November 10th, 1882
Fort Stanton
The Battle for Fort Stanton was a decisive Union Victory, while the defenders of the fort were prepared for the worst, they were even more grateful to the Comanche who turned the tide of the fight. Sadly, the battle came at a heavy cost, of the 8,000 that fought 1500 died while another 2000 were injured. All around the men celebrated their first real victory, many of the soldiers inviting the Indians to join them. Most chose to stay in their own camp, as the remaining 7000 reinforcements including 2000 marines arrived.
As the new day dawned, Johnson was enjoying a hot cup of fresh coffee as the morning sun rose, while enjoying his breakfast. While drinking his coffee he heard some utensils clatter and noticed the young man he rescued staring at his food with a nervously. Having been freed, the boy didn't know what to do now, after the battle ended Johnson had learned that the boy had been taken from his home and sold into slavery. No longer a slave, the boy was given the opportunity to bathe and given fresh clothes, however after being enslaved most of his life, he didn't understand how to do anything. Johnson learned from the young man that he had been sold many times and was beaten severely over trivial matters.
Seeing the young man struggle to eat his first real meal was heart breaking, as he had mostly been given moldy bread and water. Finishing his coffee, Johnson set his cup down, the young man quickly got up and took the cup, while bowing his dead not daring to look Johnson in the face. "What's your name son," Johnson asked as he looked at the boy, who continued to look at the ground.
"My name, the boy said in fright, I have no name master, for I am only a slave."
This didn't sit well with Johnson, who like so many others believed slavery to be a sin and the worst crime that could be inflicted on others. "Did you have a name before you were sold into slavery,' Johnson asked, the boy only shook his head continuing to look down. Reaching forward Johnson brought the young man's head up so he could look into his eyes, 'would you like a name."
The boy was in awe, for no one had ever asked him if he wanted a name, but he was also scared as he was always called a slave, no one (with the exception of the other slaves) had ever shown him any kindness. "Master, I am only a slave."
"You're not a slave, not anymore, in the United States Slavery has been outlawed,' this surprised the young man as he had never heard of slavery being outlawed. 'Although, slavery has left its mark on my nation, slavery was a common practice only two decades ago and if took a civil war to finally end it, even though there are those who greatly oppose it."
The young man could not believe what he was hearing, as Johnson was about to continue, a knock was heard on the door, entering the room a young Sgt said, "General the commanders are waiting for you," with a nod from Johnson the Sgt saluted and left.
Standing up Johnson grabbed his hat before looking at the young man, he patted the young man on the shoulder while smiling and said, "Caleb, the boy looked up in confusion, from now on you'll be known as Caleb. Remember Caleb you are not a slave anymore, your free to live your life how you want." With that said Johnson stood up and left the room, Caleb was still shocked at what had happened, only in his dreams was he free.
Entering his office Johnson was greeted by the commanders, "Gentlemen, the tide of this fight has now turned, it's time to go on the offensive. The commanders were in full agreement, here's the plan, we'll launch a three-pronged assault. Col Ashton you along with your 2000 marines and 3000 men of the army and the 8th cavalry will march west, the Apache will be joining you as well. Your first objective is to retake Las Cruces and secure the railway, your second objective will be the rail junction in Deming. At the same time our forces in Arizona will retake Tombstone and Lordsburg, your third objective will be to secure silver city, once that is accomplished, you'll wait for further orders.
"Col Ruxton, you will take 5000 men and the 9th cavalry, you'll be accompanied by the Navajo, your first objective will be to secure Socorro and the rail station, your second objective and the most important will be Albuquerque, it is absolutely vital that we retake Albuquerque by any means necessary."
"Col Morgan the 10th cavalry and the remaining 5000 troops, along with the Comanche, Kiowa and any volunteers will march north, our first objective will be to take Santa Rosa.' 'Col Ruxton should you require assistance in taking Albuquerque when we reach Santa Rosa, we will send troops to assist you.' Ruxton nodded as he continued to listen, 'our second objective will be Fort Union and the railway. Troops from Fort Garland will attack from the north, while we attack from the south."
