm away from his back. Before the astronaut recovered, Urko wrested Pergis's half-forgotten, slackly held gun away from the surprised chimpanzee. Quickly he stepped forward and grabbed Burke, pulling him in front of him and wrapping an arm around his neck.
"Urko! Put the gun down!" Alan shouted, aiming his own gun. He held it with two hands; his right wrist felt numb. Urko ignored him. Burke struggled, back against Urko. His lips thinned in anger, watching him from the corner of his eyes. The gorilla snorted in derision, holding him easily.
Urko turned to Galen. "All this time you've wasted, running with humans. look at them! Have you finally realized the nature of the beast?" he asked. Suddenly he jammed the gun into the side of Burke's neck. Burke gagged at the force of the muzzle stuck in his throat. "How does it feel, Burke?" he said in a low voice. His face was obscenely close.
"What are you waiting for?" asked Burke belligerently, disregarding everything else. There was something in him now that never stopped, no matter how destructive, no matter the cost, no matter how scared or angry or tired he became.
"We won't stand by, Urko," Galen spoke.
"Would you like me to get rid of Gathor, Galen? I could kill him first. After all, he did shoot you," Urko said. He aimed the gun towards him. "No? How about your cousin, the trouble-maker?" He turned the gun to Pergis. "What will you speak with Zaius about now, Pergis?" Urko asked, grinning.
"Last time. Put the gun down," Alan said coldly. Taking Urko off guard, Trahern darted at him from behind and kicked the back of his knee sharply. Urko's knee buckled, and Alan dived at him. Burke pitched to the ground.
The gun went off, and Gathor's body jerked as the bullet punched into him. He fell in a heap.
Alan tumbled to the ground atop Urko and slammed a fist into his stomach, followed quickly with a punch to the face. Urko grunted as Alan made contact with the raw cheek wound and grabbed him, flinging him to the side. Looking up, Urko saw Pergis draw his leg back. No time to deflect the blow. Urko's breath left him in a whoosh and he doubled over, gasping. His vision dimmed.
Together, Pergis and Alan took the pistol from Urko and forced him back onto his feet. Urko stood, hunched over, looking at them with murder in his eyes. "You'll see how I repay you for standing with Galen," Urko threatened Pergis. Pergis watched him without emotion. Urko's eyes swept over Gathor, bleeding, with Trahern beside him. He faced Alan and Galen. "You're next. And your friends."
Galen looked at him, eyes narrowing. "You'll try. But then, you already have, haven't you?" He turned his attention to Pete.
Urko barked a short laugh, hand holding his thigh as he struggled to breathe. "Burke knows. you'll never have peace as long as I am alive."
Pergis kept his gun trained on Urko as Alan knelt by Pete, sprawled face down in the dirt of the street. Carefully he and Galen turned him over. Dark hair ruffled over still features in the night breeze. A fine layer of dust clung to his face. Alan pulled his eyelids open, checking his pupils, then looked away for a moment. He looked up at Urko, eyes flat. "If he dies, I'll kill you myself."
Urko snorted, staring down at Burke. "Only two left to deal with. now," he said, mocking.
"We'll see," Alan said, eyes on Urko. "Galen, I want you to take Pete there.into the field. See the tall tree to the left? Get on the other side of it, hide out, wait for me. Make him as comfortable as possible. I'm going to get rid of Urko, then I'll be back for you. Pergis. Trahern," he continued, kneeling next to Gathor and checking his wound. "The bullet entered his side. went right through. Look, put some pressure on it, like this.." looking at Trahern. "Got it? You need to get him to the hospital. Ask for Kira when you arrive." Alan turned to Pergis. "You've met Kira before?" The chimpanzee nodded. "Good. Next you go straight to Zaius's house. Make a deal with him, if you can, and do it quick. I don't know how long we can keep Urko out of commission." Pergis nodded again. "You might have to get help getting Gathor to the hospital. I don't know if you can carry him all the way."
Pergis put his hand on Virdon's arm. "Don't worry, we'll take care of it. Alan. it's not your fault."
Alan looked at him tiredly, then nodded. "Good luck, Pergis." He looked back at the single, distant dwelling. It remained dark. Maybe they were far enough away. maybe the apes hadn't heard the gunfire.
Pergis looked down at Burke's still face, then knelt beside Galen. "Galen. " he said softly, grasping his shoulder. Galen looked up, startled. "Try to forgive him. The gorillas are free to do what they will to humans. We all are. Can we blame them when they fight for their very lives?"
"Do you condone the killing, then?" asked Galen softly, eyes still locked on Burke.
