October 21, 1882
It wasn't long before word arrived from Fort union that the attacks had increased and that several attempts by the Saderan infantry to infiltrate the fort had been stopped. Similarly, Fort Selden reported an increase in enemy scouts on horseback and those dragons flying over Las Cruces. Johnson knew this meant only one thing, his plan to provoke the Saderans had worked and that it was only a matter of time for the final battle that would determine the future of not only the territory but the country.
As news continued to come in from Fort union, Johnson was shocked at the ferocity the Saderans were using to eliminate Fort Union, the latest telegraph reported large beasts the size of trains rushing the fort only to be stopped by artillery fire. As Johnson continued reading over reports there was a knock on his office door, "ENTER."
"Col, we just received a message from Fort Selden."
Looking up, Johnson said, "what do they report."
"Sir, Fort Selden reports scouts spotted a large enemy force-marching east from Fort Cummings and is enroute."
"Very well, inform captain Miles and assemble A troop, were going on a reconnaissance ride to Las Cruces."
"Yes sir."
Not long after, A troop was had their horses saddled up and ready to move out, to their surprise Col Johnson informed them that he was also going. After a hard days ride and avoiding an enemy patrol flying overhead. A troop of the 10th cavalry arrived at Fort Selden early the following morning, after a quick meal and resupply of fresh water, the commander of Fort Selden with his own group of soldiers rode to Las Cruces. Arriving in the town Johnson inspected the defenses, while the defenses were where they need to be the problem was there was very little to no cover, with the exception of the trenches dug. But the real problem with fighting here was that there was so much open ground.
After inspecting the defenses, Johnson was at a local café just having finished his breakfast when a loud horn was heard in the distance. Rushing out of the café and jumping onto his horse Johnson rode fast to the outer defenses, what he found upon arriving shocked him. The Saderan army filled the area, however, unlike the previous battle at Santa Fe and Fort Union the Saderans charged the union lines in a mad dash with everything they had from cavalry and those dragons, even the infantry were rushing forward screaming like mad men.
Before the first line of defense could fire a shot off, the Saderans were already on top of them cutting the men down without mercy. Johnson watched as the first line never had a chance, the second line began to open fire supported by artillery, but the Saderans did not stop and soon they were on the second line killing all in their path. A loud roar rung out above, looking up Johnson saw a dragon flying towards his position, with a quick spur the horse reared up and began running back into the town. Johnson was nearly grabbed in the beasts claws but managed to jump from his horse, however his horse was grabbed and thrown into the air falling to ground with a loud thud.
Realizing the situation was out of control, Johnson found a bugler and gave the order to sound the retreat. The retreat of all union forces and civilians out of Las Cruces was a very bloody affair, similar to what happened in Gettysburg according to the stories he heard from the survivors on the first bloody day of battle.
Within hours, most of the civilians had been evacuated successfully, many fleeing south to Texas, while those who didn't flee south moved north with the army. Arriving back at Fort Selden Johnson learned that the commander of Fort Selden had fallen in battle, as did most of the officers. With quick action Johnson ordered the remainder of the forts Garrison to abandon the fort, and to make their way to Fort Stanton.
Not long after, word arrived that the Saderan army was spotted marching north and would arrive within the hour. With the last of the army and supplies evacuated Johnson remained to recover the colors, not wanting them to fall into enemy hands. With flag secured Johnson and his men rode out of the Fort just as the Saderan army was spotted nearby, catching up with the convoy gun fire could be heard up ahead. Riding fast Johnson saw Saderans crossing the Rio Grande, ordering the rear guard to hold their ground as best they could with Johnson joining them, the fight only lasted an hour.
It was well into the night when Johnson and what was left of the rear guard arrived at Fort Craig, exhausted Johnson wanted to lay down but knew that there was no time for that. Mustering any strength, he had left he ordered the fort commander to begin evacuation and to abandon the fort and regroup at fort Stanton. After witnessing what he saw in Las Cruces, he knew it was only a matter of time before the rest of the Saderan army caught up with them.