"Once Fort Union and Albuquerque are secured, additional forces from Fort Garland will march south, Col Ruxton your forces will march north, while my forces march and converge on Santa Fe. Once Santa Fe is secure, our final objective will be to retake Fort Wingate, once we have secured our main objectives, I will relay new orders then. Now Gentlemen understand something, the Saderans probably expect us to do as they did and free every town and village as we advance. In order to bring this fight to an end quickly. We must strike hard and fast, the Saderans will fight like mad men to hold their ground, but we must retake the territory, is that understood." All around the room officers nodded although there was some objections from the Comanche and Apache chiefs. With the meeting over and having discussed the issues the Comanche and Apache had; Johnson sent his report to Washington.
The following week, saw a series of engagements against ill-equipped Saderan forces which after only a couple hours of fighting and in some cases Saderan forces just surrendered. By November 15, the battle for Silver city and Albuquerque were in full swing, as predicted the Saderans fought for every inch of ground in both towns. To the north Johnson and his men had just taken the vital railway junction in the town of Watrous, encountering stiff resistance Johnson's men quickly swept sword swinging fools aside, after a brief rest and watering the horses, they continued their march north.
A couple hours later Fort union came into view, at the same time the troops from Fort Garland were spotted further north. The plan was simple, Johnson ordered his men to reoccupy the frontier fort Reestablishing Fort Union under Union control. The old star fort was surrounded by artillery, while the men stayed a bit further back out of range of the Saderan archers. The plan was to starve the Saderans into submission, while bombarding them with artillery and force them to surrender while not being able to fight back. It was later discovered that the Saderans had been completely taken by surprise, as they had not expected to be attacked so soon, the result, the Saderans had only very little food and water.
While inspecting the Fort for any useful information, several scrolls related to the battle of Fort Union were discovered. What they revealed was very disturbing, most of the men had been killed when the fort been overrun, those that surrendered were tortured or slapped in irons and taken away to the gate.
Three days later, word reached Johnson that Silver city was secure, and Albuquerque was mopping up the last few pockets of resistance. By the next day the plans to retake Santa Fe were ready, with the assistance of the Navajo warriors, Union forces began marching on the town. On November 20th the Saderan force occupying Santa Fe were taken by surprise, when Union artillery lit up the town in the early morning. The noble left in charge tried to rally his men for an attack but was ignored as the men were in a panic, the second battle of Santa Fe was recorded as one of the shortest sieges in history.
Santa Fe
A week later Johnson received several reports of Saderan movement in the Valles Caldera area near Jamez. While Johnson had never been to the area personally, he had heard from several officers that it was a place of luxury and healing to any who relax in the soothing hot springs. Despite wanting to reward himself for a job well done, the reports stated sightings of enemy movement in this area was a bigger concern. The planned attack to retake Fort Wingate and hopefully secure the Gate which had not been located yet.
Johnson decided to investigate the threat personally, despite objections from many of his officers. By early morning the following day Johnson and the men of A troop had made it to Valles Caldera accompanied by Navajo scouts, who had offered to assist as they knew the area very well. Observations of the main roads showed that a small contingent of enemy troops were in the area, which was later discovered when Saderan troops were seen occupying Jamez itself. Wanting to get more information on the enemies numbers was difficult as their viewpoint limited what they could see, however one of the Navajo warriors informed Johnson of a hidden trail that could lead them to a better position.
Following along the east Fork Jamez river, Johnson and his men stopped when the sound of laughter caught their attention. Slowly going up a small hill Johnson was surprised when they came across a small vanguard of Saderan soldiers near a small body of water. At first glance one could assume they were scouts patrolling the woods, but that was immediately discarded when Johnson noticed a very beautiful sight. In the water were about a dozen or so beautiful woman (who looked to be in their early teens) soaking in the spring while laughing and enjoying themselves.
"What the hell is this," Johnson Sgt asked as he observed the scene.
