December 5, 1882

Second Battle of Fort Wingate

It was truly a magnificent sight, a sight not seen since the war, no matter where you looked union troops, civilian volunteers mainly cowboys with itchy trigger fingers, along with the small bands of Comanche warriors that volunteered to follow alongside warriors of the Apache, Navajo and Kiowa. From all around guns for hire or cowboys looking to get revenge with very itchy trigger fingers stood waiting for the order to ride in and kick'em in the teeth.

On the North side of Fort Wingate, General Johnson was on his horse observing the Fort while all around artillery was being moved into position. At the rear of Union lines, Pinas personal guards set up her tent to keep her warm from the desert winter, as she watched the men in blue prepare for battle. After issuing orders to his field commanders Johnson rode down the small hill, near Pinas tent. Taking one last look at the fort Johnson shouted, "RUNNER, a young man ran to Johnson, My compliments to Captain Grimes, he may begin his predatory fire," with a quick salute the soldier ran off to issue the orders to the artillery officer.

Captain Grimes shouted to his men manning the Guns, "Ready Load,' all around crews manning their guns (Hotchkiss mountain guns, Hotchkiss revolving cannons, 12 pounder Whitworth guns and a handful of napoleon 12-pound cannons,) loaded their guns eager to shed Saderan blood. One officer commanding a Hotchkiss revolving cannon shouted, 'Rotate Barrel to firing Position," With the guns ready, and a wave of Captain Grimes hand, the Guns fired into the Fort with a thundering boom, as massive balls of fire began to erupt within the forts defenses sending many into a panic.

From his position Johnson shouted, "Block house on the left, up 100." The gun crews quickly adjusted their aim as officers shouted orders, when the guns were reloaded the guns once again fired into the Fort.

From inside the fort, Gaius had been helped up onto a nearby roof where a small platform had been assembled so he could observe the battle, with the use of a spy glass taken from the men in blue, Gaius could see the full extent of the American army. To his surprise he realized he wasn't dealing with one army, but three, consisting of no more than 20,000 men. As the battle commenced all hell broke loose in the Fort, all around explosions rocked the fort many who had fought and survived previous battles broke down believing they would not survive the battle, as officers scolded them for being cowards.

For Pina the sight before her was truly shocking, as she watched the Americans pound her empires army with their cannons, a weapon she learned to both admire and fear. Even from where she and her friends sat, they could hear the shouts from the fort.

A couple hours later on the outer walls, several holes had been punched through the defenses, and given the lack of auxiliaries available, not all the gaps could be plugged. The few green soldiers sent to hold the line trembled with fear, as they watched their friends and many brave legionaries die horrible deaths never once having drawn their sword, let alone seen the face of their attackers.

As high noon came, Johnson issued orders to all his commanders, to begin the advance, Johnson had decided to lead the charge personally, despite objections from his officers. Mounting his horse Johnson shouted, "STAND BY THE COLORS, BUGLER SOUND THE ADVANCE." All along the lines officers were shouting orders to their men, riding to the front of his men Johnson shouted, "Alright men for 5 months these barbarians had us on the defensive, killed god knows how many and taken many more, a month ago we stopped them and put them on the defensive.' With a look at his men he shouted, 'let's take the fight to them and end this fight once and for all." That said his horse reared up on its back legs, all around the men shouted, with a quick kick of his spurs, the cavalry charged forward with a deafening war cry, with the infantry following behind.

It was truly a magnificent sight if Gaius was being honest with himself, even his mighty army could not hold a candle to what he was seeing. All around men on horseback and on foot charged at the Fort with a war cry that shook many in the fort to their cores.

As the cavalry charged forward, it was the Apache and the other native warriors that broke through the outer wall first, the defenders quickly panicked and fled. Not long after Johnosn followed by the 10th cavalry took advantage of the panicked retreat, making their way to the second wall which was holding but thanks to the artillery the wall was breached. Archers were firing down onto union cavalry, as men on horseback fired rifles and revolvers killing any who got in the way. Within minutes the infantry arrived, as a wall of arrows flew up into the sky blanketing the area.

It wasn't enough, even as men were hit by the arrows many continued to push forward, on a section of wall near one of the breaches legionaries formed up. As they marched out of the protection of the wall they began banging on their shields and shouting, however their hopes of intimidating the Americans were crushed when several lines of infantry formed up taking aim with their rifles. "FIRE," a cloud of smoke blanketed the area as the Saderans were shot dead.

The way was open into the heart of the Fort Wingate, Johnson having just shot an archer took notice, with another kick to his horse he shouted, "FOLLOW ME." With bayonets ready, the infantry swarmed into the Fort, engaging in hand-to-hand fighting while the Saderans proved their superior fighting skills.

Any hope of a victory was dashed as the Saderans were simply overwhelmed by the firepower being brought against them. Again, and again legionnaires tried to charge forward but were met by wall of lead, from all around it was pure chaos as cowboys, Indian warriors and union troops fought with a ferocity the Saderans had never believed they were capable of.