October 27, 1882
The ride back to Fort Stanton was thankfully uneventful although several enemy scouts on horseback and dragon had been spotted. Sitting in his office Johnson was going over in his head what had happened and knew that if they didn't find a way to slow the enemy down, it would be disastrous. Issuing orders, Johnson ordered additional mines be added to the already extensive mine field surrounding the fort, as well as utilizing the dynamite acquired during the fight in Buckhorn. The Apache and Navajo also suggested several traps used by their peoples.
Artillery crews were ordered to construct earth mounds, to hide the guns and protect them from aerial attacks. While the construction was going on, word arrived that Fort Union had been completely overrun, this came as shock to the troops, but Johnson reassured them that their comrades sacrifices would not be in vain and that they would be avenged. However, the message sent to Washington was not an easy one as it had the war department in shock, not only for the loss of the men and General Marlowe, but at the speed and level of brutality the Saderans were willing to go to achieve victory.
Two days later, Fort Bascom had been completely overrun, and the defensive line in Santa Rosa was attacked from a small force from Albuquerque. Luckily most of the defenders at Fort Bascom managed to escape as did the defenders in Santa Rosa, as ordered, both forces regrouped at Fort Sumner. A day later White Oaks reported sighting a large army leaving Albuquerque marching south. Altogether, depending on how long it took the Saderans to take what they wanted, be it nearby towns and settlements, Johnson believed the final battle to determine the fate of the territory would take place no later than November 5th.
With the last of the reinforcements from Texas arriving, as well as much needed ammunition and artillery, moral was further boosted when the war department gifted the fort 8 Gatling guns and enough ammunition to last three months. Many asked if they could truly win but Johnson assured his men that not only would they win, they would take the fight to Saderans and take back the territory. Johnson had also received another promotion, to the rank of Major General cementing his authority over all union forces in this fight.
November 5, 1882
Battle of Fort Stanton
Five days earlier
In the days following the fall of Fort Union, Fort Selden, Fort Craig and Fort Bascom the Saderan army made significant advances all across the front, including the capture of Santa Rosa. Days later word arrived that the northern Saderan army had begun to siege Fort Sumner, the defenders held the line displaying remarkable courage. Unfortunately, it wasn't long before the defenders were forced to retreat, making their way to the last defensive line in Hondo.
It was during these engagements that Johnson finally created what he hoped would be an effective countermeasure to the Saderans dragon force. His theory was put to the test when dozens of the beasts and their riders were seen flying overhead in an attempt to lower morale and destroy the guns. Along the mountain tops sharp shooters were stationed to act as an early warning system, but also to eliminate the beasts riders.
Johnson ordered the trenches to be covered over to resemble the ground from above, whether this deception would work was still debatable, but they would soon find out. During this time the Apache reported the Saderans southern army had taken Tularosa and were sending scouts into the mountains. Johnson had personally talked to the Mescalero Apache, to attack any Saderan scouts they found, but most importantly to ambush their main force, when it began its march into the mountains. Of course, the Apache were all too eager to do this, as it was their land, and they would fight for it.
Two days before the battle
Reports from the mountains were very promising, as the Apache had inflicted heavy losses to the Saderan army making its way into the mountains. Some reports indicated that many Saderan soldiers were deserting, these deserters didn't get far, many were killed on sight before being placed along the road to further weaken Saderan morale.
Another report from White Oaks indicated that the Saderan force marching south from Albuquerque had arrived in Socorro, and were less than 2 days march from Fort Stanton, Saderan scouts had been seen near white oaks. While the northern Saderan army was licking its wounds, after the fight at Fort Sumner, it was said that a small force had been seen attacking the small settlement of Roswell.