"If I were to take a guess, I'd say the Saderans have made themselves quite comfortable here and their nobility allowed their woman to come and enjoy themselves," Johnson said as he was deep in thought.
"Well, that would certainly explain the troop movements in this area."
Observing the scene Johnson noticed 4 of the girls stood out among the rest, while most of the others were playing and enjoying themselves in the lower spring these 4 were relaxing in the upper spring. Out of them all one stood out the most, a young red head wearing what looked like a tiara necklace on her forehead. A snapping twig caught his attention as Johnson and his men hid, when two enemy soldiers walked by on the hill overlooking the spring.
"Commander Grey, are you certain this is wise bringing these ladies here, this close to the front lines…."
"Silence, the princess does not know of the situation and this area is still under our control."
"Yes, commander but still allowing the princess and the daughters of the nobility to be this close to the barbarians is unsettling."
"I understand your concern centurion, I did voice this concern to the emperor; however, the princess is very committed to proving she and her friends can be knights in the imperial army. Her determination is part of the reason the emperor even allowed them to cross the gate."
"Understood commander, I also wish to report that one of the beast scouts reported seeing a small group of men on horseback near the outer perimeter of this forest to the east."
"What, where were they heading," Grey asked as he was deeply concerned hearing this.
"Unknown, he tracked them into the forest but lost them near a small creek not far from here."
"Very well, send 10 of the men out to scout the surrounding area and alert us if they see any signs."
"Yes commander," as the centurion left to give out the order, he heard the officer known as grey mutter to himself, this invasion never should've happened.
Leaning against a tree, Johnson crawled back up the hill, and observed as several Saderan soldiers walked off into the woods, leaving mostly the woman and only 12 soldiers. "General, with those other soldiers wandering, we could eliminate them quietly and grab that officer."
"No, Sgt. if what I heard is accurate those ladies down there are very valuable and one of them is the empires princess, their fathers will probably be willing to negotiate for her safe return."
"So, we capture them and return to Santa Fe."
"No, I want to try and make contact and talk to them, especially that officer."
"General that's crazy they could kill you."
"Perhaps, but since I'm an officer I'm more valuable to them alive."
"But sir."
"I know the risks Sgt., now deploy the troop, two-man teams, do not shoot unless I say so."
Despite further objections, Johnson looked back at the spring where he saw the ladies drying themselves and getting dressed. Knowing the risk Johnson grabbed a white cloth got up on top of the hill and began approaching the spring, it didn't take long before he was seen.
Despite the ungodly heat of the empires newest lands, the discovery of this amazing oasis was most definitely a gift from the gods. Two weeks earlier Princess Pina Co Lada, daughter of Emperor Molt Sol Augustus arrived through the Gate. She was ecstatic when her father allowed her and her friends the opportunity to explore the empires new lands, despite the objection from the nobles. After arriving she was less than impressed, the area was nothing but a desert, when she overheard one of the officers talking about an oasis nearby, she ordered the officer to take her there.
The journey to this beautiful oasis was just as agonizing as the sun blazed down on noble teens, many having to remove their armor to avoid overheating. After two days travel, they finally arrived in what appeared to be a small village, the officer in charge of the area had informed her that the area was secure and if she desired it there was a quiet spot where she and her friends could relax.
Being in a desert region pina and her friends hadn't expected the area to have a forest, they were even more confused when snow was seen coming down. Despite the unusual nature of this land the girls were absolutely delighted when the arrived at the spring.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the hot spring, pina and her friends were drying themselves and preparing to enjoy a hot meal when a commotion caught their attention. Rushing over the guards quickly stopped them, while the remainder quickly surrounded a strange man dressed in blue carrying a white cloth. Pina immediately realized that this was one of the men in blue she had heard about from listening to reports read to her father.
As Johnson approached several Saderan soldiers rushed to him knocking him to the ground, with a blade held to his neck he gave no resistance as he was held in place. One of the soldiers drew his blade and was about to stab him, "STOP," a voice form behind shouted.
"Your majesty, allow me to kill this barbarian it'll be my gift to you," the soldier asked as he held the blade to the man's throat venom in his voice.
