Ceasera

Polk adjusted the reigns as his steed jumped over the rubble and galloped down the road. He was pressing his luck with the beast. The damage was everywhere and if he didn't slow down the horse would certainly break a leg, or worse, cause him to break one. However, luck stayed with him as he strode closer and closer to his destination. He felt the pressure of time weighing on his nerves. Philonus was expecting him to pull the staff together but he had a strong sense telling him something was wrong at the lab.

He could feel the heat as he approached the damaged parts of the city. Off in the distance, buildings burned lighting up the sky as if it were day. Just a little more, he thought to himself as the silhouette of the building came into view. Everyone's attention was on the smoldering factory and containing the various fires.

Polk arrived at the lab to see Captain Sarref and a squad of soldiers off in the distance. He saluted as he came closer. The Captain reported on the circumstances up this point. He stated that he was sweeping other parts of the city for any human saboteurs that were possibly hiding.

"Listen," Polk said. "I want you to lead a patrol into the woods east of here. Find out what hit us and how…if you can. Then turn things over to one of the senior NCOs and meet me in the capital building."

The Captain acknowledged the order and went on his way. Polk dismounted and tied the reins to a nearby post. His gut feeling was confirmed as he noticed the missing guard and the half opened door. Maybe he's checking the interior the Major thought, trying to remain as positive as possible.

Once inside his worst fears were confirmed. He paused as he looked at the bloody bodies on the floor. The humans had somehow managed to infiltrate the city and steal the relic. The ape brought a paw to his chin and sighed. "How?" He seethed, gritting his teeth. "We're going to lose this war if we don't get our heads out of our…" He paused as a greater priority overrode his thoughts. This is ultimately my fault. Philonus specifically put this responsibility on my shoulders. And the Colonel had done just that. It was his way of telling Polk that if he was going to let Ulysses off the hook, his neck was now going to be put on it. The factory was bad enough, but the loss of these relics would most assuredly equal a death sentence.

An idea formed in the ape's head. He grabbed a large sack from a supply closet in the corner. He went over to the security cabinet and filled it with what he could. Next, he went to the open containers on the table and took what he need from them. Once satisfied, the ape secured the items to the horse, tried outside. Thank the good Lord for efficiency, he thought. Sarref had sectioned off the whole vicinity. There were no apes were in the immediate area.

Polk reached in the satchel and removed a small box. He went back into the lab and piled papers, clothes, and anything flammable he could find in the center of the floor. He struck the flint and lit the pile on fire. He fanned it for a few seconds to insure it took. The flames caught quickly and began to expand. "I'll have to make sure to personally thank St James," he joked to himself. "Ok, just one more stop" he added. And with that the Major departed.

He arrived at his next destination and was thankful to see light coming from a window. His heart raced a little as his mind reminded him that Philonus was probably wondering where he was at this very moment. All things in due time he assured himself. I'll deal with that problem soon enough.

Bam-bam-bam, he pounded. "Doctor Avaya, open up!" Bam-bam-bam, he pounded once more with waiting for a reply.

"Oh what is it now? Keep your blasted pants on. I'm coming" the voice behind the entrance stated.

When the door opened, Polk didn't wait to be invited inside. He stepped in and swung the bag around. "I need your help doctor. As you know we've just been attacked".

"Keep your voice down Major" the female doctor scolded. "I have children who I just got back to sleep. Every soldier in this city seems to think that beating down this door is his number one priority."

"My apologies Avaya" Polk said in almost a whisper. "You know section seven article twelve, states that key personnel are to be accounted for in the event of a raid. But that's not why I'm here. I need your help. We …you… need to assemble this. And I need it done quickly."

Major Polk pressed the issue sternly, but, as good-natured as possible. He didn't answer any of her inquiries as to why or how he'd come across this stuff. Once everything was assembled and verified, he slipped out just as quickly as he'd arrived. Before departing he put two gold coins in her hand and said. "This is our little secret. Right my dear?"

The doctor shook her head in amazement. This was almost six month income. "Sha… Sure … Major" she smiled, "Our little secret".

