August 26, 1882

Battle of Fort Union Begins

After 3 days of waiting the Saderan army had finally been spotted approaching La Cueva and Watrous. All around the Fort, union troops were rushing to their defensive positions in the Star fort, preparing for the fight. "As I suspected General, the enemy is planning to attack from northwest and the south, most likely both armies will send troops to meet somewhere and attack from the east and west while encircling the fort," Johnson said as he looked over the current position of the Saderan army.

"Your probably right Col, but that's my problem to deal with, it's time for you to leave, Marlowe said as he was watching his men rush about. When you arrive at Fort Stanton, give the commander this, my final orders informing him that you have full command of the army."

"Yes sir," Johnson said as he took the letter.

"Good luck col, bring us victory," Marlowe said as he held his hand out and shook hands with Johnson.

"God be with you General," with that said Johson and his troop mounted up and rode away from Fort union as the Saderans came into view.

Advancing on the enemy fort, General Gaius, his generals and the nobles leading their own forces came to stop on a small hill overlooking the barbarians largest fortress. The days leading up to this day scouts had reported a lot of activity and the construction of an unusual fortress, which according to the wyvern riders was described as star shaped. Seeing this from the ground Gaius was intrigued by the enemies creativeness but this will not stop his army form crushing them.

Gaius watched his army encircle the enemy fortress with confidence, as catapults and many other siege weapons were being placed into position to bombard and crush their morale, ensuring victory. While waiting for his army to get into position Gaius walked into the command tent, to go over the battle plan with his generals.

Entering the tent Gaius looked around at his generals, "we are one step closer to defeating these barbarians." All around the nobles and generals cheered before being silenced, "as we planned the army will encircle the enemy fort and overwhelm their defenses."

"Yes, it will be a glorious battle," one general said as he bragged about how easy the battle will be.

"I will drench my blade in the blood of these barbarians, that dare to oppose the might of the empire," one noble said as he was imagining the barbarians trembling with fear, before being cut down by his blade.

With a wave of his hand Gaius silenced his officers, "We will be Victorious, these barbarians fear us and are weak their magic cowardly, we will march into that fortress and eliminate them, No Prisoners, NO MERCY." everyone cheered as Gaius dismissed them and prepared to watch the battle.

In the center of Fort Union, Gen Marlowe watched as the as the Saderans moved their army into position and predictably as Johnson had guessed the Saderans were slowly surrounding the fort. Not that it would matter, "General the men are in position and waiting for your orders," a major said to him.

"Very well, Major, tell the men to hold their fire, till I give the order," with a quick salute the major ran to deliver orders to the other officers around the fort. Walking around the fort, Marlowe noticed a young soldier wo appeared to be no older than 17 or 18 years of age fiddling with his rifle slightly shaking. "Are you ok son," Marlowe said as he put his hand on the young man's shoulder.

The young soldier, having been so lost in his thoughts instantly jumped pulling his rifle up ready to shoot. Marlowe knew this would be the young man's reaction and simply stood still giving the young man time to realize who was talking. "General," the young man said when he realized who he was looking at snapping to attention but clearly nervous as he realized he had raised his rifle against his commanding officer.

Before the young man could say anything, Marlowe said, "at ease son," the young man followed the order but was still nervous. "Is this your first taste of battle," Marlowe asked as observed the young man despite already knowing the answer.

"Yes sir," the young man said.

"Relax son, I know how you feel, I reacted the very same way during my first battle, it's a feeling you never forget," Marlowe said thinking back to his first taste of battle during the Mexican/ American war. Just remember to take a deep breath, remain calm and focus on your job.

With a quick glance at Marlowe the young man steadily calmed but was still nervous, seeing the young man was calmed down Marlowe said, "Now man your post and get ready for battle," with a quick salute the young man rushed off to his post.

In the Saderan lines siege weapons were in position and being made ready to fire, while further ahead imperial archers were waiting as black pitch was being laid out before them to be lit on fire and be used to ignite their arrows. Standing near the line of siege weapons an imperial General is given the signal to begin, "LOAD THE CATAPULTS, INFANTRY FORM UP FOR UP FOR THE ADVANCE, ARCHERS READY. At this command any siege weapons not ready to fire were made ready and the black pitch in front of the archers was ignited, while legionnaires were forming up and eager to shed blood.

When the siege weapons were ready, and with a nod from the General another officer shouted, "ARCHERS IGNITE," all at once the imperial archers lit their arrow tips on fire, with another order shouted, "ARCHERS DRAW," the imperial archers pulled their bows back and waited for the order to let loose.

With a single wave of the generals hand, officers all around the line shouted, "LOOSE," all at once the archers let loose a wall of arrows.

Within Fort Union a dull whistling noise could be heard as the sun began to grow dim, looking up Union troops saw a wall of arrows blocking the sun. All around officers shouted, "take cover", men looked for anything they could find for cover. Then all hell broke loose, as the wall of arrows blanketed the area, several men and 3 officers were hit, many began to panic, as large explosions shook the fort followed by several large flaming boulders, many missed the fort but several smashed into the defenses, as the Saderans continued to unleash hell.