Despite 3 enemy armies slowly closing in on all sides, the Forts morale was strong, although many had questioned whether or not they had sufficient manpower to win. With only 8,000 men as well as local militias from the surrounding area and Texas, they were facing a force estimated to be 25,000 strong. While additional forces were enroute, only half of the promised troops were present, the remaining 7,000 of which 1500 were US marines, including their own Cavalry which was 500 strong were still enroute.
Luckily, additional supplies had been successfully delivered from Fort Bliss, including a personal package that Johnson had been waiting for. In his office Johnson opened the wood crate, pulling out what his new Col thought to be a Sharps Rifle, however, he quickly noted that it was not. Before being stationed in New Mexico, Johnson had met with the owners of the Sharps rifle company and the Henry repeating arms company. His purpose had been to request the creation of a hybrid gun for himself, using the swift lever action of a henry repeater with a Sharps long range rifle. Negotiations had taken some time but both parties had agreed.
Johnson was eager to try his new rifle, he had even requested it be chambered in military caliber so as to not have to buy different ammunition. Having set some targets up, Johnson slid open the loading port under the barrel and loaded 10 45-70 caliber bullets. Then working the action which loaded the first round which had been quite smooth, Johnson took aim and fired, his first shot hit the target. Working the action 9 more times, each target was hit, and Johnson was very satisfied.
Back to the present
It was early morning, and the sun was just barely starting to come up, around 4;30 am gun fire from the nearby towns of Lincoln and Capitan, had alerted the forts defenders that the enemy was near. Even the Apache, who had arrived in large numbers reported that the enemy had taken the town of Glencoe, was already on the march and would arrive soon.
After finishing his breakfast Johnson had decided to inspect the forts defenses once more, all around the men were enjoying a very generous hot meal that Johnson had offered. Consisting of a large portion of eggs, potatoes and fresh biscuits provided from Lincoln, which had been delivered in the middle of the night. After finishing his inspection and encouraging several young soldiers who had just graduated from basic training. Walking into the center of the parade grounds Johnson turned to the bugler, "sound assembly," the bugler blew the call, as men began forming up shoulder to shoulder standing at attention.
General sir, the men are present and ready, sir," Col Morgan said as he saluted.
"Gentlemen, good morning, I hope you all had a descent night's sleep, because in the next two to three hours, we'll be fighting for the future of the territory, the future of the country and for our very lives.' The men stood their ground ready for the fight to come, they also knew that the Saderans would stop at nothing to win. 'As you all know, we are all that stands between the Saderan army and our country, this will not be an easy fight, as all the rules of war that we know, the Saderans mock, they say we are week."
Many of the men began to tighten their fists wanting the Saderans to attack, "it was only 20 years ago that our nation was torn apart by war, and during that time we were attacked by the very same enemy that threatens us now. But through will and the bounding determination of our fathers, brothers and those of us who fought in the war, we stood our ground and proved that even in our darkest hour we can rise up from the ashes to meet any challenge."
Off in the distance the sound of horses could be heard, as the men looked, they saw their own riding fast. The men cleared a path, and the riders rode onto the parade grounds stopping in front of Johnson, with a quick salute the major in charge said, "General the last of the defenses in Capitan and Lincoln have fallen, I would estimate that the enemy will be here within the hour."
"Very well Major, have your horses watered and fed and disperse your men among the defenses."
Looking back at the men assembled before him Johnson spoke again, "as you just heard we are now the last line of defense. We will not falter; our founding fathers did not falter when they fought to free us from British control. We face an enemy that seeks to not only take away our freedoms but to beat us into submission, however they have made one crucial mistake like so many others who challenged our nation. They have written us off as being weak and not having the stomach for a fight, well I say we show them what a real fight is like, ARE YOU WITH ME," Johnson shouted as the men all around began shouting and cheering, many cursing the Saderans.
With a quick raise of his hands the men quilted down, "all right men, man your positions and get ready for a fight, DISMISSED." The men quickly ran to their assigned defensive positions, many eager for the fight to come.