Pergis sighed and looked up into the night sky, contemplating. "By all rights, Burke should be dead. Instead, he stopped. an evil that made my blood run cold, cousin. Who would have been next - how many? An ape, perhaps? Does an ape who kills deserve to live in place of a human?"
"I don't condone the killing of man or ape, Pergis," said Galen quietly.
"You don't condone it, but as the murder of humans is common, so you've become accustomed to it. Is it possible, perhaps without realizing it, that you have grown tolerant of such things? What was your reaction to Urko destroying the human village, Galen?"
Galen was silent, looking up at his cousin's thin, solemn face. Pergis clapped his shoulder. "All I ask is that you think about it. Maybe then I will have opened your eyes a bit, as you have done mine."
"You have grown so, Pergis. you aren't my little cousin anymore. You're an adult. When did that happen?" said Galen wistfully.
Pergis smiled, wrinkling his nose. "Recently, I think. It started with your last visit." he said, looking fondly at Galen, then turned to help Trahern with Gathor, lying doubled up on the ground.
"Be careful, Pergis, won't you?" Galen heard his voice almost pleading.
"As best I can, Galen. I would hate to make the family go through more than they have already," he replied as he picked up Gathor's feet. Trahern grabbed Gathor under the arms. Gathor groaned feebly.
Galen rose from his position beside Burke. He picked him up carefully, trying not to jostle him any more than possible, Alan cautioning him. With the superior strength of most apes, Galen found himself more than capable of carrying the astronaut. Alan turned worried eyes to him. "I'll be back soon, Galen. Take care of him, will you?"
"Of course," said Galen, and nodded. "Be careful. One can't be too cautious around Urko, you know." He nodded again and stepped off the road and into the field, walking into the dried yellow grass, the long stalks of which looked almost ghostly in the cold moonlight. Thank the gods the moon was out, now that they were out of town with no torches to guide them.
"It's almost over, Urko. Let's move out," Virdon said, turning to the tall gorilla general.
"You're right about that, Virdon. It is almost over. for you and your friends," Urko said.
"You never stop, do you. your jailers are trapped, Galen has escaped, your men don't know where you are, and you think you're going to turn this around." Alan sighed wearily. "Get moving." He took up position behind Urko, walking down the dusty, rutted path. The area was becoming overgrown, with stunted bushes and trees dotting the landscape. The two walked for a couple of miles, seeing only the one house at the beginning of their walk and another perched far off the road on top of a hill. Another mile and Alan saw a dirt road leading off to the right. He and Urko followed it, Alan glancing up at the moon and noting that clouds were gathering. If he weren't careful, he'd be left in pitch black with the gorilla. He urged Urko to move faster.
The dirt road led to a small farm with a thatched roof. The fields behind the home were plowed, with stalks of corn struggling feebly against the current drought. Close to the house stood a small, rickety barn and wagon, sheltered under a wooden extension. Alan's mood lightened at the sight. Maybe they would get away after all.
He and Urko walked silently to the barn, just inside the entrance. Various tools, ropes and tethers hung on or leaned against the wooden slatted wall to Alan's right, and he pulled one of the ropes off its peg and turned to Urko. It was very dim, even at the foremost part of the barn. It made Alan nervous.
"Have a seat, Urko," he said, gesturing to the wooden support closest to the door. He heard the rustling of the animals inside the barn, roused by their voices.
"Galen has turned his back to his own people," said Urko, ignoring Alan. "Burke hates me and anything else that gets in his way." Alan's eyes narrowed. "But you, Virdon. you've always seemed almost.. reasonable. You have a wife and child back home. Zaius and I have seen for ourselves how much they mean to you. Why are you here, Virdon?"
"You seem to think we want to be here, Urko," said Alan in an even tone. "We don't. we never have. And we've never wanted to hurt anyone, contrary to what you believe."
"I might have believed that of you until you threatened to kill me tonight. As for Burke. never. Not after what he's done. The both of you together encourage rebellion amongst the humans. You're a pestilence." The loathing in Urko's voice sent a chill up Virdon's spine.
"Pete didn't kill your soldier in cold blood. He was defending himself." Even to himself, his voice sounded uncertain. His mind persisted, slyly, in asking him if it were really true. Firmly he shut the door on internal speculation. Not now.
"Are you sure of that, Virdon? And if you truly don't want to hurt anyone, then why are you here with a gun pointed at me?"
"Same as Pete. I have no choice. Now sit down," Alan snapped, impatient with himself. He should never have been drawn into this conversation.