Gen Marlowe fell to his knees holding an arrow that had impaled him, luckily for him it wasn't the first time he had been shot or hit by an arrow, but it still hurt like hell. Seeing some of the men begin to panic he got up shouting, "Steady men, we'll see worse before it ends."

A couple miles east of Fort Union on a small ridge line at the base of turkey mountain, Col Johnson was observing the attack. "Good god, there practically blanketing the area with arrows and are those flaming rocks," one of the officers asked as he watched the attack.

"Steady men, when the time comes what your seeing will happen to us at Fort Stanton, but unlike our brothers down there, we will not have the same protection as they do." All around the troop knew the Col was right, the real question is, how long could their brothers in arms hold out.

Suddenly several arrows hit the ground near Johnson, as loud screams and horses could be heard rushing towards them. "Rifles at the ready," Johnson shouted as his men readied their Winchesters or Henry repeaters. Johnson watched the Saderan cavalry get within range, "Take aim, he waited another 10 seconds before shouting, FIRE." The troopers took aim and began shooting, Johnson took one last look at Fort Union, he watched the Saderan army closed in. To his horror he witnessed several of the Saderans dragons swoop down on the Fort before flying back up dropping several of his fellow soldiers from a great height, before slamming into the ground. Johnson was all too familiar with this enemies flying advantage and knew he needed to come up with some kind of defense for this but that was a problem to be solved later, for now he and his men needed to fall back to the Fort Bascom.

After watching the barbarians run around like the cowards they are, during the shortest bombardment in imperial history, Gaius was convinced that the time was right to attack. "The time is now, send in the first wave, and order the wyverns corps to further soften these barbarians up," Gaius said with a wicked smile.

When the bombardment had finally stopped, Marlowe finally breathed a sigh of relief despite his arm being in a sling. But this fight was far from over and he knew it, "PREPARE FOR COMBAT," Marlowe shouted as his men began loading their rifles and readying the cannons.

From his vantage point in the center of the fort, Marlowe watched as the Saderans began to slowly advance forward, almost taunting them. Marlowe was suddenly shoved to the ground, turning to where he had been standing, he witnessed several massive beasts he had once read about in fantasy stories grab several of his men, including the man who had shoved him get swooped into the air screaming. The men watched as their brothers were then dropped from a great height slamming into the ground away from the fort, but one of them wasn't so fortunate as he was impaled by a sharpened log that had been set up around forts outer perimeter.

Not about to be phased from this attack Marlowe shouted, "RUNNER, a message runner arrived, all guns Fire."

"Yes sir," the runner said with a quick salute.

With the message delivered to captain Oswald, "Ready Load," gun crews manning 1881 mk 12 one pounder guns, M1875 Hotchkiss mountain gun and Four 12 pounder Whitworth guns including four 1875 napoleon 12-pound cannons, loaded their guns eager to shed Saderan blood. (Placed at the inner forts 4 points were the Whitworth 12 pounders, flanked by two mountain guns, on the outer points of the Fort were the 4 napoleon cannons, to utilize grape shot, while being flanked by 2 MK 12 field guns for maximum effectiveness.)

With the guns ready, and a wave of Captain Oswald's hand the Guns of Fort Union opened fire on the unsuspecting Saderan forces. Within the ranks of the Saderan army, loud whistling noises could be heard, causing many to stop marching and look for the source of the noise. Suddenly massive balls of fire began to erupt among their ranks causing huge casualties and sending many more into a panic. The more seasoned legionnaires and their officers believed this to be cowardly, many cursing the men in blue and swearing they will kill the barbarians for not facing them in battle.

With the guns firing, the soldiers of Fort Union watched as their enemy was cut down but continued to march forward. However, the worst had yet to come, as the Saderans continued on many legionnaires were suddenly thrown back or thrown into the air, many having their limbs removed in a very violent manor. From the fort the napoleon 12 pounders began firing grapeshot into the enemy formations further disrupting the Saderan advance. It wasn't long before even the veteran legionaries began to panic, realizing that the closer they got the worse things would get.

Suddenly the men in the front were violently attacked as dozens found themselves being tossed into the air or their legs having been ripped off by an unseen force. Several officers attempted to encourage their men to keep moving, as one was suddenly thrown from his horse landing hard on the ground, before the officer could move, he was once again thrown into the air as his body was mutilated by and unseen force.

Gen Marlowe watched as the Saderans tried to advance forward, while under the heavy bombardment of HE explosions and failing but it was when their front lines stepped into the mine field that all hell broke loose. One by one Saderan soldiers were torn apart by the grapeshot while many others were blown apart by the mines. Without a second thought, the Saderan forces began to retreat in fear while a few brave bunch attempted to move forward but were quickly disposed of by grapeshot. The men of Fort union cheered for this small victory, many shouting curses at the Saderans, however despite this minor victory Marlowe knew that the battle was far from over.