About thirty minutes later he arrived back at the capital. The staff meeting was well in progress. Philonus was irritated but kept his professional composure. He simply said "You're late, Major."

"Yes Sir," Polk replied. "I apologize. I was out taking care of what you asked me to. It took some time to navigate through the wreckage …Longer than I anticipated"

The half-lie seemed to work so the ape went on. "Patrols are out investigating the eastern boarder and …" He paused for a split second, as he noticed Ulysses sitting in the room. "Umm, excuse me … patrols are looking into the source of the bombardment. I went to make sure that certain relics were secure." Polk ended by laying the assembled rifle and bag on a table in front of Philonus. His eyes, however, were fixed on Major Ulysses.

Philonus kept silent as he sized up the ape. In his opinion, Polk had always been a competent officer. The Major was also a pain in the rear. He'd risen quickly through the ranks, but in the Colonel's opinion, the ape had fallen short this time. Obviously he was too inexperienced to handle the burden of absolute command. Philonus couldn't blame him for the attempt though. According to their military edicts, Polk didn't have a choice. He was the senior ape and like it or not command had been his to bear.

Philonus finally nodded and turned his attention back to the others. He gave specific instructions to the various officers and NCOs in the room. He beat the drums war so hard that even Polk found himself longing to take a rifle and change at the enemy.

"Five hours, my friends." He concluded. "We mobilize in five hours. You all have your orders. All coordination will be directed through Majors Polk and Sidon …Dismissed!"

Sidon? Polk thought. That's odd. Why isn't Ulysses…? The sharp sound of his name caused the thought to stop in its tracks.

"Major Polk, Major Ulysses, You are to remain behind." The Colonel ordered.

The soldiers hurried out of the room to make preparations. Once it was empty, Philonus lowered his military bearing and bluntly said "Sit down"

"What's this about Sir?" Polk asked still standing.

Philonus drew a pistol and pointed it directly at Polk. Ulysses, who was already sitting flinched. "Discipline and duty" The Colonel said slowly lowering the weapon. "Sit down, Polk. I won't ask you again."

The soldier sat as Philonus kept talking. "You're both lucky I need you or you'd be lying in a ditch right now as some enlisted volunteers shoveled dirt over your dead bodies. And I may just see you there yet. Things are such a mess that I don't know where to even begin to unravel them. This Visitor you sent off with Ulysses … some State official or something, with promises of buried treasure … Did you know he escaped?"

Polk didn't. He knew Ulysses had been recalled but he assumed Sullen was back in prison. This was the second time the Colonel had gotten the drop on him. All Polk could think of in reply with is, "What happened?"

"I'll tell you what happened." Philonus said as his face tightened. "Our esteem Major here lost the Visitor, the relic he possessed, and several scarce supplies. That's what happened. Five apes were poisoned by rattlers. But please Ulysses, tell the Major here how it all happened. Explain to him how one orangutan, a civilian none the less, duped an entire platoon"

For the next twenty minutes Ulysses told his version of the story. It would have only taken ten but Philonus jumped in with editorial comments, every other sentence. Ulysses stated that he believed Sullen headed back this way but they'd lost the tracks about two-thirds of the way home. When it was over Polk felt tired and fatigued. For the first time ever, Polk was in agreement; Ulysses needed to be executed for dereliction of duty.

"Do you think this orangutan had anything to do with the sabotage?" Philonus asked.

As if a knife had been stuck in his heart, Polk began to spin the best lie he could conjure. "Sir, I honestly believe that two situations are unrelated. You said it yourself; humans are in the ancient capital. Who knows what's been discovered by now. Besides after his last attempt to steal the rifle, I had the items moved and secured. The Techs now let me know what they need and I sign the objects out as necessary."

"See for yourself" he added pointing to the items he'd brought in. "The working model is right there. Even if he managed to get to the lab there would have been little for him to take".

Philonus couldn't deny what was staring him right in the face. "Ok, fine. If he's here we'll eventually find him. We've been planning this attack for the last few days. Polk, you're managing the coordinated push. You have work to do. Ulysses, fortunately for you, I need that tactical brain of yours for a different piece of the mission. Let's get to work gentleapes."