When the sun had fully risen, the sound of war drums and metal banging against metal could be heard in the distance. Then in the distance to north, the defenders of Fort Stanton saw sunlight reflecting off the armor of the enemy as they marched forward. As the men watched, several men on the east and western defenses saw large columns of men and beasts marching up over the hills as they slowly began to encircle the Fort. Then from the southeast the sounds of marching could be heard, as a Saderan horn was heard in the distance, in no time Fort Stanton was surrounded.
From atop a nearby building, Johnson observed the Saderan army as he watched them bring up their artillery. However, he noticed a small group approach the fort from the east and began to set up a tent. Johnson and his men were confused by this action until a man in armor carrying a white flag approached. "Col, ride out and see what they want," Johnson ordered as he had a good idea what the Saderans were doing.
After riding out, Col Morgan returned with a rolled-up scroll, looking at the contents Johnson was surprised when he saw it was written in English, -To the commander of Fort Stanton, I the great General Gaius representing his imperial majesty, Molt Sol Augustus emperor of the Mighty Saderan Empire, invite you to join me for food and drink. For his imperial majesty has a proposal for you and your nation, I await your arrival.
With a quick look at Morgan Johnson said, "Col if anything happens to me your in command is that understood."
With a quick salute Morgan replied, "Yes sir."
"Very well, bring my horse," Johnson said as he left for his office to fetch his sword.
After returning through the gate, Gaius was not happy with the events that had occurred during his time away. Immediately, he sent orders to his northern army to capture the enemy stronghold (Fort Union) at any cost, while at the same time he ordered his southern army to take their next objective. With a new army at his disposal Gaius gave orders for one legion to march east and crush any resistance, while he personally lead the rest of his third army, to destroy the last remaining enemy fort by having his three armies attack all at once.
His journey south was highly uneventful despite having spotted numerous enemy scouts but paid them no mind. He was thrilled when he learned of his northern army's victory and had ordered them to march south and to sweep across the land, destroying all resistance and to meet at the last enemy fort.
After nearly a week's travel Gaius arrived at the last fortress, as his officers put it, however Gaius laughed when he first saw the enemy fort, it was no different than the enemy fort they took after they first arrived. Word had arrived that his southern army was being harassed on their march through the foothills, but the commander assured the general they would arrive as ordered. Not long after his armies arrival, the northern army arrived, as both armies began encircling the fort, Gaius took the opportunity to speak with his officers. Not long after Gaius ordered a small tent to be set up in the center of the field to meet with the commander of this Fort.
With the tent setup Gaius watched as an imperial runner marched forward and was met by several men in blue who took the scroll with the offer to meet. It wasn't long until a large group of men on horseback was seen forming up 11 in total. In a manner befitting for the imperial army, the 10 men in blue formed up in a single file formation shoulder to shoulder holding their thunder staffs.
After grabbing his saber, Johnson had mounted up on his horse and was escorted by 10 well-armed soldier of the 10th cavalry, who would act as his guards and escort for this meeting. With the men formed up, rifles at the ready, Johnson took his place at the front and with a wave of his hand, the group rode forward never once breaking formation. When Johnson arrived at the center of the battlefield, several legionaries and a young man who looked like he'd been through hell, wearing what looked like a potato sack came forward. One gave a slight bow before speaking, "are you the commander of this Fort, with a nod from Johnson, the legionnaire said, his excellency General Gaius is waiting for you inside."
As the legionnaire waited, another shoved the young man forward barking orders, the young man rushed forward grabbing the reins of the Johnson's horse. Johnson glared at the legionnaires as he dismounted his horse and grabbed his canteen, patting the young man on the shoulder, Johnson offered him his canteen. The young man was scared but Johnson assured him with a smile that it was ok, as he took a drink. The young man hesitantly looked away in fear, but the legionnaire simply nodded, and the young man took the canteen and began drinking. When the boy was done, he bowed, as he knew of no other way to say thanks but was even more surprised when the strange man in blue handed him something heavy. As he Johnson walked forward flanked by two other men in blue, but unlike most humans their skin was very dark. The young man looked at the item he was given, he was shocked to see it was a gold coin and it was bigger than any coin he had seen and was well made.