"No," Pina said as she walked forward looking Johnson in the eye.
Johnson looked at the young teen, "So you're the princess," Johnson said surprising everyone as many believed that none of the men in blue could speak the imperial language.
"So, you barbarians can speak," Pina said as she stood before Johnson with a confident smile on her face. "Bring him I will interrogate this prisoner myself." The soldiers grabbed Johnson and proceeded to drag him to a tree where he was tied up, when pina came before him he tried to introduce himself but was silenced by one of the teens with blonde hair.
A couple hours later Johnson woke up after being thoroughly beaten, despite answering many of the questions, his interrogators simply didn't believe him. Regaining his senses, Johnson was surprised to see he was still at the spring but was being guarded, one of the guards who noticed him moving kicked him saying, "you Barbarians have no honor, you killed my brother if it was not for the princesses orders I would've killed you on the spot, but you will pay with your lives for challenging the empire," the man said as he spat at Johnson.
Wiping the spit off his face Johnson noticed two of the woman dressed in armor approaching, the fire in their eyes spoke of the pure hatred they held towards him. "You barbarian will pay for lying to the princess," the young blonde said.
Knowing it wouldn't make a difference Johnson responded, "I didn't lie to your princess."
"SILENCE," the young woman with short white hair screamed as she smacked him across the face.
"We see through your lies, and you will be…." Before Bozes could finish they heard a loud scream come from behind. Quickly turning around, they saw Pina on the ground crawling away as she screamed in pain, Pina's friends and the guards quickly rushed to her side trying to find out what had happened. As Bozes looked at her friend one of the guards shouted as he swung his sword at the ground, sheathing his blade he picked up a dusty-looking gray-brown ground colored snake. Looking over at the scene Johnson knew what had happened, slowly getting up he was knocked back down when the blonde teen who was clearly enraged drew, her sword with the intent to kill him.
Thinking quickly Johnson spoke up, "I can help her."
Bozes stopped and glared at the man, "don't lie to me barbarian."
"If you want your princess to live then let me help."
"Bozes the princess," a younger brunette said in a panic as Pina's body was being attacked by the venom.
"If you are lying, I will kill you," Bozes said as she cut the ropes binding Johnson.
Moving quickly Johnson began looking for the bite, it didn't take long when he found the puncture wounds on her left leg. Johnson grabbed his bandana tying it above the wound tightly, "I need a knife,' Johnson said and was quickly stopped in his tracks as several swords were pointed at him. 'I need to cut open the wound so I can suck the poison out, the longer we wait the worse she's going to get now move."
Despite the hesitation, it was commander Grey that took the initiative and handed Johnson a small dagger he had. Johnson went to work, after opening the wound he began sucking the poison out. When he finished, he looked at Grey, "I got most of the poison out, but she needs to see a doctor."
Before grey could respond Bozes began shouting orders to go back to the Fort they had arrived at, knowing the empires best doctors, including the imperial physician, was there. Johnson objected, "Your doctors can't help her, our doctors can, but we need to move now.' Bozes was about to object but was stopped when Johnson shouted, 'the longer we sit here arguing the greater her chances increase that she will die, now will you let our doctors help her or not."
Bozes was absolutely livid, the idea of allowing some barbaric doctor to treat the princess was insulting, however, it was grey who put an end to her rant. "Lady Bozes, he's right if we are going to save the princess their doctors might be our only chance."
With a nod Johnson shouted, "Sgt., hold your fire and bring my horse.' From the surrounding woods men of A Troop came out of hiding, the Saderans began drawing their swords but were stopped by Grey, as he began issuing orders for his men to prepare to move out. 'We need a wagon to transport her safely," Johnson said as Grey nodded and ordered his men to prepare the princesses coach.
After giving strict orders to keep Pina lying flat and making a makeshift stretcher, Johnson and Grey led their men and the teens to the carriage and proceeded to ride down the mountain. Arriving in Jamez the commander there was caught by surprise when he saw the men in blue riding alongside the princesses bodyguards. Commander Grey quickly explained the situation, like Bozes the commander objected to the plan, let alone allowing the enemies of the empire to get away and with the princess.