Approximately 3.5 miles east of Ceasera

Sullen rubbed the bump on his head. He wasn't sure if he'd gotten it from colliding with the unconscious human or when he struck the tree. It really didn't matter. What did was the fact that he needed to keep moving. To where, he didn't know. But one thing was certain; he was headed in the right direction; away from the explosions.

He was on his paws and knees panting and sweating. I'll rest for just a second, he thought, and then keep going. The shelling was still going on but the ape was far enough away and felt relatively secure. At least for the moment anyway. He looked at the human and noted the supplies.

"Water" he concluded, looking at the canteen. He rolled the man over and popped the tin cylinder loose. "Who knows what ailment I'll catch drinking after a savage like you but one thing's certain; without water I'll die regardless." The ape took a long satisfying drink.

Sullen looked down at the man considering what else he could salvage. For a second he wondered if the human was dead or simply unconscious. The Prefect noted Lieutenant Berger's chest moving up and down, answering his question. But something well-known immediately caught his eye. There it was pinned to his right sleeve.

"That crest" he said in shock "… The Central Contingent … how?"

Something else looked familiar, almost too familiar. Sullen knew of the tradition. The crest was pinned exactly where it 'should' be or where it would be if two ape contingents met in the field. If the human had taken it off the carcass of a dead soldier, why would he pin it to his sleeve?

Berger moaned as his eyes blinked. His head was spinning as the oxygen jumpstarted his external senses. "What happened?" He mumbled rhetorically. He sat up and rubbed his face with both hands. The loud sounds of distant artillery quickly reminded him of where he was. Berger fumbled for his rifle and then his pistol.

"Don't waste your time Human." Sullen said.

Berger turned to see an orangutan pointing a rifle at him.

Old Washington, DC, the following morning

The Air Force Major scratched at the stubble on his cheek as he mulled over the options before him. He let the different scenarios run though his head as he stared at his colleague and considered what he'd just been told.

"So Tom, what do you think?" Hayes asked a second time.

March answered the question with one of his own. "You're sure about this Jonny; it'll fly?"

"We're going in circles, Sir" Hayes replied showing his frustration. "I've spent the last six hours running the numbers, testing the data, and familiarizing myself with the controls. Is it a one hundred percent given we'll head strait for home? No, of course not, but what is? I've done everything I could think of. The field-pad statistics have been entered. That was synced with the Dreadnaught's data. The pod is charged and …well that's about it. Tom, this is like finding the lost treasure of King Solomon. We hit the jack-pot here! We have a ship; a state-of-the-are working ship."

"I get it Jonny. Believe me, I get all of it. But leaving on the spur of the moment like this. I'm not sure I could walk out like that and be able to look at myself in the mirror. Without our help …more your help …They'll all be slaughtered." March replied.

"I understand that and share some of it too. As much as I want to get back I don't like the idea of running out. And in all honesty, I don't have anything to really go back to. I don't talk about this much, but if Michelle were waiting for me, I might feel differently about it. I know you have a wife and kids and even grandkids. If we leave now, you have a shot at being with them and we don't die defending a bunch of technology. I wanted to give you that choice." Hayes stated.

"And I appreciate it! The absence of my family does tug at my soul. Maybe not so much where my wife is concerned though" March joked "I'm more than ready to get off this rock, but not until I'm sure that St James and his troops are here. Or that the ODN is accessible"

"There's more Tom" Hayes said in a very serious tone. "I know it flies, because I flew it about three Klicks this morning while you were placing that equipment. It was too close to the action. It's now in a relatively open area. When we decide we're ready, it'll be there waiting for us; safe and sound."

"Look, I need to get back" Hayes said changing the subject. I've got work to do on those missiles you found"

"Have you had a chance to look them over" March asked.

"Honestly Sir, no" Hayes replied. "I've been fascinated with that pod but my MOS (Military Occupational Skill) is munitions. I'm finally getting the chance to do what I'd signed up for back home."