Entering the tent Johnson ordered his men to stay outside, inside the tent a small table was set up as servants were catering to their master. Looking up from his meal General Gaius stood up, "ahh you must be Col Thomas Johnson,' Gaius said with smirk as he saw Johnson's eyebrow raise. 'I am General Gaius the commander of the Saderan Imperial Expeditionary force," Gaius greatly exaggerating things as he introduced himself.
Gaius, being a good host motioned for Johnson to sit and join him, as he snapped his fingers, and the servants began serving Johnson some of the most exquisite food in the empire and the finest wine ever made. As Johnson took his seat he said, "it's a pleasure I'm sure General Gaius, however, your information on me is out of date, the president promoted me to the rank of Major General, I command all union forces in the New Mexico territory."
Gaius merely grabbed his elaborately decorated goblet which looked to be made of gold and covered in gems, and raised it saying, "promoted to general, this is worth celebrating,' Gaius said as he drank from his cup. After downing his goblet, a young woman with pointed ears and wearing a very skimpy outfit that barely covered her poured more wine into her masters goblet. Noticing that Johnson was not eating or drinking he said, 'come general you must be hungry, try the wine it's the finest vintage the empire has ever made."
Johnson just sat there and said, "why have you called me here."
Gaius just continued to eat and drink as another voice spoke up, "you'll have to forgive him my lord, as you know these barbarians know nothing of proper manners when it comes to addressing those of nobility."
Johnson didn't even turn around as he already knew who he was dealing with, GIRDWOOD, Johnson said to himself. The man in question simply walked around the table smirking as he stood beside his new commander, he was dressed in a very fashionable outfit wearing fancy decorative armor and was holding a very fancy cane.
Having finished another glass of wine Gaius handed Girdwood a scroll, opening the scroll Girdwood read its contents, "By order of his imperial Majesty Emperor Molt Sol Augustus of the imperial Saderan Empire, I hereby offer to all the remaining barbarians within my new lands the opportunity to join my armies. To all soldiers who choose to do so you will be rewarded 30 pieces of gold for your loyalty and given an opportunity to advance in the ranks of the imperial army as officers." As Girdwood finished, he rolled the scroll up handing the scroll to Johnson and smirked as he and Gaius awaited an answer.
Johnson reached into his pocket pulling out a cigar and lit it as he stood from his seat, before tossing the match he lit the scroll on fire throwing it in a nearby clay jug. Gaius and Girdwood only smirked as both expected this, "as you can see my lord there's no negotiating with barbarians, they only understand the boot and sword," Girdwood said in a very cocky manner.
Gaius however only smiled as he looked Johnson in the eye, "so this is your answer, very well, I admire your courage General, but it's all for not, as you can see my army outnumbers yours."
"If you think you can beat us, then I welcome you to try," Johnson said as he took another puff from his cigar.
"As you wish," Gaius said confidently, as he gestured for Johnson to leave.
Turning to leave Johnson stopped, "tell me something General, did you part of the invasion 20 years ago."
"I did indeed, it was truly glorious battle. I remember killing many of you barbarians and watching you flee," Gaius said mockingly.
"And that scar on you neck," Johnson said as he took another puff from his cigar.
"Ahh yes not my best moment while engaged in battle one of you barbarian's attacked me from behind but not before I thrust my sword into his chest."
"Is that so, I was also at Gettysburg when your empire attacked, i was a runner for my regiment assigned to the artillery. On the second day of the fighting my regiments guns thundered across the field, that was until arrows hit our position. I was the only one not hit as a group of sword swinging maniacs charged our position, I managed to finish loading one of the guns and fired on those fools at point blank range, all but one were killed.