"You tell yourself that. he had no choice. I think he did," said Urko, raising his voice. "Most humans will kill without thought, when given the opportunity. What about you, Virdon? Will you kill me as you said? You'd have almost certainly been exposed if you'd shot me within the city.."
"If I'm out of options, Urko, I'll shoot," Alan replied, the last of his patience evaporating.
"Even here? A gunshot would rouse the farmers, don't you think?"
"I didn't say I was out of options, yet. There's still this," Alan replied, striking Urko hard and fast in the jaw. He shook his fist as Urko reeled back. There was no time to lose - his life and the lives of his friends depended on him getting out of here quickly. Alan moved forward and put the muzzle of the gun to Urko's forehead.
"I haven't had to shoot, Urko. and I won't, unless you force me to. Do you understand?" he said, glaring into the dimness that was Urko's face. His actions had moved them further into the barn where he could see even less, a situation that made him very uneasy. "Now come and sit down. This is your last chance."
For a moment there was silence. "You may have gained a little time, bringing me out here.. but not much. Burke will hold you back. If he's not dead, already," said Urko matter-of-factly, moving at last to do Alan's bidding.
With a sudden intake of breath, Alan absorbed the comment. "There'll be time enough," he said, tying the gorilla general securely to the support. He walked back to the wall with the hanging tools, finding a tether made of leather, and brought it back to the general. "I meant what I said. If you, Zaius and the Council could get it through your heads that we don't wish to harm anyone - ape or human, none of this would be necessary."
"You don't understand, Virdon. It doesn't matter what you intend - it's what you are," Urko said. "Burke has proven what we already knew."
Alan looked away. "Open your mouth," he said, voice strained. Urko stared up at him. "Open it. Now," Alan said harshly. Urko complied, a murderous look flushing over his features. Alan wound the leather between the gorilla's parted jaws carefully and around the back of his head, several times, forming a gag. When he was satisfied with the result, he walked deeper into the barn and came out leading an old farm horse. He stopped before Urko a moment, then walked outside to the wagon.
The cicadas chirped in the heavy silence. Alan glanced up at the half- moon. A figure was framed in the light of the jail doorway for an instant. As the door closed, the observers beheld a young ape, clad in dark clothes. He moved slowly, hanging his head, seemingly lost in thought. "Gathor!" Pergis whispered, looking from behind Alan into the courtyard. "What is he doing here?"
"He one of yours?" said Alan, watching intently.
"Yes. he's also the reason Galen got shot. Accidentally, of course," said Pergis dryly.
"Of course," Alan muttered. The torchlight gleamed dully on his blond hair, and a slight breeze brought welcome relief. He was too focused to engage in small talk. "Why is he here?" He nodded to Pergis. "Ask him."
Pergis eyed Virdon, narrow forehead puckering. "Humans from your time have a talent for telling others what to do," he said, twitching his nose. He waited until Gathor stepped out from the courtyard into the darkened surroundings and then stepped forward.
"Pergis?" said Gathor, looking with astonishment at the group of men and apes. "Urko! By the Lawgiver!"
"What are you doing here, Gathor?" asked Pergis, face pale in the dim light.
"I came to Galen, to apologize and offer my help." He glanced at Urko and then drew Pergis aside. "I tried to plan a rescue. He'd hear nothing of it," he added, chagrined. "I wish there was something I could do that would show him how sincerely sorry I am." His eyes locked onto Urko's dark countenance as he and Pergis turned back. "Why do you bring Urko with you?"
"We've come to get Galen. Go home," said Alan tersely, nudging Urko forward with the gun. Urko grimaced, throwing an angry look back at the astronaut.
"If you chose to stand with them. you'll fall with them, as well," said Urko, returning the young chimp's fascinated stare with a hard look.
"I'm staying," Gathor declared, a bit timidly but holding his ground. He could have slapped himself - his voice very nearly squeaked.
"We've got too many with us already. Don't you understand the danger you're putting yourself in?" Alan demanded.
"Please. I can help. I'm sure of it."
Alan's glance was tinged with impatience. They didn't have the time to argue with this young, idealistic chimpanzee, bent on making amends. He pushed his misgivings away. "Wait outside." He urged Urko ahead of him into the courtyard. Alan surveyed the shadows in the corners and those cast by the surrounding bushes. Finding nothing amiss, he motioned Urko forward to knock on the door. "Okay, Urko, you're up. Don't do anything stupid."
Urko turned to look at him, dark eyes piercing his a moment before turning away. "As you say. Virdon. For now."