After putting the arrogant commander in his place, Grey had a letter sent to the gate to inform the emperor of the situation and that he would take full responsibility for the princesses well-being. After catching up with the princesses carriage Grey noticed that most of the foot soldiers were not present riding alongside Johnson he asked, "where are the princesses guards."
"Commander grey I understand your hesitant to trust me, but those men will only slow us down."
After several hours of riding the convoy stopped at the Rio Grande river to water the horses, check on the princess and rest briefly. During this time Grey observed the men in blue and was intrigued at how disciplined they were, following orders without question. After watering the horses, they pressed on, Johnson had sent two riders ahead to alert the doctor in Santa Fe and to prevent the men there, from firing on them when they arrived.
As the convoy approached Santa Fe Commander Grey rode up alongside Johnson, "Back at the spring I never got the chance to ask what your name is."
"Well, your princess and her friends wouldn't let me, I'm Major General Thomas Johnson, United States Army 8th cavalry."
"I do apologize about that, but this is war, I'm Grey Co Aldo, a commander in the imperial army and personal guard for princess."
"I get the impression you don't agree with your emperors order to invade, do you."
"I'm a soldier and if the emperor orders me to fight, I will fight,' Grey said with pride. 'I still remember my first taste of battle, I remember the first time I killed a man, that look he gave me when I thrust my sword into his chest, do you remember your first battle General?"
"I do, it was almost 20 years ago, the battle of Aldie, while the fighting only lasted a couple of hours the battle was inconclusive. However, that didn't stop the Confederate army from marching North to try and surround Washington. I also remember my first kill, it was a month later at Gettysburg, but my kill was no reb it was one of you," Johnson noticed how Greys face pail.
"Wait, you were at the battle of three armies when the first expeditionary force crossed the Gate 20 years ago," Grey was at a loss for words as Johnson simply nodded his head. An hour later Santa Fe came into view, from the distance Johnson saw several men on horseback approaching all armed.
Commander tell your men to keep their swords sheathed, nodding Grey issued his order to his men while Johnson rode forward to meet with his officers. After discussing the situation, the convoy pulled into Santa Fe, while men on both sides were on edge, none dared to disobey their commanders. Arriving at the hospital, Pina was rushed in and the doctors went to work applying some known remedies used by the natives as well as some medicine to bring down her fever.
December 1st, 1882
Santa Fe
For nearly two weeks Bozes has been pacing back and forth watching over her best friend/ princess, she blames herself for allowing this to happen. Even more frustrating is the fact that they are surrounded by the enemy, while they have been treated well, she didn't understand why they were being so peaceful despite being at war with the empire, it was all very confusing. A noise from Pina's bed caught her attention and Bozes was filled with joy to see her princess had finally awoken.
In another building Johnson was going over reports from the past two weeks, Col Ashton had reported making it to old Fort Tularosa where he encountered some light resistance and was preparing to move into Arizona to help retake the town of St johns and the trading post Houck. Once at Houck Ashton would wait for the rest of the army to move into position before advancing on Gallup and surround Fort Wingate from the south and east. Col Ruxton in Albuquerque had reported securing the town and the surrounding area and was waiting for resupply and more men by train coming up from Las Cruces.
With the retaking of Santa Fe everything was just about ready for the final Battle of Fort Wingate. Washington was demanding immediate action, so negotiations could begin. Taking a sip of coffee, a knock came on the door, Johnson was informed that the princess was awake and, on her way, to see him. A few min later Pina entered the room, despite being lightheaded she held herself with the pride only someone of her status could, "Princess Pina, welcome to Santa Fe, please have a seat next to the fire, you must be cold."