Gaius stood up in anger as realization hit him, "you were the one who killed my comrades," Gaius said with disgust.
Turning towards Gaius Johnson smiled, "Yes I was."
Gaius reached for his sword, but Johnson was quicker as he pulled his revolver, stopping Gaius who slammed his fist onto the table.
Before Johnson left the tent he looked back at Girdwood, who was whispering something to Gaius, "Girdwood your nothing but a fool, if you believe that they see you as one of them." Walking out of the tent Johnson motioned for his men to mount up, as he mounted his horse the young man looked at Johnson practically begging him for help.
Johnson began to ride away as his men followed, then he stopped when he heard the young man screeching out in pain. Looking back Johnson saw one of the legionnaires kicking the young man yelling at him. Without a second thought, Johnson spurred his horse revolver drawn and rushed back, the legionnaire didn't see what hit him as he was knocked on his back by Johnson's horse.
The young man looked up and saw Johnson holding his hand out to him, and he quickly grabbed Johnson's hand. Pulling the young man onto his horse, as several legionnaires began charging at them with spears and swords drawn. They never had a chance, as Johnson's guards shot them, on the ground the legionnaire that had been knocked down got back up and began cursing at the boy as he drew his sword and charged forward. The young man watched as his former master charged at him sword drawn, then a bang was heard as the legionnaire stopped dead in his tracks and fell to the ground a small hole in his head.
Lowering his revolver and with another kick of his spurs Johnson and his men rode back to the fort, several Saderans on horse gave chase but were stopped when several loud booms were heard in the distance followed by several explosions. From Fort Stanton, Col Morgan ordered the artillery to begin firing at the enemy, as he watched the general and his men ride back with young boy in tow.
Arriving back at the Fort, the M1875 Hotchkiss mountain guns, Hotchkiss rotary guns and 12 pounder Whitworth guns fired causing much chaos among the enemy ranks. Dismounting his horse, he told the young man to follow one of his men, who would take him to a safe area. While the boy was hesitant at first, he obeyed, Johnson quickly ran to a nearby tower that was built and began to observe the enemy.
Despite the bombardment from the artillery causing mass casualties to their ranks the Saderans quickly reformed their ranks as their own artillery finished moving into position, while the imperial archers took positions. In a matter of minutes, the archers began releasing arrows blanketing the skies, the battle of Fort Stanton has begun.
Over the next two days both sides exchanged artillery fire, union forces obliterated entire rows of Saderan infantry and destroyed several catapults and other siege weapons. The Saderans managed to damage and set fire to several buildings. The wyvern corps had taken to the sky with orders to eliminate the union artillery but could not locate it. When one artillery piece was found they attempted to attack but the riders were swiftly shot off their wyverns by sharp shooters.
By day three Gaius was enraged that the Americans had not been eliminated, since the battle began over 80% of the wyvern corps that remained since the invasion began was gone. Throughout the night dozens of scouts had been sent to locate the American siege weapons but none returned. It was at this point Gaius believed that he had been lied to by Girdwood, who was now on his knees with his hands tied. "You have failed, you told me there would be only light resistance from this forts garrison and that the cavalry troops known as buffalo soldiers would not fight but run."
Trying to stay calm Girdwood tried to explain, "My lord please, if you'll let me explain."
"Explain what,' Gaius said in outrage, 'that everything you have told me was a lie. You told me that this fort would not be heavily defended, that they didn't have the equipment or the manpower to fight back."
"My lord, please," Girdwood was desperate at this point, on the verge of pissing himself.
"Your failure will not go unpunished, Guards;' two centurions entered the tent. 'Take this scum, he is to be executed for a treason of being an enemy spy."