The two men walked back to shelter. Hayes went off to look at the arms they'd salvaged and March went off with Grazot. The General had come up with a defensive strategy and wanted the human's input.

"Before we united our territories, certain warlords occupied our outer regions. I was an infant back then and the musket hadn't even been introduced." Grazot paused and shook his head. "Muskets… At the time they were initiated, they turned the tide of the war; a war that had been going on for decades. By the time it finally ended, I held the same rank as you. Most of the territories were conquered but the resisters weren't completely crushed until about fifteen years ago. Anyway, I'm digressing. The battle of Grebek was where muskets were first used. It turned the tide in our favor. We slaughtered a strong warlord named Atilious. It was not only a military victory but put a dagger in the morale of the other tribes."

The General stopped for a second and took a seat. He made a comment about not being as young as he once was and stiffened his back. "But after Grebek our morale was immeasurable. The military leadership at the time assured the ruling Council that the war would end before the first snow."

"So what happened?" March asked.

"Stellos happened" Grazot stated plainly. "It was a backwards village and supposed to be a quick assault; A slaughter. Only it was us who got slaughtered. We sent in with over a thousand apes. They were armed with muskets and carried crude versions of what you'd label grenades. We called them black powder bombs. The locals carried stick and stones. We assaulted the city but they'd prepared. The terrain was anything but flat. There were hills, caves, huge rock formations, and forests, all of it spread throughout the region. The apes were ready. They used the terrain and nature to channel and bog us down. Our arrogant units were hit by ape-made avalanches, huge timber logs, diverted water, muddy terrain, all of it was employed. We had our butts handed to us, Major. They slaughtered every ape we sent save a paw-full."

Grazot stood again and pointed towards the edge of the city. "That area there" he went on to say. "They'll have to march through there in order to get to us. That's where we hit them and hit them hard. Do you think you could somehow rig those stone structures to fall when we need them to?"

"I don't know." March answered. "I could set the explosives. That's not the problem. It's the timing. We'd have to figure out how to remotely detonate or have it trigger by the troops as they pass through."

"I need you to work on that. Can you have a solution by tonight?" Grazot spoke to the man as if he were an officer on his personal staff. March didn't mind it all that much. After all Grazot was an ape but he was also a General and displayed a genuine military prowess.

As if he'd been working with the ape for years he simply replied, "Yes Sir, but I'll have to pull Hayes in on this. He's worked with explosives most of his career. This is right up his alley. Have you considered the fact that they'll have combat support units in place? Mortar units and most assuredly artillery support. If I were commanding the assault, I'd prep the area with artillery for at least fifteen minutes before I sent a single boot forward"

"My guess is that they'll only use their artillery as a last resort; in the event they believe they might lose. This city is too important of prize to simple rain that stuff down indiscriminately." Grazot replied.

"Let's hope they don't have specifics on the city's layout. But I'd say you're probably right. Both ape and human seem obsessed with it; almost as if it were a god" March said.

The apes and humans made their preparations. When necessary each was able to work off the skills of the other. The humans had insight and knowledge. The apes possessed incredible strength. The differences acted as a compliment to the overall mission. They finished up in the early evening as they sat and ate together.

"I'm getting tired of having a diet of rat." Hayes said in disgust. "I don't care if it tastes like chicken or not, I know what it really is."

Grazot was about to make a comment when Kutos rushed into the camp in a panic. "We've got company" he said through panting breath. "Two of them at least"

"Apes or men?" Hayes asked.

"I couldn't tell. They're too far out but definitely heading this way. They're carrying something. It was giving off a faint light." The ape replied.

"They're tracking something" Hayes said guessing at their motive.

"Ogden, go and check it out." Grazot ordered. "You two" he added pointing at the astronauts "Go with him"

The three headed out with Kutos to the observation post they'd established earlier. March peered through the binoculars and said "He's right. They're out there. Its awful dark, but I think they're apes. Whatever he's got is giving off enough light to silhouette his features."