While hesitant at first Pina wasn't about to be rude to the very man that had saved her life by rejecting his generous hospitality, and to be perfectly honest she was feeling cold. "Thank you, kind sir," Pina said as she sat in a rocking chair next to the fire. The next few moments were very tense, she was extremely embarrassed, one minute she was interrogating this man, then the next she's sitting in the same room with him casually. Even more embarrassing is that when Pina had awoken, she began asking many questions and what she had learned was shocking. She was shocked to hear that the very man she was interrogating was the commander of all the men in blue resisting the empires conquest. Shocked to learn it was he who saved her life, just that thought alone and how he saved her had her blushing Scarlett. "I'm afraid I don't know your name," Pina said as she did her best not to stutter.
"Major General Thomas Johnson, United States Army, 8th cavalry."
"Princess Pina Co Lada, daughter of Emperor Molt Sol Augustus and Princess to the Saderan empire."
A knock on the door revealed Col Morgan followed by Pina's Friends Bozes, Panache and Hamilton, the girls checked on Pina. Col Morgan informed Johnson that by tomorrow the men will be ready to march on Fort Wingate. Chief Manuelito was also present as he had returned from scouting with his warriors, "General, 4 days ago my warriors found the Gate."
The mention of the Gate caught Pina and her friends off guard, "Excellent, Johnson said, where is the Gate."
With the help of a map Manuelito pointed its location, "this Gate, is a day's ride west of here, and a couple miles north of Fort Wingate."
"Very well, Col Morgan tomorrow I want you to take troops D, E and F and Secure that structure take cannons and a Gatling gun with you, it is absolutely vital that we secure the structure, is that understood."
"Understood, with a quick salute Morgan turned to Chief Manuelito and asked, would you and your warriors be willing to guide us to the Structure."
"My warriors and I will be waiting for you tomorrow at sunrise." With that said Manuelito and Morgan walked out.
"General you can't, Pina all but shouted, I won't allow this."
With a sigh Johnson looked at Pina, "I'm sorry princess, but we are at war, a war your empire started, and I have my orders from the president himself."
"BB-But you."
"I'm sorry, we move out tomorrow," Johnson could see the look of horror and anger in the eyes of all 4 girls in front of him, but he showed no fear as he straightened his uniform. Ladies, I invite you to join me for dinner tonight. While Bozes and Panache were going to reject the offer, their stomachs suddenly growled causing them to go red with embarrassment.
"General if I may, would you allow me to send a message to my father," Pina said as she was determined to find a way to end this situation peacefully, while she had heard about the abilities of the men in blue, she had not seen it personally.
"I don't see why not, if you'll permit me though princess, the president would also like to extend an offer to your father to come visit Washington, and a message from me, but I will say this whether your father responds before we arrive at Fort Wingate, will not stop our advance, my orders from the president are quite clear." While Pina was grateful for being saved by the men in blue, she was still the princess, and her duty was to the empire and its people.
After writing the letter for her father and receiving the letters from the general and his president, Pina ordered one of her guards to ride for the Gate and personally deliver the letter to her father. Later that night Pina and her friends were given a fine meal, while her friends were hesitant to make small talk they eventually loosened up after having some fine wine. The following morning Pina was shocked at the sight of thousands of men in blue marching out of the town, unbeknownst to her three more armies were preparing to march as well.
Over the next three days Pina and her friends watched as the men in blue marched on, while a band played music along the way. By the evening of the third day, Fort Wingate was in sight and the Col Ruxton's force had met up with Johnson force.
As the sun rose, what was left of the imperial army inside Fort Wingate as it was called, were ready for a battle, for several months imperial forces had built up a defensive wall that even the emperor would have praised. All around the existing Fort the Saderans built a series of two outer walls surrounding the Fort. The outer wall consisted of what remained of the auxiliary beast men and their officers, supplemented by green troops just arrived from the Gate. The second wall consisted of the imperial archers and all the remaining Legionnaires with battle experience.
General Gaius was also present, and he was not happy, the entire conquest was supposed to be a breeze and victory had been so close, then he was forced to do the one thing he swore he would never do, Retreat. Gaius absolutely hated retreating, it was disgraceful, to make things even worse during the retreat he had been struck in the leg and was now forced to sit on the side lines while his leg healed.