Girdwood began to panic, shouting; "MY LORD, please no, I'm no spy I swear." Gaius turned his back as Girdwood was taken away, his cries for mercy were ignored. With Girdwood out of the picture it was time to take the fight directly to the barbarians, no more artillery. If the barbarians want a fight, we shall give them one and I will take great pride in spilling that man's blood with my sword, Gaius said to himself as he began issuing orders to his commanders.
As the morning sun was slowly rising, the alarm in Fort Stanton rang as everyone ran to their defensive positions. Many believed that it might be another attack, as the men reached their positions those on northeast defensive line were greeted to the sight of a man many new all too well, Girdwood. He was surrounded by a dozen Saderan legionnaires who were escorting him to the center of the field before being forced to the ground and tied up. It didn't take long before his cries of pain were heard as he was literally nailed to two large logs in an x shape then hoisted up.
Johnson watched the sight before him, only shaking his head as he had figured this would happen. Suddenly the men on the line started shouting as a single Saderan rider on horseback approached, Johnson ordered the men not to fire. When the rider got close enough to be heard, he began shouting, "to all you barbarians, this will be the punishment to you and to all who resist the rule of the Saderan empire." Turning back, the rider races back to his lines as the legionnaires light a fire around Girdwood as he screams for help.
Johnson walks away as Girdwood's screams, when one of his men comes to him, "General, aren't we going to do something."
"And what exactly is it you think we should do, Private."
"Sir, Col Girdwood is one of us we should help him."
"Private, Girdwood is a deserter and a greedy thief, his stupidity is what got him where he is."
"Sir we should at least," BANG, the young private was shocked as Girdwood's screams went silent. The men on the line turned to see the general holding a rifle.
Turning back to the young private Johnson said, "now get back on the line and prepare for the enemies attack." Within minutes of the shot thousands of arrows once again began to blanket the sky, but thanks to the trenches dug, earth mounds covering them the men were safe from such an attack, but the question remained, how long would the men in the forward trenches last.
An hour after Girdwood's execution, the familiar sound of war horns filled the air, as the Saderan infantry began to close in on all sides, the artillery continued to pound away at the enemy formations. The napoleons thundered across the fort unleashing devastating volleys of grape shot into the Saderan lines. However, unlike the battle of Fort Union the Saderans continued their advance, determined to drown themselves in the blood of their enemies.
By early afternoon, the artillery was forced to stop as the enemy was literally on top of the forward trenches. The commanders in the forward trenches began shouting orders as the men prepared to fire, one by one the men in the trenches unleashed a devastating wall of lead. At first the Saderans were sent into a panic as many could not figure out where the enemy was firing from, until the smoke from the black powder was seen rising out of the ground.
With the enemy position discovered, the beast men were ordered to eliminate all the barbarians hiding in the ground. It took a few minutes but eventually they made their way into the trenches, to their surprise they were empty. What they didn't know was that it was a trap, as the Saderans got to point blank range union forces retreated through a series of connecting trenches that led to the second trench line. When the last man left the forward trenches, the tunnels were covered up using doors covered in mud and dirt to look like the surrounding trench walls. From a safe distance the commander in charge of the second trench line waited as the first trench line filled with enemy soldiers. Then with a quick wave of his hand the dynamite was detonated, the resulting explosions rocked the Saderan lines killing or severely injured any who were in or near the first trench line.
General Gaius watched as more the half of the auxiliary beast men were obliterated in a fiery explosion, that sent mounds of dirt into the sky before showering his army. The Saderans began to fall back but were stopped by their commanders by threat of death and treason if they retreated. Then several large beast were heard roaring in the distance, Johnson and the men fighting were shocked as they watched the large beasts rush forward carrying large clubs. The Saderans cheered as they reformed behind the giant ogres and continued their march forward, while shouting into the air and banging against their armor or shields to intimidate the men in blue.