Virdon tensed as he heard movement from inside the doorway of the jail. "Who is it?" came the deep voice of a guard.
"Galwait, you idiot, open up!" Urko bellowed. Alan cast him a warning look, and Urko snorted, broad shoulders turning back to him. Galwait hurried to open the door. His eyes widened as he spotted the blond astronaut, and he reached for his pistol.
"Put your hands up," said Virdon in a commanding tone. Galwait looked uncertainly from him to Urko and back.
"Do as he says," Urko added grudgingly. Galwait stared at them, then turned with his hands held up.
"Get inside." Galwait moved across the threshold and the door closed behind them. Alan disarmed him swiftly. "Take us to Galen. Now." Alan strained to hear any sound presaging movement before them. His pulse beat in his ears. A few steps took them through the small entryway and into a stone passage. Torches dotted the walls. At the widening of the passage before a closed wooden door, another guard stood duty. Galwait spoke quickly to him, eyeing Virdon who pushed forward, his hand on Urko's arm. Urko looked down threateningly at the human hand holding him just below where his gauntlet would rest. Virdon ignored the look.
"Now unlock the door," Virdon directed the second gorilla. Although the night had cooled, the jail was still warm, and Virdon wiped his forehead. "Hurry it up," he said harshly, and the gorilla directed a quick, threatening look his way as he retrieved the keys from his belt. He fingered his way through the jingling ring until Virdon wanted to shake him. Instead he pressed the muzzle of his pistol deeper into Urko's back. Urko looked back at him, staring, and growled almost imperceptibly.
"Alan?" came Galen's voice from the other side of the door.
"I'm here, Galen. We'll have you out in a moment," he called reassuringly. He stiffened at a sudden jab to his back. A gun.
"Drop the weapon," said a voice behind him. Alan stayed as he was. "I said drop it!" the voice repeated, jabbing him once again.
"Do that again and I'll shoot your general, here," he replied, speaking swiftly. "If you shoot me, I'll take him with me, I promise you. Make up your mind how you want it to go."
After a moment, the gun was withdrawn from Alan's back. He drew in a short breath of relief, then turned with Urko and disarmed the gorilla who'd threatened him.
"Alan, what's going on out there?" Galen called anxiously.
"Everything's okay, Galen," he called back to the chimpanzee, than addressed the third gorilla guard. Any more like you?" Alan asked. The gorilla remained silent, scowling.
The guard found the correct key and unlocked the wooden door. Galen walked from the cell, blinking, looking at the apes and Alan. Blood crusted at his hairline and he looked pale, but otherwise all right.
"Good to see you, Galen," Alan said with a broad smile. "How's your head?"
"I'll live. You weren't joking when you promised not to leave me here," Galen smiled at him warmly, relieved, then glanced around. "Where's Burke?"
"The murderer is outside with the heretics," Urko replied, contempt evident.
Galen gazed steadily at him. "Why do you insist on calling him that? You know I don't believe it."
Alan's lips pressed in a straight line as he looked away, blue eyes shadowed. He changed to subject. "There's no time. Let's get you out of here."
Galen deposited Galwait and the other two guards in his former cell as Alan kept an eye on Urko and watched for other guards. They locked the cell door and went back down the passageway to the entrance, stepping out into the dim courtyard. Galen looked at Alan and spoke in a low tone. "What aren't you telling me, Alan?"
Alan gave Galen a quelling look after glancing at Urko, and the chimpanzee sighed. He stretched his back and breathed deeply of the night air as Alan paused, thinking. "There's a lot you need to know, but the most important thing, right now, is that we get out of the city. which isn't going to be easy."
They emerged from the courtyard, keeping an eye out for more guards. Galen breathed a sigh of relief as no one attempted to stop them. Alan took the lead with Urko before him, and they headed for the back of the building where the rest of the group awaited them.
"Galen! We thought you were dead," said Pergis in an excited whisper. He patted him enthusiastically on the back.
"Pergis, thank the gods. If ever you scare me like." Galen said, beginning to scold. He trailed off as his eyes spied Burke.
Pete leaned against the back wall, watching him. "Galen. glad you could make it," he said, voice low. Galen nodded, hesitating, then looked away.
Virdon's skin prickled as he watched Galen. It hit him then. Galen knew. He realized what Burke had done, or was, at the very least, afraid that he had. Why wouldn't he admit it? He paused, considering. Somehow, the chimpanzee's fears outweighed his usual clarity of thought.
