8. Operation Long Shot

The cliffs outside of Ostia

Shegovia watched the riders approach from the south. She smiled as she recognized the lead horseman. The week in Rome had proven most successful, now it was his turn to again show what he could do.

Hannibal waved. Senioris and Junuris followed their general as he rode up to Shegovia.

"A balm for the eye." Hannibal brushed Shegovia's cheek. "Now that we're together again, it's time to draw Ronicus and the Masked Warrior out."

As if on cue, a squadron of warships rounded the shoreline. They surrounded six large merchant vessels. The sails of all sported a great sun burst. Hundreds of men and wagons awaited them on the beach.

Everyone turned to Hannibal, who gestured to the landing. "Gentlemen, and lady, a gift from our ally: Phillip V of Macedon. In those ships lies the keys to Ostia, at least its harbor; and the harbor is what Rome needs most to provide it with food. With this we can deny them. In those hulls are the Catapults of Navorone."

Rome

Kim had completed another training session with her Mother and Nana Possibillis. This one had gone well. The strange woman still occupied her mind. That was actually a welcome relief to worrying about the breakfast incident and its possible results.

"So Dorcas offered you a position with her organization?"

"Yes, Mother. Why is everyone following my business these days?"

"Because you're an exceptional young woman." Nana smiled. "We have not told you, but the Temple of Minerva is also open to you as an option. As you know, it not so fateful a choice as Diana."

Nana opened Kim's equipment chest. "You've also had a visit from Wadeamedes."

She took out the vambraces. They were thicker now, and a bit heavier. There was a hole at the front of each, something was in them. She looked at the note.

Kimora:

Directoria told me about the fire. It gave me an idea. Point your hand at your target post, then flex it down.

Kim followed the instructions. There was a sound of a missile burying itself into the wood. Attached to it was a thread. She tugged; it was solidly in the post. Kim looked back to the letter.

Spider silk, really hard to get enough for this, so don't cut it unless you have to. It can support you and another. There's a winch to put the spring back into position. This may come in handy sometime.

W

"What will he come up with next?"

Maybe a way to help a girl read her own heart. Olivia thought as she watched her daughter restore her new tool to its resting position. "Your Father should be getting out of the Senate soon. He wants to see you at the north entrance of the Forum."

"Something about Young Scipio, I bet." Kim looked resigned. "Goodbye, Mother, Nana."

After she left, Nana Possibillis stared at her daughter-in-law, who finally spoke.

"Wisdom watches and waits, it does not shout."

"And the dead need no medical advice." Nana shook her head. "If you feel so strongly; you must say something while words are still of use."

SPQR

Kim approached the north entrance of the Forum. There was Father; talking to someone she had never seen before. He was slender, almost willowy. His blond hair almost reached his shoulders. The man's tunic and toga were green. She could not image what her Father was doing with a man who looked so completely un-Roman.

"Ah, here's my Kimmicubus." Father smiled. "I'd like to introduce you to Cataline."

"Caius, you liar, she's not pretty, she's GOREGOUS." The man smiled as he bowed to her.

"I have exciting news, Kimora. Things have moved more quickly than I had hoped. Young Scipio will be in town this week to testify before a Senate committee, and I have been told he will be more than happy to see you this Veneris."

"Veneris! That's five days from now!"

"I know it's sudden. That's why I contacted Cataline. He's the finest date facilitator in Rome! Nothing's too good for my Kimmicubus."

"Date facilitator?"

"Think of me as a General in Cupid's Army. Young Scipio! I love it when I'm going after the big game! With your permission, Caius, we'll get started."

"Of course. You two have fun. See you at home, Kimora."

Father stepped onto his chariot. Cataline put a hand on Kim's shoulder, and motioned. "The Forum: home of the finest shopping in Rome! And where else to start but…"

Kim's eyes followed his hand. "Country Club Republic?"

"Most exclusive store in Rome. You need a pedigree to get in; even the sales staff is patrician. Now, your Father has us on a budget of twelve aureui."

"TWELVE?" Kim's jaw dropped. My allowance is one a week! "That's…"

"Frugal?" Cataline nodded sympathetically. "I know. There's a war on, though. Everyone has to sacrifice. Now don't worry, twelve goldies can get you a lot at CCR, if you know how to shop. And sister, I knooow how to shop."