General Gaius was not amused and quickly ordered the second wave to move in, looking up at the sky he knew he only had a short window of opportunity to break through the enemy defenses or he would be forced to wait another day, something he was unwilling to do. In addition to the second wave, Gaius also ordered the wyvern corps to attack the barbarians thunder tubes, hopefully silencing the enemies magic or at the very least distract them.

As the cheering died down Marlowe watched as another wave began marching forward, however, this time they were accompanied by the dragons high in the sky. "Here they come men, get ready," Marlowe shouts as the second wave enters the mine field. From the air, the wyverns continue to sweep down on the Fort, only this time there ready for them. As the beasts swoop in sharp shooters take aim, only to be disappointed when their shots do nothing, one man gets lucky hitting the rider. Marlowe issues orders for the sharp shooters to target the riders, it works, many of the beasts fly off as their riders are shot and fall to the ground.

As the last of the wyverns fly off having failed, the infantry gets closer as the cannons continue to fire hell on the Saderan lines. Among the many legions, beast men begin to charge forward with their own battle cries, but are mostly cannon fodder, as most are killed by the grapeshot or blown apart having stepped on the mines.

It's not long before the Saderan infantry come into rifle range, "this is it men, Marlowe shouts, this is what you've been trained for, form rank, prepare to fire by volley." The men readied their rifles, as the enemy continued to get closer. Marlowe watched patiently as the enemy continued to get closer, then he gave the order, "FIRE." Hundreds of rifles went off at once, in cloud of smoke as the approaching legionaries were cut down by a wall of lead.

By the days end and the sun beginning to set, Gen Gaius watched in anger as his army was pushed back again, with the last of his patients gone he ordered the third wave to hold, while he went into his tent to rethink his strategy. As the Saderans retreated, the men of Fort union cheered again many taunting the Saderans to come back for more. However, Marlowe knew this battle was far from over and that the next attack would come at dawn.

Fort Stanton

September 2, 1882

It's been a week since the battle of Fort Union began, during that time Johnson inspected the defenses at Fort Bascom, Santa Rosa, Fort Sumner, Hondo and Lincoln. However, on his arrival at Fort Stanton Johnson was very upset with the lack of preparations.

Sitting in his office, Col Girdwood was going about his daily ritual of fancying himself up, despite being an American officer he fancied himself British. His late grandfather had been a British officer who had fought under Wellington during the invasion of France during the Napoleonic wars.

As Girdwood was finishing adjusting his handlebar mustache the door to his office flew open, walking in Col Johnson is pissed. Before Girdwood could say anything, Johnson grabbed Girdwood by his collar and dragged him outside, forcing the man onto his knees, "Col Girdwood what is the meaning of this," Johnson said in a very pissed of tone.

Showing his arrogance Girdwood responds, "what are you talking about Col, the preparations have been made…"

"Do not lie to me Col," Johnson said as he punched Girdwood, who proceeded to clutch his face like a child that had just tried to talk down to his parents.

"My orders were clear, why are the defenses not complete," Johnson was beyond being patient and wanting answers.

"Sir, I issued the orders, but we did not have the supplies to finish," Having heard enough Johnson pulled out his revolver.

"I don't know what game your trying to play but it stops hear. Bugler sound the assembly," the burglar starts blowing on his bugle and the men of Fort Stanton assemble on the parade grounds.

"Forts Garrison present sir," Sgt. Morgan said with a quick salute.

"Listen up men, we are at war, as we speak your brothers along with Gen Marlowe at Fort Union and Fort Cummings are fighting to hold off the enemy. Fighting to not only thin out their numbers but give us a fighting chance should both forts fall. A week ago, Gen Marlowe put me in overall command of all union forces in the territory."

Looking around at the men Johnson finished saying, "as of this minute, Col Girdwood you are relieved of your command," Johnson said looking at Girdwood who had a disgusted look in his eyes, that someone younger than him was staring down at him."

"Sgt. Morgan, Johnson shouted, I'm promoting you to the rank of Colonel."

"Yes sir, thank you sir," Morgan said.

"Lock Girdwood in the stockade."

"Yes sir," Morgan then pointed to two men who followed while escorting Girdwood to the stockade.

With Girdwood out of the picture, Johnson ordered the Forts garrison to disperse and continue to build up the forts defenses, while ordering the rest of the forts officers to remain as to explain the plans for the forts defenses.

"Gentlemen, as it stands, we are severely outnumbered, while we hold the advantage in fighting on our own soil and have superior fire power, we cannot underestimate the enemy. They are determined to win by any means, that said we are going to heavily arm this fort in ways never thought of, while using our superior tactics and fire power." The officers gathered around a table with a large map of the surrounding area. "Alright listen up, Johnson said as he began looking at the map, as things stand fortifying the area is absolutely vital, as we face and attack from not two fronts but more than likely three."

"What do you mean col, the enemy is nowhere near us at present," one officer said not seeing the bigger picture as the rest of the officers agreed with him.