Virdon understood the implications raised by Galen's denial. Burke's actions were serious enough to threaten their friendship. Alan brushed his own worries aside. If Burke.. when Burke recovered, they'd deal with it. All the deception that had smoothed their paths was over. When the time came, they were all going to hunker down and pay the piper. For now, he bent his concentration to their escape from the city.
Virdon looked about, trying to orient himself, give himself direction. He looked at the sky again. Going north would be the quickest way to get out of the populous area, he calculated, dredging up what scarce knowledge he could of Central City from his previous visits. With the exception of the jail, all the buildings were silent and dark. The streets were deserted. Virdon squared his shoulders, having made a decision. They were a bulky crew and Virdon knew they'd pressed their luck to the breaking point. He decided they'd damn the torpedoes and walk forth as boldly as if they owned the city. It was insane and he knew it. He took a deep breath. Nothing new there, his mind argued, and sheer bravado had kept them alive today. Maybe, just maybe, their luck would hold.
He'd keep Urko along with them awhile longer. He couldn't bring himself to leave him at the jail with his guards. Alan was sure that somehow Urko would manage to free himself and come after them. If that made him a little paranoid, then. so be it. Better that than make a fatal mistake.
The group walked in the middle of the road, the chimps attempting to appear casual. Virdon kept right behind Urko, dogging him, weapon pointed in the tall gorilla's back. Only once did they run into company - a chimpanzee couple. They looked like scientists, with their simple long coats. As soon as they were sighted, the students did their best to appear unconcerned, faking conversation and trying not to eye the two chimpanzees walking closer. What scared Alan more than anything was the feeling that the gun in his back didn't intimidate Urko.
His breath ratcheted up in his throat as the chimpanzees drew alongside the group, glancing quizzically at the two humans. They weren't following like most slaves did their ape masters, were they? One seemed to be injured, though. Urko opened his mouth to speak, and Alan jabbed the gun into his kidneys, grinding hard. With a low warning growl in his throat, Urko twisted to glare at the astronaut. Alan stared back, eyes hard. The chimp couple spared the group a second curious glance, then hurried to whatever business kept them in the city after hours.
The group had gone on for nearly an hour after that, encountering no one else save a distant trio of gorillas that had nearly given the chimps a heart attack. The streets had changed gradually from commercial to residential. Now even those warmly lit windows came at intervals further apart. Alan felt a sense of exhilaration. Almost made it. Almost. He could taste it. He glanced quickly at Pete and Trahern. Not good. Pete stumbled along - the tall chimp very nearly carried him. Alan looked grimly ahead. He was going to have to do something, and soon.
Urko suddenly spoke. "It must feel good to be back with your friends, Galen. Do you think they'd be so glad to see you if they knew your plans to betray them?"
"Quiet," Alan snapped.
Galen stopped, touching his sore scalp and turning to survey his surroundings, spotting a house some distance away, windows dark. They were out of the city at last. He faced Urko in the dim night and sighed. "I wouldn't betray them, Urko. They know that."
"You were going to renounce these humans to the students. That was our agreement," said Urko, voice barely controlled.
"I planned to ask Pergis to stop the protests. You blame Burke for the murder of the gorilla in the city, to use him as an excuse. To further curtail the freedom of humans." Galen turned and spoke to Pergis. "If you can get to Zaius before Urko finds you again and guarantee him that you'll stop the protests, I'm sure he'll agree to call off the new restrictions. Otherwise, with all the anti-human sentiment running so high, the humans will be beaten back and slaughtered as we've never seen before. You've got to stop it."
"It won't work even if you get to Zaius before I put a bullet in you. A human has killed an ape in the heart of the very city my soldiers protect. It's too late for your bargains," Urko said, anger escalating. He shifted as Virdon pushed the gun harder into his back. He longed to tear him apart.
Pergis regarded Urko calmly. "You killed Malachi. You burned a human village. Our families will believe us - the citizenry will believe us when we tell them that this is another plot against the humans put in motion by Urko."
"You've gone too far. You will all be jailed. or worse," Urko promised.
"Do that. Your influence in Council will be over. Some of our families might support you now. but that won't last if what you say comes to pass. Oh, you might put myself and others at the forefront of this movement away, but the rest will receive a slap on the hands - nothing more. If Zaius agrees to what Galen has proposed here tonight, you won't be able to do even that." Pergis's frank gray eyes awaited his reaction.
"A soldier lies dead. who will pay?" demanded Urko, brows drawn.
Pergis hesitated, then looked to Virdon. "Does Galen know who did it?"
"He's known it since I first told him. Burke is a killer," said Urko, dark face angry.