"After this we'll go see Megacles. He'll be in charge of hair and makeup. Your friend Monique is one of his clients. Then we'll go to your place: and co-ordinate everything with your jewelry. That's one place where I'm as traditional as your Father. A girl must wear family jewelry on the first date. The boy has a right to know where things stand, dowry wise."

They reached the facade of Country Club Republic. Cataline presented papers to the man at the door. He nodded and opened it for them.

"Now the fun begins. That poor Scipio! Between us he'll never know what hit his heart."

The cliffs outside of Ostia

"We're ready, General."

Hannibal nodded to the Macedonian engineer. "Thank you, Memnon. Now, would you like to start this, Shegovia? You can be—how would the Judeans put it? Ah, yes, my Eve of Destruction."

Shegovia walked over to the main lever. She smiled at Hannibal.

"Silver, dinners, and now this. You know how to win a girl."

Rome

"So, when's the big date?" Ronicus asked Kim as they walked toward her house from Bene Kebob.

"Veneris. You should have seen the fuss that Father put me through yesterday! He's quite pleased. I'm not so sure about Mother."

"They want you to be happy." Ronicus looked at her. "A great many people do. People all around you. Near you."

"Ron…"

They were close. Ronicus tentatively reached for her hand.

Come on, don't be afraid. Is her hand rising? Oh, Venus, please…

CRASH!

Scaffolding collapsed against a wall across from them. Both jumped. They looked at the wall. Something that was about to be whitewashed over caught their eyes.

Graffiti. This time a lion was springing toward a she wolf. Twins raced from a cave to protect her. At the mouth of the cave lay crowned skulls.

Hannibal moves on Rome. Meet at the Tomb of the Tarquins.

They turned to each other, said at once. "Uh, I've got to go!"

Ronicus rubbed the back of his neck. "I think I have more business at Bene Kebob."

"And I have some ritual thing at the Temple." Kim looked down.

"All right. I'll see you in a couple of days or so, KP."

Kim watched him run off. It may be sooner than you think.

SPQR

The Masked Warrior moved swiftly along the tunnel from the Temple of Minerva to the Tarquin Tombs. Few bothered to do more than throw stones at the grave site of the last kings of Rome. This had made them a perfect place to meet and train.

Kim looked out from behind the bushes. No one there, she could come out. Soon she could hear Ronicus coming. At least a cadet could run through the city in full regalia. She had to be more circumspect.

"Ron."

"MW." Ronicus gasped. "How long have you been here?"

"Not long. Let's go see who called us. Maybe Wadeamedes."

"Nah, it's just me."

Lodi stepped out of the cave, a cup of grape juice in his hand. "There's big news. Hannibal's outside of Ostia!"

"So is our army. What's the sitch?" Kim asked.

"It's not his army that's the threat. They have a new gift from Macedonia—the Catapults of Navorone!"

"The Catapults of Navorone?" Ronicus blinked. "I thought that was a play."

"It's a good one." Lodi nodded. "I saw the Alexandrian production. What a cast! Gregor Pectus, Antonius Quintis, David Ninevah. And the special effects! At the end when…"

"As interesting as this no doubt is, what about Rome?" Kim asked huffily.

Ronicus shrugged to Lodi. "Some people just don't appreciate good drama."

Lodi agreed. "I have the script if you want to read it, but you really need to see it live."

"Rome!" Kim intoned.

"Okay, okay. The play is based on fact. Demetrius the Besieger had them built for the attack on Rhodes, over a century ago. He broke off the siege before they could be delivered. The tryant of Navarone, Piratacles, used them to extort money from all passing ships. Even a near miss can swamp one. If Hannibal has them within range of Ostia, he can make the harbor useless. Rome could be starved into submission!"

"Then I guess we're off to Ostia." Ronicus nodded. "Where's the chariot?"

"I have a pair of horses for you here. The chariot is in a small temple along the road, just outside of Ostia. It's had some modifications for the mission. Instructions are inside."

Outside of Ostia

"You know, when Lodi said modifications, this was not what I had in mind."

The sleek lines of the chariot were gone, hidden under the guise of a four wheeled canopied wagon. Ron was equally rustic. He was barefoot; he wore a rough tunic and a wide-brimmed hat. The Masked Warrior was in the back of the wagon, going over the new equipment and instructions. Ruffio was in the back also.