"Ok" Ogden said "They're probably a scouting unit. But it beats me as to why they'd be so stupid and walk out in the open like that"

"Maybe they don't think anyone's here" Hayes guessed a second time

"Let's work in twos." March immediately stated. "Jonny, you and Troop Sergeant Kutos work your way to the right. Use what's left of those old buildings to cover your route. Let them pass. We'll take them once they get closer to the city."

"What do want us to do then?" Kutos asked.

"Recon" March answered. "I want you to work your way down and see if they brought any friends along. You're going to be on your own. Without radios, and with it being so dark, we'll never be able to signal each other. Troop Sergeant Ogden and I will pan left. I want prisoners, so don't fire unless forced to."

Hayes and Kutos gave a nod and headed left as March and Ogden went to the right. "That rock base there" March whispered "We'll use it for cover. Once the pass, I'll come in behind them. You leap on top but stay low. There may be more and you'll be too exposed if you stand."

"I'm guessing they're not alone" Ogden replied. Now that he was closer, the gorilla could see that the ape in front was using some sort of tracking device. "They're honing in on us, just like we did when we went through those stone caves in search of that equipment."

"Who knows what they're doing? That's why I want prisoners." March replied.

Minutes later they reached the base of a large rock formation. March whispered last minute instructions, but basically repeated what he'd said earlier. As the two approached March tensed and gripped his rifle. As they came closer he could hear talking. That voice, he thought. I know that voice. The Major turned to Ogden who was crouched and out of view.

"I know that voice." He whispered. "It sounds just like Lieutenant Berger". Without waiting for a reply March peered through the binoculars and confirmed his suspicions.

"What the hell?" he asked himself. "It is Berger and he's with an ape. Ok look, this doesn't change things." He said looking back at Ogden. "For all we know, he may have been captured. We'll still let them pass and get our answers once we have them covered."

Berger and Sullen eventually passed the rocky terrain. As they moved up, March countered moving down. Ogden easily scaled the large boulder but he too noticed something odd. Yes, he recognized Berger's voice but the orangutan's speech was familiar too. It had to be coincidence, he concluded. The Lord Prefect was several months journey from here.

"Now" March shouted, startling their two victims. "Stop right there."

Both Sullen and Berger jumped in surprise. Sullen shot a look at Berger like the man had just swindled him out of his paycheck and said. "You knew they were here. That's why you were so cooperative". He sounded out the last word in a bluntly sarcastic manner.

"Lord Prefect! It is you!" Ogden interrupted. "How … I mean"

*** Thirty Minutes later

"…and that's how I became involved" Berger said. "I was moving northwest when I heard the explosions. I thought St James had somehow attacked the city. I went to investigate and ran into him. …literally ran into him. Thank God you gave me that crest Sergeant or I might be dead."

"I'm still not following this." Hayes admitted "What caused you two to become such bosom buddies."

"It just happened." Berger replied "The Prefect here used that ancient rifle and stirred up a hornets nest. They brought down everything short of the sky on top of us. Once the artillery stopped they sent out patrols. We had no choice but to move out. Engineers are mining the Flat Lands, so I led him here."

"I thought that if I could cripple their military facilities they'd be defenseless." Sullen said in his defense. "There's an armory here and more of these rifles. I'm here to get those and head home. I told the Lieutenant that if he helped me I'd allow him to take some of the spoil for himself."

Yeah right, March thought. He didn't trust the orangutan but was keeping quiet. It was obvious that Ogden and Kutos held the ape in a very high and very lofty esteem. Even Grazot still showed slight respect and reverence. Ogden had bluntly protested at the way March originally approached the Prefect, just after the ambush. He refused to let the man lay a hand on him. Kutos fell over himself when he'd recognized his leader. If he pushed this too much they'd all be at each other's throats.

Berger had been upfront with Sullen, but both were initially suspicious. To the Lieutenant, it seemed odd that these apes, from another nation, were sprouting up everywhere the man turned. To Sullen it appeared just as strange that an ape would share comradery with a human; let alone to the extent of exchanging his crest with the beast. One might as well toss his gold in the Great Fish Pond. The discovery of that crest and Berger's knowledge of Narr, Grazot and the others was the only thing that kept a very loose alliance from unraveling.