"That's enough," Virdon snapped. The tension was building, and he sensed the danger. His control over the situation was slipping.
Galen looked at Virdon, then walked to where Burke stood, heavily supported by Trahern. "Tell him he lies," Galen said, biting down hard on the words. He waited in silence for Burke's reply.
"Pete. go on." he tilted his head, looking into Burke's face. Burke held his gaze with some difficulty. Galen leaned closer to him. "They've hurt you, Pete. What have they done?" He reached a hand out towards him.
"You're not looking so good yourself, buddy," Burke said quietly.
"No, no, I'll be fine.. " Galen said. He waited. The silence stretched out. Galen let his hand drop, and looked at the ground. "You did it."
Burke looked off miserably, then back. "It's true, Galen. I had no choice."
Galen's face drained of warmth as he stared at his friend. "There had to be another way."
"What do you want me to say? If there was another way, I didn't see it. I don't see it." Pete's brown eyes fastened on Galen's.
"There's always another choice," said Galen. He looked at Burke as though he didn't know him.
Burke swallowed. His face tightened. "Fine, Galen. I admit it. I shot him. I wanted him dead, okay? You want me to verify it for you. there it is. I wanted him dead," he repeated. He put his hand to his mouth, then pulled it back.
Galen looked closely at him. "Just tell me this, Burke. how am I to continue calling you friend after what you've done?"
Burke blinked and looked away before his eyes returned to peruse Galen's. His jaw clenched. "Maybe you shouldn't."
"This isn't the time!" Virdon hissed.
Pergis drew close to the two. "Listen, cousin, and listen good. This fool is too stiff-necked to say what needs to be said, but I'm not. I was there, with Malachi, at the market square. We saw it. He was hunted down like an animal - the gorilla played a game with his life. He shot another human female right in front of him. Burke actually managed to fight back and that's when he was injured. There was nothing else he could do but shoot, unless it was to die. Galen," Pergis said, eyes searching his cousin's, "if I can see that, having only known him for a short time, why can't you, who professes to be his friend. who after being his friend, professes to believe in the equality of man and ape?"
Burke groaned. "Shut up, goddammit! I put the gun in his face, I watched his eyes, watched him know what was coming, and I blew his head off. I hated him, I killed him, understand? That's what's important, that's what you really want to know, isn't it, Galen?"
Galen looked as though he'd been slapped. Slow understanding dawned over his face. "I think it's important that you want me to know it."
Suddenly, taking quick advantage of the situation, Urko twisted violently to one side, smashing Virdon's arm away from his back. Before the astronaut recovered, Urko wrested Pergis's half-forgotten, slackly held gun away from the surprised chimpanzee. Quickly he stepped forward and grabbed Burke, pulling him in front of him and wrapping an arm around his neck.
"Urko! Put the gun down!" Alan shouted, aiming his own gun. He held it with two hands; his right wrist felt numb. Urko ignored him. Burke struggled, back against Urko. His lips thinned in anger, watching him from the corner of his eyes. The gorilla snorted in derision, holding him easily.
Urko turned to Galen. "All this time you've wasted, running with humans. look at them! Have you finally realized the nature of the beast?" he asked. Suddenly he jammed the gun into the side of Burke's neck. Burke gagged at the force of the muzzle stuck in his throat. "How does it feel, Burke?" he said in a low voice. His face was obscenely close.
"What are you waiting for?" asked Burke belligerently, disregarding everything else. There was something in him now that never stopped, no matter how destructive, no matter the cost, no matter how scared or angry or tired he became.
"We won't stand by, Urko," Galen spoke.
"Would you like me to get rid of Gathor, Galen? I could kill him first. After all, he did shoot you," Urko said. He aimed the gun towards him. "No? How about your cousin, the trouble-maker?" He turned the gun to Pergis. "What will you speak with Zaius about now, Pergis?" Urko asked, grinning.
"Last time. Put the gun down," Alan said coldly. Taking Urko off guard, Trahern darted at him from behind and kicked the back of his knee sharply. Urko's knee buckled, and Alan dived at him. Burke pitched to the ground.
The gun went off, and Gathor's body jerked as the bullet punched into him. He fell in a heap.
Alan tumbled to the ground atop Urko and slammed a fist into his stomach, followed quickly with a punch to the face. Urko grunted as Alan made contact with the raw cheek wound and grabbed him, flinging him to the side. Looking up, Urko saw Pergis draw his leg back. No time to deflect the blow. Urko's breath left him in a whoosh and he doubled over, gasping. His vision dimmed.