"MW! Military Police ahead, CARTHAGINIAN!"

Two heavily armored swordsmen blocked the road. The lead one held up his hand.

"State your business, please."

"Uh, vinegar for the kitchens." Ron sputtered.

"Check it out, Bomilcar." The second soldier made his way to the back of the wagon. Ronicus fought the urge to grab his sword from its hiding place. Without his armor, he would stand no chance against the man next to him. Carthaginian soldiers pursued war with the zest and skill that their countrymen pursed profit.

"Waaaa! Waaaa!"

"Do you MIND!?!"

"Oh! I'm sorry, 'mam. I need to check this jar. Whoa! That's vinegar all right. Everything looks clear, Bostar. What a—lovely child, 'mam."

The soldier next to Ronicus waved him on. His comrade walked up to him.

"They start early in the country. Beautiful girl, but the baby! Puny, and quite frankly—mousy."

Ronicus waited until they were well past the guards before he let out a sigh of relief. There was silence in the back. At last Ruffio came through the closed curtain. He turned back.

"Not a word, Ruffio." The voice of the Masked Warrior of Mystery was solemn.

"Fide mea." His right paw was across his heart. He sat beside Ronicus, and gave him the strangest look.

"So you know his identity." Ronicus was a little jealous. "I'd ask, but I heard you take your oath. I just can't help but feel that I know him from somewhere."

Ruffio wanted to nod, but anything that would help Ronicus on this was forbidden.

"That was a real good disguise, MW. You really sounded like a girl."

"Thanks." Kim peeked out of the back, her regular disguise back in place.

THURMP!

Something massive went overhead.

"Was that a landslide?" Ronicus asked.

The boulders flew across the sky. They watched as they headed to the harbor. Two ships and a dock were reduced to kindling wood. Men were running around the other ships, desperately trying to unload them.

"They're in operation." Kim said grimly. "Pull over into that grove. You need to suit up."

Kim watched Ostia while Ronicus put on his armor. Two armies faced each other before the walls. The Roman commander dared not start a battle. Hannibal had no need to. The Catapults were doing his work at no cost. They had to hurry, before the sun began to set, and the armies returned to their camps.

Once Ronicus was ready, they resumed. Soon they gained the top of this rise. They gasped.

Two enormous catapults stood along the cliff. They had a perfect view of the harbor. Each had a crew of at least a hundred men. Oxen provided the power to pull down the arms. Earthen ramps allowed the men to bring wagon loads of boulders to load into them. The second one fired, and dust rose from the ground from small cracks. The men waited; then cheered when an officer turned to them and saluted.

"Time for phase one." Kim prompted.

Ronicus urged the horses to pick up the pace. When they were close, Kim began to throw clay jars at the catapults. They burst, and a yellowish cloud spread in the wind. Men coughed and gagged. The engineers fled the scene.

They pulled close to the catapults once the wind had carried the vapors away. No one was around now.

"Ron, find the fissures in the ground, drive over them."

Ronicus quickly did as he was told. He could hear splashing as Kim poured the vinegar onto the cracks in the ground. It took little time to complete this.

They pulled up to the first catapult. Kim jumped out with two buckets. She gave one to Ronicus. "Go start putting this on the other one. Take your shield we won't stay lucky much longer."

Kim climbed the ladder to reach the top of the catapult. She began to smear the pitch onto the massive arm of the siege machine. Soon she saw a shadow.

"Hello."

A blue face sneered at her. The man wore a mail coat and cloak. His black hair was combed up into spikes. His shield was white, with a blue dragon painted on the front. A long sword rested easily in his right hand. Beside him a massive bare-chested man with a horned helmet hefted a great club.

"Love the red crest! I'll put it on my helmet, and your skull will look so nice on the yoke of my chariot, yea, verily."

The street singers! Kim picked up her spear.

Eddorix raised his club overhead and charged. Kim sprang to meet him. She caught the club with her spear. Eddorix pressed down, he smiled as his face came next to her mask. Kim smiled behind the mask as she brought her knee up into Eddorix's gut. He went down.