Another 2 hours, the fighting finally died down, all around the Americans and their native allies cheered when the Saderans raised the white flag, dropping their swords and raising their hands in surrender. Pina and her friends were visibly shaken and sad, many of their bravest warriors were now dead and there was nothing they could do about it. Smoking a cigar as Johnson watched his men corral the prisoners on the parade grounds, at the flagpole union soldiers tore down the Saderan banner, throwing it to the ground and raising the Stars and Stripes as the bugler sounded off.

Pina was shocked at how few survived the battle, of the 30,000 that had manned the Fort, only 15,000 remained. She arrived in time to watch the Americans raise their flag, the grief for many including Pina caused them to break down in tears.

With the flag raised Johnson lowered his salute and went back to enjoying his cigar, when an arrow struck the building where he was standing. Looking in the direction the arrow came from Johnson saw a man in armor stare back at him, before being captured by union troops and dragged over to him. "General Gaius, Johnson said with a slight chuckle as he pulled the arrow out of the wall and walked towards him, you missed."

"Barbarians, all of you, Gaius shouted, where is your sense of honor, you kill brave men from a distance denying them their honor."

Those that could understand what was being said translated, men all around laughed at the stupidity of the fallen general. "Oh, we gave quite a few of your men an honorable death, a rather painful one being on the receiving end of a bayonet is not a pleasant," Johnson said as the men around either laughed or agreed.

"Then face me barbarian, many were confused but some caught on quickly to what this mad man was wanting, meet me in combat just you and me. Oh, I forgot you barbarians don't know how to use a blade, shall I give you a lesson in swordsmanship," Gaius said with a smug look.

As Gaius smirked, Johnson only smiled back, "Sgt, my sword," those words wiped the smile off Gaius face as he watched one of men in blue grab a thin sword from a nearby horse. Grabbing his sword Johnson attached it to his left side, when he was done, he looked at his challenger, "Shall we."

Despite his injury Gaius took up a shield and drew his sword, watching his opponent closely, Johnson walked forward standing in front of Gaius with his right hand behind his back and his left on the hilt of his saber. "You are a fool, if you think you can defeat me with such a puny sword barbarian, I was trained by the greatest warriors in the empire, no man can beat me in a one-on-one fight.

Randall just stood silently watching his target, as Gaius charged forward, closing the distance, Gaius swung his blade only to miss his target, looking back he sees the enemy commander still standing in place watching him. Gaius charged again this time with the intention to thrust his blade into his enemy's chest and cut his heart out, but once again his blade missed but this time, he saw why. Each time he goes in for a kill his opponent simply steps to the side or dodges the attack with ease, now Gaius is out for blood and shouts, "do not toy with me barbarian, now fight me."

Johnson stood his ground, his expression neutral as he continues to watch Gaius make a fool of himself. Taking a battle stance Johnson unsheathes his sword, Gaius laughs and goes in for the kill, in the time, it takes to blink a loud clanging sound is heard as Johnson's sword contacts Gaius Gladius, Gaius is in shock, as his blade has been knocked out of his grip. Johnson takes a step back holding his blade on his shoulder and says, "I accept your surrender or would you like to continue."

Gaius has had enough of these games, picking up his sword, he screams in anger and charges forward again swinging his sword in a rage but to his surprise every swing is blocked and met with a counterattack. Gaius has always considered himself an expert swordsman, now he felt like a rooky facing against combat vets again, as his sword again knocked from his grip again and he falls to the ground panting heavily.

Standing over Gaius in triumph Johnson sheathed his sword and began to walk away, in a last-ditch effort Gaius pulled a concealed dagger and rushed forward, but before he could get close enough, a loud bang was heard. It took almost a minute for Gaius to realize what had happened, then a throbbing pain rocked through his left shoulder as he fell to the ground, a hole in left shoulder. Gaius looked to where the bang came from and was surprised when he saw his opponent holding his revolver smoke coming out of the barrel. Standing over him with his revolver pointed at his head, Johnson said, "I accept your surrender."

A week after the Battle of Fort Wingate, a message rider from the Gate was captured by Col Morgan and escorted to the Fort. After reporting to the General, Morgan was ordered to bring the princess to officers headquarters. Pina was still visibly shaken after witnessing the destruction of the empires army, she was even more surprised when she read the letter from her father. With a heavy sigh, Pina spoke, "General Johnson, my father is greatly disturbed by these recent losses and wishes to send a representative to meet with your leader."

"I believe we can arrange a meeting, when is this representative due to arrive."

"The Senate is still debating on who to send, a week maybe 10 days."

"If that's the case then you'll have to represent your empire," Johnson said with a smirk.

Shock couldn't describe the look on Pinas face, mostly due to the fact that woman were looked down upon in the empire no matter their standing. "But I can't I'm only the princess and the daughter of a concubine, the senate would never approve of this."

"Princess you're here, they're not; if takes 10 days or more for your senate to decide who is suited to speak with the president, then I have my doubts anyone they send will be worth the effort."

Pina couldn't deny that on the few occasions she was allowed to enter the senate chambers she knew all too well that the senate could take forever just to decide on the simplest of matters. Pushing her fear aside she made her decision, "very well General, as the Princess of the Saderan Empire and daughter of Emperor Molt Sol Augustus, I accept your leaders invitation to discuss putting an end to the war and establishing peace."