"You're not wrong, but it's only a matter of time before Fort union and Fort Cummings are either overrun or run out of supplies. As you know the Saderans also control Albuquerque, which means they could easily send a strong force south. The most likely scenario for the Saderans southern army that could happen, is once Fort cummings falls the Saderans will continue marching east and take Las Cruces, then march north and take Fort Selden."

"I agree sir, and older Major said as he looked at the map, however, there's another way for the Saderans to attack Fort Selden from the north." With a simple nod from Johnson the major continued his explanation. "West of Las Cruces there's a canyon (Indian springs Canyon) that goes through the mountains and comes out on the northwest side of the Robledo mountain. It wouldn't take much for an army to march over the small foothills in that area, the only obstacle would be the Rio Grande, so it would be wise for Fort Selden to set up a defensive line north of the Fort.

"Very good major, with your knowledge of the area what would be the best route for the Saderans southern army to make their approach to Fort Stanton. The most obvious route would be to march north along the Rio Grande to San Antonio, and assuming the Saderans send a third force south from Albuquerque both forces would march east and hit us from the west."

"There is another route sir, but it would be tricky and extremely risky," the major said with a hint of amusement in his voice. Instead of marching north the Saderans could march east from either Las Cruces or Fort Selden, once their cross the white sands they would have to take Tularosa and take the wagon road through the mountains to Hondo.

"As you know Col, that area is Mescalero Apache territory, and very dangerous however, there's several small towns in those mountains. I know of three trails the Saderans could use to attack us from. The first option would be to march from Tularosa to the town of Glencoe, where there's a trail that comes out to the southwest. The second option would be to march towards the Villages of Ruidoso and Alto then take the outlaw trail, which would allow them to hit us from the southwest as well. Or they could continue marching north to the small settlement of Angus and from their they could easily link up with their forces form Albuquerque or march east across the foothills and hit us from the west."

"Thank you Major, gentlemen, now that leaves the Saderans northern army currently attacking Fort Union. Should they overrun the Fort, they'll most likely march south as I said before, all the way to Hondo before marching west into Lincoln and finally attacking our position here. Theres also the possibility the Saderans could march over the mountains to the east to try and attack us."

"I want your men to start digging a series of trenches, and fortifications to the north where the Saderans northern armies are likely to attack. I also want a series of trenches and fortifications to the east and southeast near the cemetery in case of a surprise attack form the south. I also want to keep forces in reserve to the west, in the event the forces from the north and south attempt to encircle us and link up."

Looking up from the map Johnson said, "Any questions."

"Sir are we expecting to receive any additional reinforcements," another Major asked.

"Yes, reinforcements will be arriving from Texas along with any survivors from our remaining forts."

"Is there anything else,' Johnson said as he looked at the officers around him. Very well, inform your men to begin construction, dismissed." What they needed was time, but the question remained, how long did they have before the Saderans arrived.

September 20, 1882

For the last three weeks everything was quiet, too quiet, from Fort Bliss Texas, 3 brigades of the us army were set to arrive in the following days. Three cavalry brigades were ordered to join the fight, the 10th and 9th cavalry which were already assigned to the territory, and the 8th cavalry which was enroute. While reinforcements and supplies were arriving, word arrived that Fort Cummings had been completely overrun, regrettably only a dozen or so men made it to the safety of Fort Selden.

However, something was off, after capturing fort Cummings, the southern Saderan army did not move onto Las Cruces, but instead remained at Fort Cummings. It's believed that the defenders of Fort Cummings inflicted serious casualties on the Saderans and that their simply waiting for reinforcements. However, a report from Fort Union stated that the Saderan army attacking the fort had ceased their engagements and were only using artillery, while the troops were seen digging in but never attacking, with the occasional arrow barrage.

Flashback two weeks

For over a week, General Gaius had repeatedly attacked the enemy fortress and each time his army was sent running, with nothing to show for it except massive casualties. The only good news to come out of all this was that his southern army had taken another enemy Fort but had taken massive casualties and was holding their position, until reinforcements could arrive. That was not important, during the fighting an imperial message rider arrived with a message from the emperor. The emperor asked Gaius to return to the capitol and give a detailed report on the situation.

After 4 long days of riding Gaius arrived at Fort Wingate, despite being gone for so long he was pleased to see that the fortifications were in place. The following morning, Gaius met with his generals to inform them that he was heading to the capitol. The commander of his southern army had some very much needed news, "My lord, after taking this city in the south (Silver City) it was discovered that it was a rich town filled with gold, silver and many other valuable deposits of ore in the surrounding area. I have sent scouts out and thanks to several maps acquired, we have discovered dozens of active mines in this area here," (essentially tombstone and all the mines surrounding the area of southeast Arizona).

"This is excellent news, Gaius said enthusiastically, how soon till the first convoy is ready to arrive."