Together, Pergis and Alan took the pistol from Urko and forced him back onto his feet. Urko stood, hunched over, looking at them with murder in his eyes. "You'll see how I repay you for standing with Galen," Urko threatened Pergis. Pergis watched him without emotion. Urko's eyes swept over Gathor, bleeding, with Trahern beside him. He faced Alan and Galen. "You're next. And your friends."
Galen looked at him, eyes narrowing. "You'll try. But then, you already have, haven't you?" He turned his attention to Pete.
Urko barked a short laugh, hand holding his thigh as he struggled to breathe. "Burke knows. you'll never have peace as long as I am alive."
Pergis kept his gun trained on Urko as Alan knelt by Pete, sprawled face down in the dirt of the street. Carefully he and Galen turned him over. Dark hair ruffled over still features in the night breeze. A fine layer of dust clung to his face. Alan pulled his eyelids open, checking his pupils, then looked away for a moment. He looked up at Urko, eyes flat. "If he dies, I'll kill you myself."
Urko snorted, staring down at Burke. "Only two left to deal with. now," he said, mocking.
"We'll see," Alan said, eyes on Urko. "Galen, I want you to take Pete there.into the field. See the tall tree to the left? Get on the other side of it, hide out, wait for me. Make him as comfortable as possible. I'm going to get rid of Urko, then I'll be back for you. Pergis. Trahern," he continued, kneeling next to Gathor and checking his wound. "The bullet entered his side. went right through. Look, put some pressure on it, like this.." looking at Trahern. "Got it? You need to get him to the hospital. Ask for Kira when you arrive." Alan turned to Pergis. "You've met Kira before?" The chimpanzee nodded. "Good. Next you go straight to Zaius's house. Make a deal with him, if you can, and do it quick. I don't know how long we can keep Urko out of commission." Pergis nodded again. "You might have to get help getting Gathor to the hospital. I don't know if you can carry him all the way."
Pergis put his hand on Virdon's arm. "Don't worry, we'll take care of it. Alan. it's not your fault."
Alan looked at him tiredly, then nodded. "Good luck, Pergis." He looked back at the single, distant dwelling. It remained dark. Maybe they were far enough away. maybe the apes hadn't heard the gunfire.
Pergis looked down at Burke's still face, then knelt beside Galen. "Galen. " he said softly, grasping his shoulder. Galen looked up, startled. "Try to forgive him. The gorillas are free to do what they will to humans. We all are. Can we blame them when they fight for their very lives?"
"Do you condone the killing, then?" asked Galen softly, eyes still locked on Burke.
Pergis sighed and looked up into the night sky, contemplating. "By all rights, Burke should be dead. Instead, he stopped. an evil that made my blood run cold, cousin. Who would have been next - how many? An ape, perhaps? Does an ape who kills deserve to live in place of a human?"
"I don't condone the killing of man or ape, Pergis," said Galen quietly.
"You don't condone it, but as the murder of humans is common, so you've become accustomed to it. Is it possible, perhaps without realizing it, that you have grown tolerant of such things? What was your reaction to Urko destroying the human village, Galen?"
Galen was silent, looking up at his cousin's thin, solemn face. Pergis clapped his shoulder. "All I ask is that you think about it. Maybe then I will have opened your eyes a bit, as you have done mine."
"You have grown so, Pergis. you aren't my little cousin anymore. You're an adult. When did that happen?" said Galen wistfully.
Pergis smiled, wrinkling his nose. "Recently, I think. It started with your last visit." he said, looking fondly at Galen, then turned to help Trahern with Gathor, lying doubled up on the ground.
"Be careful, Pergis, won't you?" Galen heard his voice almost pleading.
"As best I can, Galen. I would hate to make the family go through more than they have already," he replied as he picked up Gathor's feet. Trahern grabbed Gathor under the arms. Gathor groaned feebly.
Galen rose from his position beside Burke. He picked him up carefully, trying not to jostle him any more than possible, Alan cautioning him. With the superior strength of most apes, Galen found himself more than capable of carrying the astronaut. Alan turned worried eyes to him. "I'll be back soon, Galen. Take care of him, will you?"
"Of course," said Galen, and nodded. "Be careful. One can't be too cautious around Urko, you know." He nodded again and stepped off the road and into the field, walking into the dried yellow grass, the long stalks of which looked almost ghostly in the cold moonlight. Thank the gods the moon was out, now that they were out of town with no torches to guide them.
"It's almost over, Urko. Let's move out," Virdon said, turning to the tall gorilla general.