"Good to hear, we leave in an hour, so do whatever you must," Johnson said as he opened the door for Pina.

An hour later Troop A of the 10th and Troop B of the 8th Cavalry led by Johnson departed from Fort Wingate, along with the remaining Marines that had survived the fight. Among the marines in the rear were high level prisoners, mainly nobles and those who were guilty of war crimes. Near the front between the cavalry following close being was Pinas Carriage and a small contingent of guards led by Commander Grey. Pina was nervous, for she had never been to another kingdom before let alone represented the empire, but she knew she couldn't falter now, the fate of the empire rests in her hands and she would not fail.

Saderan Imperial Senate

4 Days later

It had been a several weeks since word arrived of the imperial armies defeat at the last strong hold of the men in blue. Molt had believed this was the opportunity to avenge the empires humiliating defeat 20 years ago under the former emperor and claim the lands on the other side of the gate for the empire. It was not to be, for no sooner had General Marcus reported the defeat, another report arrived telling the men in blue had not only reconquered the land but moved far faster than anyone had projected.

To make matters worse Molts only daughter was on the other side of the gate when this news arrived, his worries were somewhat calmed when a letter arrived from his daughter saying that she was fine. However, when he had learned she had been poisoned by a creature native to the lands beyond the gate he immediately went pail, but a message from Commander Grey the man he had personally put in charge of his daughters safety, reported that the men in blue knew of this and had treated her wounds and the princess was fine.

His daughters report of the situation was difficult, as he was made aware that the men in blue were on the march to retake the strong hold his army had taken after crossing through the Gate. Needless to say, the senate was in an uproar when they learned of this and began planning to send more men to reinforce the gate and their foothold in the new world. During this word arrived of the imperial armies defeat in less than a day, many in the senate mostly the die-hard generals refused to believe it.

When the information was confirmed, the senate went into deliberation to decide their next move, despite the many arguments to send another army, it was discovered soon after that the men in blue had secured the Gate on their end and were prepared to destroy it as they had 20 years ago. It was the peace faction and Molt who decided it best to send a member of the senate to meet with the men in blues leadership and come to some kind of peace. Although many in the senate refused to accept this they were swayed when the idea of waiting to rebuild their forces and hopefully learn more about the weapons they had captured.

That is where Molt found himself, the Seante was in a heated debate on who to send to best represent the Empire, most of the officers refused to go, as they refused to speak with Barbarians. While the nobles kept arguing over who was better suited to best represent the empire mostly based on their status, wealth among many other ridiculous things.

A messenger rushed in delivering a message to Molt, the senate noticed Molts change in attitude while reading the scroll, a look of absolute worry on his face. Noticing the emperor's reaction, Marquis Casel silenced the rest of the Senate as he approaches Molt, "my lord, what news do you have that troubles you."

Molt stands up from his seat and announces, "members of the imperial senate I have just received word from my daughter, it would appear the men in blue were unwilling to wait for the Senate's decision and have chosen my daughter to represent the empire." The senate was quiet before erupting into a complete uproar over this news, many shouting that the princess was but a child and that woman had no place in politics.

Molt would not allow the senate to disrespect his daughter despite being the child of a concubine she was still his daughter. Raising his hand the senate went quite, "while I agree with you that the princess is not the most suited for this job, she is at present the only one of noble status available to represent Empire. Furthermore, my daughter has also reported that any nobles on the other side of the Gate have been arrested," this news angered many in the senate. Mainly due to the fact that nobility was of the highest class and privy to such treatments. Molt had made his decision and silenced any who tried to argue back simply stating that when the princess returned, they would have someone else take her place.

With the senate pretty much unable to change the emperors mind a vote was cast and it was agreed that the princess would represent the empire. Suddenly a voice calls out, silencing the Senate as the doors to the Senate chamber open, walking forward wearing armor mostly for show, Prince Zorzal enters and looks around, a confident smile on his face. "Hear me members of the imperial senate, while you argue amongst yourselves with talk of peace with these barbarians, we the sons of the empire have a plan that will defeat these barbarians."

Many in the senate were intrigued by the princes words, "no army can defeat our mighty empire possesses and when we defeat these barbarians, we will lay waste to their cities, take them as slaves for defying our rule and force them to bow before my, our might, for the Empire is the only true power, and we will destroy all who stand in our way.' The senate erupts into thunderous applause before being silenced, 'I will personally lead the army against these barbarians and crush them," before Zorzal can continue Molt silenced him.

"Zorzal, my son you will take no such actions, as of this moment our forces need time to regroup before any action can be taken. What took our army months to accomplish their army did in less than a week with fewer men and weapons that are still a mystery to us."

Zorzal just laughs, "hahaha, like I said, their cowards, they fear our might, they'll never set foot on our lands. While many of you argue for peace our army is ready to strike back, now is the perfect opportunity."

"Enough, Molt shouts, my decision is final, we will hear what they have to say then decide what to do next." Before Molt could Dismiss him Zorzal stormed out of the senate chamber in a rage mumbling to himself that he would take matters into his own hands.