The first convoy of gold is already here and ready to be shipped to the capitol, along with at least 300 newly captured slaves my lord." Not wasting any time Gaius mounted his horse and rode to the front of the convoy. A couple hours later the convoy arrived at the gate, despite having been the one to lead his armies through, the gate was still very intimidating. However, Gaius believed the gate was a gift from the gods themselves, allowing the empire to expand its borders, bringing honor and unimaginable wealth not only for themselves but for the Empire.

On command the convoy slowly followed Gaius into the pitch-black darkness that was the gate, however the prisoners most being woman from the surrounding towns, as well as many natives were petrified with fear as they were consumed by the darkness. Many prayed while others cried, the few men that were captured (mostly cowboys and locals from the nearby towns and settlements and farmers with only a couple native Americans) were forced to walk while tied to one another, many tried to resist but were forced through the Gate.

Arriving back in Falmart, the convoy made its way towards the capitol, several of the slaves mostly the men tried to fight back or escape but were swiftly captured. Some of the legionaries wanted to execute the slaves that tried to run but were told not to as they were needed. Finally, after 4 days of riding the magnificent capitol of Sadera came into view, arriving at the gates to the city the prisoners were shocked at the sheer scale of the city, as it was bigger than any other city they had ever seen, even the walls surrounding the city were on a scale not seen even in Europe.

The massive gates to the city began to open and Gaius was greeted with thousands of loyal citizens cheering his name as he rode through the city streets, while the prisoners mostly the men were mocked and laughed at. After leaving the first level which was for the peasants, the convoy passed through a second wall which contained the slave markets, military barracks and was the primary market area for traders to sell their goods.

Arriving at the slave market the legionaries forced the new slaves into the holding cells while the owners of the market began inspecting the new arrivals, the woman in particular. After being paid for the new slaves Gaius and the gold shipment continued on, as the screams of the newly arrived woman filled the area. Entering the noble district, which was home to the wealthiest and most influential generals and senators in the empire, Gaius made his way home, where he was welcomed by his loving wife who kissed him passionately having been gone for so long. He was also greeted by the site of his children, his oldest and first-born son who was just about the graduate form the imperial academy soon and his two lovely daughters.

The next day Gaius arrived at the imperial palace in his finest armor, which was mostly for show, upon his arrival he was escorted to the senate chambers where he would give his report to emperor Molt himself and the senate. Entering the senate chamber Gaius was greeted with thunderous applause from the senate and the emperor himself. When the applause died down and the senate took their seats, Gaius bowed before his emperor. "General Gaius, General of the expeditionary forces sent through the gate, please rise and inform us of the situation," Molt said.

Rising to his feet Gaius cleared his throat, "My emperor, members of the imperial senate, this is a great day for the empire, Gaius said beaming with pride. Over the last several months our armies have swiftly conquered everything in their path meeting only minor resistance." All around the senate nodded in approval knowing that their armies were unstoppable force. However, I regret to report that what little resistance we have encountered has cost the army dearly, the barbarians on the other side of the gate have inflicted heavy casualties. Of the 120,000 including the auxiliary beast men only 70,000 remain," this news was absolutely shocking to some of the senate, losses were to be expected but not on such a large scale.

One of the senators a general rose from his seat shouting, "this barbarism cannot go unpunished, we must send more troops through the Gate and eradicate these spineless barbarians."

Many of the senators agreed with this and began debating on which legions should be sent through the gate, which resulted in a heated argument among the many generals in the senate as to who's army was more suited. Molt silenced the senate as he wanted to hear more about the world beyond the gate. "General Gaius, you have served the empire with distinction and will be rewarded graciously when this fight is over,' Molt said as he also reassured him that he would be reinforced. 'Continue with your report, what have you learned about the lands beyond the gate."

"My lord as you are aware the gate has opened up into lands that was in the process of being taken over by our enemy, the men in blue, from the previous expedition, sent by the last emperor." This gained the attention of the senate, as many had wanted to learn more about the magic used by the men in blue and grey but had been stopped when the previous expedition had been defeated and the gate destroyed.

Gaius went onto explain how the land taken was more or less a large desert with some scattered forests but held many weak cowardly peasants ripe for the taking, to be sold into the slave markets which he had held onto several which stood out. With a nod to one of legionnaires that had accompanied him a group of slaves was led into the senate chambers; all were forced to their knees before the emperor. "As you can see my lord, the slaves before you are a sample of the barbarians that reside beyond the gate."

The senate was eager for more as it would increase their profits, however, as they were lost in their thoughts, Gaius spoke again, "when these barbarians were captured, we also captured more of their thunder staffs." This really intrigued the senate, as several had spent quite a bit of money to learn the secrets of the thunder staffs captured from the previous expedition. However, it would seem that their thunder staffs have changed, their shorter and seem to be able to kill men at a faster rate than previously recorded."

With another nod a small cart was rolled into the chamber which held several examples of the thunder staffs. Several members of the senate approached to get a better look, "from what we can tell the men in blue are not the only ones who can wield these powerful staffs, most of the new slaves taken were also carrying many of these staffs and managed to kill many legionnaires before being captured."

Suddenly an enthusiastic senator spoke up, "we must learn how they use these staffs."