March thought very carefully before stating his next sentence but decided to simply say what was on his mind. "That's a fine speech, Prefect. But the last time you proposed your little coalition, we had knife stuck in our backs. What's so different now?"

"I'm not here for absolution" Sullen answered plainly. "Cities have been destroyed. Countless apes are dead. Friends of mine are gone. So here's your answerer human and it alludes back to what General Grazot stated while we were in that old armory; Instead of chasing you, I should have welcomed you. A wise ape once said, Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. My wife, my children" he paused … "I need to … no; I must get back to them. You are a threat, human but I'm learning that you're just one of many."

Sullen paused again and pointed at the gorillas "These are my country-apes. We will help you fend off Polk and his ilk and I will arm you while we do, but only because it serves my purpose. When the battle is over I'll either be dead or on my way home."

The conversation went back and forth for awhile, but It was obvious to all that united they might have more of a chance. Captain White was amazed with the EOS. It was much more sophisticated than Norman but worked on many of the same principals. She was able to configure some of the protocols but still couldn't connect to the ODN. March, Berger, Grazot and the Prefect went forward to locate the armory. According to the EOS, it was approximately twelve miles from their current location.

March pulled Grazot aside and said "Are you ok with this? He just waltzes in here and basically states the same bargain as before."

"If you're asking me if I trust him. The answer is no" Grazot replied "But I never trusted him before you came. I do understand him though and in this case I also believe him. We're all growing weary. Hayes is so preoccupied with that flying device that I expect him to propose to it any day now. He wants to find his home just like we all do. I find myself thinking of a wife I hardly know. I saw about as much of her back home as I do now; if you get my point. A lot has changed since you've landed. The Lord Prefect is right; we need crush this threat and get on with things. I don't look at myself as the winner in all of this either. Everyone I've served with is dead."

"Yes, a lot has changed" March replied. "I have family waiting for me as well. But I promised Sullen I'd kill him, if I ever saw him again and if he double crosses us, I'll fulfill that promise."

"I assumed as much, seeing the group you assembled. Not exactly the Sullen Fan Club, is it? But let's not give him that a chance to let it happen." Grazot replied. "We get the weapons and defend this city. We can revisit things once that's done. Come on, at least there's a full moon out tonight"

*** On day's journey west of Old Washington

"We'll make camp here." Philonus said to Polk. "Have the Company Commanders tend to security. First Sergeant…" he added shouting to another ape. "Get that chow going I want everyone fed and put to bed. We'll reach our objective by this time tomorrow. I don't need a half fatigued rabble attacking the city."

*** Colonel Neal's Command Post – sixty minutes later

"Scouts confirm it." Captain Yuden stated. "There was a massive push out of the ape capital. They're headed east towards Old Washington."

"I just got the reports in myself. St James has ordered us to mobilize. We're to link here with the others, in no less than fifteen hours" Colonel Neal replied as he pointed at the spot on the old map. "I've already got Lieutenant Evans coordinating with the other platoons."

"That's a long way to travel in just fifteen hours. Any idea on what St James is planning?" Yuden replied.

"No, we'll be briefed on arrival. I figure if we take this route here we can save some time. It's rough terrain but a more direct path." Neal said. "Grab the staff. We have a lot to work on."

The Human Settlement of Rockwell – Somewhere in Old West Virginia

The scene looked like something from an old war movie. Soldiers were mobilizing, cleaning equipment, kissing family members good-bye, and just about anything else associated when troops were unexpectedly deployed.

The unit sent to old Washington was a week and half late on reporting in. A recon force had been in preparation but the recent Intel reports were showing a massive troop surge in Ceasera. Now that it was confirmed that they'd mobilized, those plans had changed. The old capital was the new priority. Every soldier who could lift a rife was being activated.

As things normalized, the troop massed, made their final preparation and headed out. The winds of war were blowing and soon only one side would be left standing.