Johnson, recognizing the danger, ordered the artillery to take aim and fire on the beasts, however most of the guns had no effect on the beasts or their massive armor they were covered in. Even rifle fire and canister shot was doing very little and only angered the beasts. That is until a lucky shot from two 12 pounder Whitworth guns firing, HE rounds hit their marks on one of the beasts, the first round hit the ogre in the chest knocking the beast on its back, while the second round struck the beast head killing it instantly.
Johnson didn't even need to give the orders, as the rest of the gun crews firing Whitworth guns took aim and fired on the beasts, killing several more in the process. It wasn't long before all the ogres were killed, however, the damage was done as the Saderans made it to the second trench line, luckily most of the men their had already retreated to the forts outer defensive wall. The third line had been built using the buildings as part of the wall, as well as several dug-out earth mounds where men could fire from concealment, if need be, retreat through a small tunnel underground back into the safety of the forts outer wall.
Despite the heavy losses to the infantry and the loss of all the ogres, Gaius was determined to end this fight today. "Order the men to take that fort at all costs, do not hold back, burn it down if you have to, show no mercy, these barbarians will be made an example to all those who dare challenge the empire."
The fighting was fierce, savage and bloody some of the men who had been stationed in the territory described it as fighting the Apache or even the Comanche in some ways. The Apache who were present in the fort agreed but were itching to fight their way but were unable to find a way out of the forts walls. It was around 3pm when a part of the northern wall was breached and the Saderans began to pour in however, Johnson had one last trump card to play. "FIRE," all at once Gatling guns began firing, mowing down the Saderans in a way they had never seen before. Many of the more radical Saderans shrugged it off, calling it cowardly magic while encouraging their comrades to keep fighting. Sadly, it was not to be a glorious fight as those who charged the Gatling guns were mowed down before they could get close.
As the battle dragged on Johnson began to worry, he had hoped the Saderans would fall back by now, but to his surprise and annoyance they just kept coming. One of the breaches had been retaken and secured but the fight was far from over, many of the forts defenders had been injured or killed while many others found themselves with damaged rifles from overheating. Many began to question whether they could truly win, even Johnson was thinking this, and he began to pray for a miracle.
Suddenly a look out shouted, "sir, two large forces approaching fast from the southeast and the north."
Rushing up the tower Johnson pulled out his binoculars and began observing a large force on horseback riding fast towards the fort. At first, he believed it was a large Saderan cavalry unit but to his shock it was a massive Comanche war party. Then a bugle was heard in the distance to the east as US cavalry along with what looked like civilians came charging over the hills to, reinforcements had arrived.
From the tower Johnson shouted, "watch your fire men, reinforcements have arrived." All around the fort cheers could be heard as gunfire continued. The Apache watched as the Comanche plowed into the enemy, with a mighty war cry. The Apache mounted onto their horses and charged towards the opening on the northern wall, joining the Comanche and Union cavalry in the largest fight in years.
Gaius was in complete shock as he watched the battle go from bloody to chaotic, he was robbed of his victory. His armies were in full retreat but rather then retreating to their lines they remaining legions retreated north to his position. The gun fire and the cheers increased and Johnson new it was time to take the fight to the enemy, "Sgt. major, form the regiment, bugler sound the assembly." The men of the 10th cavalry quickly mounted up and rode out of the fort forming an attack line.
With the 10th cavalry formed up with Johnson at the front, looking around Johnson shouted, "RIGHT AND LEFT WING, BY TROOP, ACTION FRONT PREPARE FOR CONTACT, ADVANCE." With the orders given the bugler sounded the charge.
From his tent Gaius watched as the Americans on horseback began to charge forward, as several unusual horns could be heard. It was truly a magnificent sight for the first-time in history US cavalry alongside Comanche, Apache, Kiowa and Navajo warriors fought for a common goal. As the cavalry advanced the troops fired their rifles and revolvers, cutting down the Saderans. By night fall, what was left of the Saderan armies was in full retreat, seen retreating northwest towards Albuquerque.