"You're right about that, Virdon. It is almost over. for you and your friends," Urko said.
"You never stop, do you. your jailers are trapped, Galen has escaped, your men don't know where you are, and you think you're going to turn this around." Alan sighed wearily. "Get moving." He took up position behind Urko, walking down the dusty, rutted path. The area was becoming overgrown, with stunted bushes and trees dotting the landscape. The two walked for a couple of miles, seeing only the one house at the beginning of their walk and another perched far off the road on top of a hill. Another mile and Alan saw a dirt road leading off to the right. He and Urko followed it, Alan glancing up at the moon and noting that clouds were gathering. If he weren't careful, he'd be left in pitch black with the gorilla. He urged Urko to move faster.
The dirt road led to a small farm with a thatched roof. The fields behind the home were plowed, with stalks of corn struggling feebly against the current drought. Close to the house stood a small, rickety barn and wagon, sheltered under a wooden extension. Alan's mood lightened at the sight. Maybe they would get away after all.
He and Urko walked silently to the barn, just inside the entrance. Various tools, ropes and tethers hung on or leaned against the wooden slatted wall to Alan's right, and he pulled one of the ropes off its peg and turned to Urko. It was very dim, even at the foremost part of the barn. It made Alan nervous.
"Have a seat, Urko," he said, gesturing to the wooden support closest to the door. He heard the rustling of the animals inside the barn, roused by their voices.
"Galen has turned his back to his own people," said Urko, ignoring Alan. "Burke hates me and anything else that gets in his way." Alan's eyes narrowed. "But you, Virdon. you've always seemed almost.. reasonable. You have a wife and child back home. Zaius and I have seen for ourselves how much they mean to you. Why are you here, Virdon?"
"You seem to think we want to be here, Urko," said Alan in an even tone. "We don't. we never have. And we've never wanted to hurt anyone, contrary to what you believe."
"I might have believed that of you until you threatened to kill me tonight. As for Burke. never. Not after what he's done. The both of you together encourage rebellion amongst the humans. You're a pestilence." The loathing in Urko's voice sent a chill up Virdon's spine.
"Pete didn't kill your soldier in cold blood. He was defending himself." Even to himself, his voice sounded uncertain. His mind persisted, slyly, in asking him if it were really true. Firmly he shut the door on internal speculation. Not now.
"Are you sure of that, Virdon? And if you truly don't want to hurt anyone, then why are you here with a gun pointed at me?"
"Same as Pete. I have no choice. Now sit down," Alan snapped, impatient with himself. He should never have been drawn into this conversation.
"You tell yourself that. he had no choice. I think he did," said Urko, raising his voice. "Most humans will kill without thought, when given the opportunity. What about you, Virdon? Will you kill me as you said? You'd have almost certainly been exposed if you'd shot me within the city.."
"If I'm out of options, Urko, I'll shoot," Alan replied, the last of his patience evaporating.
"Even here? A gunshot would rouse the farmers, don't you think?"
"I didn't say I was out of options, yet. There's still this," Alan replied, striking Urko hard and fast in the jaw. He shook his fist as Urko reeled back. There was no time to lose - his life and the lives of his friends depended on him getting out of here quickly. Alan moved forward and put the muzzle of the gun to Urko's forehead.
"I haven't had to shoot, Urko. and I won't, unless you force me to. Do you understand?" he said, glaring into the dimness that was Urko's face. His actions had moved them further into the barn where he could see even less, a situation that made him very uneasy. "Now come and sit down. This is your last chance."
For a moment there was silence. "You may have gained a little time, bringing me out here.. but not much. Burke will hold you back. If he's not dead, already," said Urko matter-of-factly, moving at last to do Alan's bidding.
With a sudden intake of breath, Alan absorbed the comment. "There'll be time enough," he said, tying the gorilla general securely to the support. He walked back to the wall with the hanging tools, finding a tether made of leather, and brought it back to the general. "I meant what I said. If you, Zaius and the Council could get it through your heads that we don't wish to harm anyone - ape or human, none of this would be necessary."
"You don't understand, Virdon. It doesn't matter what you intend - it's what you are," Urko said. "Burke has proven what we already knew."
Alan looked away. "Open your mouth," he said, voice strained. Urko stared up at him. "Open it. Now," Alan said harshly. Urko complied, a murderous look flushing over his features. Alan wound the leather between the gorilla's parted jaws carefully and around the back of his head, several times, forming a gag. When he was satisfied with the result, he walked deeper into the barn and came out leading an old farm horse. He stopped before Urko a moment, then walked outside to the wagon.