"While these staffs are powerful Senator,' Gaius said while holding a Winchester rifle in his hands, 'we do not know how they make these, let alone how they use them. However, several scouts reported they witnessed several barbarians using these against our forces and said that when the staffs fell silent, they were seen placing these small arrow heads into the staff," Gaius held up several bullets that had been taken. He even revealed that they were similar to the strange arrowheads taken during the previous expedition but were very different as they were encased in metal and not parchment.

As the discussions about the thunder staffs went on, Gaius announced he had one more surprise, another cart was rolled in revealing a large amount of gold and silver, immediately the senate went into a frenzy of excitement as many wanted to know more. "My emperor, during the campaign in the south of the lands beyond the gate, the southern army took a major town which was discovered to be rich with gold and silver among other valuable materials.' This excited the senate further, 'thanks to acquired maps found in this town, it was discovered that the surrounding area is virtually a treasure trove of mining operations, when I learned of this, I ordered the army to hold their advance and to begin sending regular shipments back."

The senate went into overdrive, many senators being the richest in the empire wanting to know everything, from how many mines were active, to what Gaius needed to send more gold back to the empire.

End flashback

Johnson was at a loss as to why the Saderans would suddenly cease their advance, it's one thing to hold your position while waiting for reinforcements after taking heavy casualties. But to cease the attacks on the Fort union and only hit it with artillery didn't make any sense. Not sure what to think, Johnson sent several scouts out to observe the Saderan army, while hoping to get an idea of what was happening. After waiting for a week most of the scouts returned but only reported what was already known, however it was the Apache and several Navajo scouts that provided an answer.

"So let me see if I understand this correctly, one officer said skeptically after hearing the news. The Saderans have been sending several large convoys north, heavily guarded, all wagons and all coming from silver city and the surrounding areas," the scouts nodded, and left having done their job.

"Well gentlemen your opinions," Johnson said as he looked at his officers and the Apache and Navajo leadership present.

"Col with all due respect this tells us nothing, for all we know those wagons are filled with their wounded or dead," another officer said as he too was skeptical.

"My warriors only speak the truth, and yet you doubt what they say," the Apache warrior said as he glared at the arrogant American officer.

While the two men stared each other down, Johnson was reading the report again while looking over a map of the area, when he suddenly realized what was going on. "Son of a bitch, Johnson said causing the bickering to cease, looking around Johnson spoke up, their after the gold."

None of the men present understood what he meant by that as one officer said, "Col."

Somewhat annoyed by everyone's lack of understanding, Johnson explained in the simplest way he could. "Think, what is this area full of, what is the one thing other than land that has brought so many West, Gold, Silver, Copper even iron," realization started to click with those present.

"Your saying they stopped their offensive because they found the mines," a younger officer said as he was beginning to understand.

"That's exactly what they're doing, to protect the convoys to wherever the Saderans come from they pulled troops from the front lines in order to protect their convoys headed north, it's the only explanation that makes any sense. With everyone finally understanding the situation, Johnson put together a plan to stop the shipments, and to force the Saderan army on the march.

The plan was simple the 10th cavalry would ride west and intercept these convoys, but the question as to where they would intercept the convoy was the big question. It was the Apache chiefs that provided several options, albeit reluctant, they offered to guide the buffalo soldiers over the mountains north of silver city along a number of trails the Apache used.

After a week's ride the 10th cavalry arrived outside Buckhorn, however what they found was very disturbing, scattered throughout the outskirts of the town dozens of bodies were found, many having been ripped apart. Johnson along with most of his men were absolutely sickened, even the Apache who are known for their extreme methods of fighting were enraged at the carnage, as they had found several of their own people among the dead.

A loud scream caught everyone's attention as a large convoy of wagons and Saderan soldiers were spotted approaching the town. Johnson ordered all his men to stay out of sight as the convoy came to a stop. Dismounting from his horse, a well-dressed Saderan officer wearing very decorative armor which was clearly more for show than fighting, ordered his men to make camp in this town and water the horses. While he ordered the new slaves, as he called them, to be locked up in a nearby horse corral and placed under heavy guard.

From the nearby woods, Johnson observed the events happening as he watched the prisoners most being men who were tied together forced into the corral, many showing severe signs of being beaten. Several screams were heard, as dozens of woman were forcefully pulled out of wagons by the Saderans, many laughing and dragged off to many of the abandoned buildings, Johnson had a good idea of what was about to happen.

Johnson was not about to let that happen, with one last look he signaled to his officers and the Apache leaders to gather around. "I don't know about all of you, but I've seen enough,' a quick look around showed that everyone agreed, 'here's the plan, Sgt. I want you to divide the men, half will follow you to the north end of town, while the rest will stay here with me. Once the signal is given unleash hell, kill every last roman you see and secure the prisoners, is that understood."

"Understood sir, what will the signal be."

Johnson only smiled, "you'll know when it happens, now get moving, if you encounter any Saderans silence them quietly, now go."