Drakko came next. The sword made a glittering arc as he swung. Kim dodged sometimes, other times she used her spear shaft to block. A thrust caused her eyes to widen as the sword point came within inches of them.

"My blade has a point. Hannibal believes in flexibility."

"So do I." Kim dodged under another swing, and hit Drakko in the stomach with the flat of her spear head. His face twisted in anger.

Kim noticed his shoulder pull back slightly. She waited for him to swing his shield. Moving at the last moment, she kicked the inside of it. Drakko fought to keep his feet.

A thudding sound alerted Kim. She dropped to the ground just as Eddorix brought the club around. Drakko's shield splintered from the blow, and he flew off the catapult deck.

"Sorry about that, cuz. Yea, verily." Eddorix attacked again. Kim backed up to one of the beams supporting the cross bar. The Gaul came at her with a yell. At the last moment she did a split. Eddorix's club rebounded off the wood, and struck him square on the forehead. He swayed. Kim got up, walked over, and punched him in the face with the flat of her spear. The barbarian passed out.

Kim heard someone else behind her. She turned.

A pale woman with long black hair stood smiling at her.

"Nicely done. They aren't bad, but you made it look like child's play. Now it's time to face the grownups. Come on, Princess, let's dance!"

Kim settled into a defensive posture. "Don't call me 'Princess' I—I'm a guy! Besides, Rome is a Republic!"

"Oh, I've my civics for today." Shegovia purred. "Let me repay you with a lesson in folkways. This is what we call a Ligurian Dagger Dance."

Shegovia slapped her daggers together. There was a pop, and green sparks flew from the blades. The daggers traced patterns of green light in the air as she moved forward, hips swaying sensuously. Stopping just out of Kim's range, Shegovia quipped.

"You know, a guy would have really liked that."

She sprang. Kim blocked the first blade with her spear head. There was a shower of sparks. More came up from around her chest. Kim thrust her spear to drive Shegovia back, she looked down. There was a groove from the second dagger on her cuirass.

The two went back and forth. Shegovia's blades stuck spear staff, vambraces and cuirass. Kim spun to avoid a swipe, and a leather strap from her belt fell onto the deck.

"A few more of those, and we may have solved a mystery."

She brought her dagger down. Kim caught it on her spear shaft. The second dagger came up to meet the first. There was a flash, and the spear snapped in two. Shegovia smiled as Kim staggered back. The shock in her eyes was evident as she looked at her ruined spear.

Closing in for the kill, Shegovia failed to see Kim's left-handed swing. The shaft struck painfully on her upper right arm. Kim followed with a blow to her left leg. Her attack was clumsy, desperate, and effective.

Shegovia backed up. Kim pressed her advantage. A coil of rope tripped Shegovia. The witch went down in a tangle.

"MWWWWWWWWWWWW……"

Kim looked over her shoulder. Ronicus was on the deck of the other catapult. Eight Gauls were chasing him. He ducked, dodged, and caught the occasional blow on his shield. At the moment they were in a group behind him.

"Ron!"

Kim dropped her broken spear and ran toward the ledge. She extended her arm, aimed at the arm of the neighboring catapult. She jumped, then flexed her hand.

First time. Hope I've judged this right.

The leap was just far enough and the spider silk had just enough stretch for the anchor to reach its target. Kim was flying through the air. She brought her legs up, and plowed through Roncius's pursuers. The anchor pulled out, and she dropped to the deck.

"Thanks, MW. Neat new toy."

"Anytime Ro—Ahhh!"

Something slammed into Kim's back. She fell to the deck. Ronicus was over her in an instant, covering her with his shield.

"What was that?" she asked.

"GREEN FIRE! SHE'S SHOOTING GREEN FIRE!"

Shegovia's hands were glowing. First one, then the other, came down, and green bolts lashed out at her targets. Ronicus caught blast after blast as Kim shook her head to clear it. The bolt had burned through her cloak, then deflected off the bronze cuirass.

"Ron, where's the wagon?"

"On the other side of the catapult."

"Let's go. We've done all we can here."

They ran behind the catapult arm, and over to the ladder. Soon they were on their way, green bolts struck the ground behind them as Kim urged the horses on.

"Masked Dude! NUMIDIANS!"

Kim looked to her left. A band of riders were coming up from the direction of Hannibal's army. Dark men on small horses. They used no saddles, nor bridles for that matter. The horses responded to knee and voice. The men were utterly motionless as the horses ran after the wagon. Soon they would be in range to use their javelins.

A bridge was ahead. "Ron, prepare to detach the wagon."

Ronicus turned around. He reached down and took hold of the dowels on either end. He pulled up as they rumbled onto the bridge. The addition separated, rolled a little while longer, then crashed.

Kim handed over the reins to Ronicus. She pulled out the bow, and selected one of Directoria's arrows, a gray fletched one. Her target was a black disk on the wagon's floor. Black liquid poured from around it. The Numidians were coming up fast.

She loosed the arrow. The flint arrow head struck the rough iron, sparks flew, and the pitch burst into flames. Thick black smoke boiled out, and the Numidian horses pulled up.

"Well, we got away." Just then a shower of boulders flew toward the harbor of Ostia.

"Did we do any good, MW?"

"I don't know, Ron. We'll just have to trust Wadeamedes."

SPQR

The Catapults of Navarone were firing again. Senioris and Junuris had arrived and were talking with Memnon.

"It appears all they did was smear pitch onto the ropes. Hardly enough to start a good fire, much less destroy the catapults. Fortunately, Shegovia's men stopped them from spreading more."

Senioris was not satisfied. "That seems far too simple for our foe. Drakko, did you see them do anything else?"

"Well, they were pouring something from the wagon before they stopped."

"What was it?"

"Vinegar I think. Very strong vinegar."

Eddorix nodded. "The whole place smelled like a giant Brutus Salad. Yea, verily,"

"Vinegar?"

Junuris turned. "Father, the Alps?"

Senioris looked thoughtful, then his eyes widened in alarm. "Vinegar, they poured concentrated vinegar onto limestone! Memnon, stop firing! Move the catapults!"

Too late. Another one fired. This time huge clouds of dust came up from the fissures in the ground, accompanied by a deep groan. The earth began to sag.

"TOO LATE! EVERYONE RUN!"

The cliff side gave way. The Catapults of Navarone tilted, then toppled over the side, falling into the sea.

SPQR

Hannibal and Shegovia inspected the new cliff side. The general seemed lost in thought. Shegovia sidled up beside him and slipped her hand into his.

"I admire how you handle setbacks. You seem so calm."

"And I will remain calm; if you tell me that you learned what you need to know."

"Oh, I have." Shegovia nodded. "I know exactly how to bring her down."

"Her?" Hannibal was confused.

"The Masked Warrior of Mystery. She's a girl. You know: the female of the species. The ones with the curves you like. The ones that have all the little babies." Her smile slipped a bit when Hannibal tilted his head.

"Look, I faced 'him' no guy is that slim and limber."

"There are male acrobats. And Mago is much older, and still hasn't filled out."

"What about the hair? There was none on the arms or legs. And the only way there'll ever be a beard on that face is if they etch one on the mask."

"With all the armor you described, how much of his limbs could you see? With the light complexion you described, the hair must also be light. You may not have been able to see it in the light, especially since he was trying to drive a spear into you."

Shegovia turned to Drakko and Eddorix, she called them over.

"You two faced the Masked Warrior up close and personal. Didn't you think 'he' 'he'" and her hands trembled with frustration, "SMELLED NICE for a guy?"

Drakko shrugged his shoulders. "I thought that was from the regular bathing."

Eddorix nodded. "A very clean people. Yea, verily."

"You see, Shegovia, everything can be explained. The Romans would never send a girl out to fight. They aren't barbarians. No offense, of course."

"Want to offend me, call me civilized." Shegovia turned away, and muttered under her breath.

"Men! Even the geniuses are morons."

SPQR

Kim and Ron were making their way back to Rome when a rider galloped by. He gave a merry wave to the pair.

"The Catapults have fallen into the sea! Victory for Rome!"

"Way to go Wadeamedes!" Kim smiled. Ronicus whooped in triumph. Then both grew silent with the same thought.

One more day to Veneris.

Notes

Veneris—Friday, Venus's Day, the obvious Date Night

Demetrius the Besieger—The Catapults weren't real. He was, the attack on Rhodes was the stuff of legend. Pirates, super weapons, it was so the drama.

Fide mea—on my word of honor