With a quick salute half, the buffalo soldiers followed their Sgt., turning to the Apache chiefs Johnson said, "from what I saw some of the dead were Apache. That being said, the signal will be doing what your people do best," the Apache warriors smiled as they understood what Johnson's plan was. With only a slight nod, the Apache warriors mounted their horses and rode off to begin the attack. While Johnson was a man of god, he was very disturbed by what was clearly a war crime and was ready to do whatever it took to send a clear message to the Saderans.

At the center of Blackburn at the local hotel, Saderan noble was absolutely disgusted, as a member of nobility he should have the finest accommodations that money can buy. He was a very rich and wealthy man, while a member of one of the lesser-known families in the empire but still known, however his accommodations were absolutely appalling, as they were only fit for slaves. He still couldn't understand why he was put in charge of playing escort to the slave convoys headed for the Gate, several of the wagons weren't even filled with slaves and were under heavy guard. When he tried to find out what was in the wagons the guards simply pointed their weapons at him and said that these wagons were bound for the capital, and no one was allowed near them.

The noble was brought out of his thoughts with knock on his door, "ENTER." As the door opened one of his guards bowed before two more brought their masters entertainment for the night, with a wicked smile and a wave of his hand the guards left.

Suddenly a loud ruckus could be heard in the town, from the southern end the Apache warriors came riding into the town with their mighty war cries, shooting their guns into the air or using clubs to bash in the heads of any Saderans they came across, as the Saderans were desperately trying to figure out what was happening.

Throughout the chaos about twenty Saderan soldiers gathered together to take on the those who dare challenge the empire. The Apache warriors saw this and charged at them with a loud war cry. Several of the younger Saderans lost their nerve breaking formation and ran only for the Apache to shoot them. The legionnaires who stood their ground, found out that hard way that an angry Apache is a force of nature. Without hesitation the Apache smashed into legionnaires killing several in the process, those who recovered found themselves facing their attackers on foot.

The Apache showed no mercy, elsewhere in the town the rest of the Saderan forces formed up into lines and were marching towards the Apache warriors. What the legionnaires didn't know was that they would never get the chance to attack, from the surrounding buildings gunfire erupted from all direction's cutting down the Saderans who began to quickly panic, many running only to be shot. In the end it was a blood bath, however, there had been an even bigger incident at the corrals. After the prisoners were placed in the corrals, they had been untied to a degree but were still bound, however, many of the prisoners were cowboys and were eager for a fight.

With the sudden Apache attack the prisoners took the opportunity to free themselves and attacked the guards who had been too distracted to notice. Several cowboys ran for a nearby wagon, when they opened it, they grabbed all the guns present and began firing at the Saderans. When the slaughter finally came to an end, the buffalo soldiers made themselves known, most of the Saderans had been killed on sight but a few were still alive and were immediately killed mostly by the cowboys and other prisoners that made themselves known. Walking through town, Johnson looked at the scene before him, in one case several young Saderan soldiers who had been hiding were dragged out onto the streets where the cowboys proceeded to string them up on stools but instead of just kicking the stools, they shot the Saderans in the kneecaps.

A ruckus was heard at the local hotel and Johnson and several of his men approached their guns cocked and ready. An arrow flew out missing the group and hit one of the cowboys, in return Johnson and his men fired into the building. Approaching slowly, they entered and found three dead Saderans, from upstairs a loud thump was heard and Johnson slowly walked up, standing at the door he kicked the door in and entered. On the floor in the far corner the noblemen was cowering in fright and went completely white when he saw the infamous men in blue standing before him.

However, Johnson's attention was directed towards the bed and what he saw angered him, but he knew it would anger the Apache the most. "Sgt. run outside, bring the doc and the Apache chiefs they need to see this," with a quick salute the man ran out of the room. Looking back at the Saderan leader Johnson pointed to two of his men who grabbed the noble and forced him down into a chair.

"Please let me go…" The man began to plea but was punched in the face breaking his nose.

"Now you listen, and you listen good, in a min the Apache chiefs will enter this room and when they see her, Johnson pointed to the young Apache girl tied to the bed, who had been beaten and was being looked at by the doc that had just arrived with a local woman who was one of the prisoners. 'They're going to be coming for your blood. The noble instantly began to panic but was punched in the gut, 'now why has your army stopped its advance, what is your purpose here."

Still coughing hard, the noble began to speak, "the advance was stopped due to finding the mines filled with gold and silver to the south. General Gaius ordered the army to hold our positions and guard the trail, so as to send this wealth back to the empire through the Gate."

The Gate, while Johnson had heard this saying before at Gettysburg before destroying a large structure, and from the dozens of prisoners taken during the fight, he still didn't know what it was. "tell me what this Gate is, I've heard dozens of prisoners say something similar, but what is the Gate.

"The Gate is a gift from the gods, giving the empire access to new lands, more slaves and riches beyond imagination."

The sound of footsteps downstairs caught Johnson's attention and a look at one of his men confirmed that the chiefs were about to come up. "Last question, where is the Gate."

"It's to the north, near a small fort where a couple hundred men in blue using those thunder staffs…" Before the noble could continue the Apache entered the room, of course the first thing they saw was the young girl, with fire in their eyes the Apache's looked at Johnson who simply stepped to the side revealing the man responsible. The noble began to panic as he saw the look in their eyes, without warning the Apache grabbed the noble and began leading him out of the room, while pleading for mercy as he was thrown off the second-floor landing on a table.

"Doc what's her condition," Johnson said from the doorway as he watched the Apache grab their prisoner and threw him outside onto the streets.

"She'll live col, but it's not good between lack of food and water and sexual abuse, she'll need to be treated in Las Cruces."

"Very well, get whoever you need and get her ready to move out," as Johnson said that a loud scream was heard from outside. Shaking his head Johnson left the hotel and found the Apache dealing with the noble who was screaming in agony. Johnson met with the freed prisoners who told him they had all been captured in Arizona, a few of them had been forced to work in the mines before being tied up and forced to walk all the way here. Looking through the wagons Johnson found most of them were filled with furniture and other goods, while several others were loaded down with gold and other riches. Two other wagons were filled with guns, which according to one man had been taken from all those either killed or taken prisoner.

With limited time Johnson ordered the wagons loaded with furniture to be unloaded, to make room for the wounded and woman and those who couldn't find a horse. After two hours of work the convoy was ready, when word arrived that another convoy was inbound. The second convoy was ambushed with ease and more prisoners were freed and the gold and silver was secured, however it was discovered that several of the wagons were loaded down with dynamite.

When the civilians were all loaded up and everything else was secured Johnson had asked the Apache chiefs for a way back now that wagons were present, and the Apache led the way. Before Johnson left, he found what was left of the noble in the center of town still breathing. After grabbing some paper Johnson wrote a message and nailed it to the posts the noble was tied to and left.

October 4, 1882

After nearly two and half weeks the 10th cavalry finally made it back, having had to play cat and mouse, avoiding dozens of Saderan patrols and killing over 200 hundred legionnaires who had accidently stumbled across them. Now back at fort Stanton, Johnson sent his report back to Washington but had found out that Col Girdwood escaped. That was the least of his concerns, issuing orders by telegraph, Johnson ordered small attacks to take place all along the front in hopes of provoking the Saderans in attacking.

Socorro

Near the small town of Socorro, Girdwood had been captured and was currently in a makeshift cell made of wood and sitting in the blazing sun, while the Saderans spat on him and mocked him, one legionnaire even went as far as pissing on him while laughing, as Girdwood cried. It wasn't long before Girdwood was taken to the river and thrown in, the guards took the liberty of torturing him a little by holding his head under the water. Their fun was cut short when their commanding officer ordered the prisoner to be taken to his cabin for questioning.

Inside the saloon Girdwood was tied to a chair as the commander of the area came forward, Girdwood was in full panic as he saw a look of absolute disgust in the man's eyes. From outside Girdwood's screams could be heard by all, while most of the Saderans simply laughed while continuing on with their duties.

Sadera

In the following weeks a message rider arrived in the capitol, arriving at the home of General Gaius, the message was given to one of the slaves who took the message directly to her master. Gaius was in his bed chambers having had a very memorable time with his beloved wife, when a knock on the door caught his attention, "Enter, Gaius said as he sat up."

The slave approached her master with her head down low, "my apologies for disturbing you master but this letter has just arrived for you."

Taking the letter and with a wave of his hand the slave left, while Gaius opened the letter his wife began to lean on him showering him with pleas to ignore the letter and come back to bed. But was stopped when her husband removed her from him and ordered for the slaves to ready his horse and bring him his armor. "My love what is wrong," his wife asked as he was now getting dressed.

"I'm sorry my dear, but I must go, something has happened in the empires new lands, and I must return," with a final kiss to his beloved wife and a farewell goodbye to his children, Gaius mounted his horse and rode for the imperial palace to inform the emperor.

Arriving at the imperial place Gaius entered into the throne room where molt was waiting for him, bowing to his emperor, Gaius spoke, "My emperor, I come bringing disturbing news from beyond the gate.' With that being said, Molt simply nodded and told Gaius to rise and report on the situation, 'in the past few weeks several attacks have taken place against our forces all along our lines. "

"I have just learned that large groups of primitive barbarians have begun attacking our supply convoys. Most recently the latest convoy carrying gold and other items bound for the Gate, was taken and the soldiers guarding it were massacred. Even more disturbing your majesty, the noble who was put in command of escorting the convoys was found dead, it's said that he was skinned before being tied to several large branches and left in the sun. On one of the posts his body was tied to this message was found, simply saying, you want our gold that badly come and get it."

Understanding the situation Molt gave orders for the legions that have arrived to prepare to move out while two of the newly formed legions were also ordered to march through the gate and crush the barbarians. With his new orders Gaius bowed again and left, on the outskirts of Sadera, Gaius led his new army to Alnus hill.