January 3, 1883

Fort Wingate

Arriving in Albuquerque Johnson and his party found out that the rail line to Gallup was online and the group jumped on another train. By early afternoon they had arrived at Fort Wingate, which was nearly restored to its original state. After a quick briefing from his officers Johnson and Pina's' party made their way to the Gate.

A short time later, they arrived at the Gate, as Pina's Carriage came to a stop she watched as Johnson got off his horse and approached the Gate. Pina slowly walked to Johnson's side, "General is something wrong."

Johnson didn't bother looking at Pina, "20 years ago at the Battle of Gettysburg I remember seeing this structure but only from a distance. I remember when the order to fire on it was given, as hundreds of your soldiers came charging through."

Pina only looked down, not sure what to think, when suddenly a horse came out of the darkness. All around the gate union soldiers took notice, aiming their rifles at the lone rider. The rider quickly looked around and was stunned when he saw the princess standing in front of him. Jumping off his horse he quickly bowed, "Princess Pina, thank the gods your still alive, your father feared the worst."

Pina reassured the man that she was fine, "I am fine, however I must see my father at once, I have much to discuss with him."

"Understood princess, I shall return and inform the commander your alive and coming back."

"No, I will return with you, wait here."

The man bowed to Pina and while she wasn't looking glared at Johnson which was not lost on him. After informing Grey, Pina's guards and her friends were ready to go back, "General once I return and discuss the matter with my father, I will send word, whether or not my father is willing to speak with you."

"Very well Princess, safe journey to you."

From the command tent, Johnson watched as Pina boarded her carriage, taking one last look at him she smiled. With a flick of the reins the carriage disappeared into the darkness of the Gate, now all they could do was wait.

"Col Morgan have you learned anything from the prisoners."

"No General, none are talking, but I have a feeling something big is about to happen."

7 Days later

Imperial Thrown room

The journey home had been very taxing, but Pina held her head up high, after arriving through the Gate she was met by the commander of the Alnus Garrison. Afterwards, she made for the capitol to speak with her father. After 7 days of traveling, the Capitol came into view. Entering the city Pina was met with an enthusiastic crowd cheering, when she asked what was going on she was shocked. During her time on the other side of the Gate, a rumor had started that she had been captured by the barbarians and poisoned, how such a rumor was started when it wasn't true was something she would look into later, for now she had a bigger problem to solve.

Walking into the throne room Princess Pina, looks at her father as she bows before him, "your majesty."

"My darling daughter, thank the gods you are home safe."

"Father, I have returned from the capitol of the men in blue, I have met with their leader and from what I have seen and learned, I beg you to end this war with them.' Curious as to what she had seen and learned Molt asked her to Explain, 'as you are all well aware the expeditionary force was swiftly defeated, now the Americans are on our doorstep. After witnessing the final battle and by your orders I was taken to the American capitol where I met with their leader, he is willing to discuss terms of ending this war and opening trade.

One of the nobles shouted, "this is excellent news, excellent work Princess, you have pulled the wool over their eyes and when they least expect it, we will crush them for their aggressions against the empire, and the slave markets will be overflowing with new stock."

Pina is shocked to hear such nonsense and she has yet to reveal all she learned, but before she could finish, one of the general's steps forward, "your majesty preparations for a second attack is nearly complete, if the barbarians so much as step foot on our lands the imperial army will be ready to engage the enemy when they make their move to attack us."

Pina shouts in frustration, "Father please there is more, not only do the Americans have powerful weapons their fully prepared for any attack and they…" Pina's words were cut off before she could finish as her father had silenced her by raising his hand.

Pina, my daughter, I am aware of the situation, but we cannot allow these barbarians to set foot on our soil. Before Pina could protest further, she noticed her brother Zorzal and a mage standing behind the emperor; as she looked closer, she saw her father's eyes were in aglow, they were controlling the emperor.

"My sweet sister, Zorzal said as he smiled wickedly, it a great relief to see that those barbarians didn't harm you, now that your home safe, you must be tired, go now, all will be taken care of."

Pina was suddenly struck on the back of the head as her body fell to the floor unconscious, she was taken to her room but not before the mage cast a spell erasing Pina's' memories but also revealing all she had learned and seen. At the same time Bozes and Hamilton were going through the same thing, of course the information witnessed by Zorzal made him laugh as he did not believe what he was seeing. He was also very furious as he saw the memory of Pina kissing Johnson, the very act was more than enough to warrant an attack.

With Pina now under control and her memories erased, Zorzal ordered the mage to convince the emperor that the enemy did not want peace but were threatening to destroy the empire. When the mage finished, the spell was broken, and Molt rose from his thrown in a Blind Rage. "This act of Defiance will not be allowed to go unpunished, first they kidnap and poison my daughter who was lucky to escape, now they threaten the empire with subjugation. This treachery will not go unpunished," from behind Molt Zorzal smiles wickedly as his plan falls into place, stepping forward he bows to his father.

Turning towards the senate members mostly the war faction Zorzal shouts, "we the sons of the empire, will defeat these barbarians, no army can defeat our mighty power and when we defeat the enemy, we will march back through the Gate and lay waste to their cities, take them as slaves for defying our rule and force them to bow before our might, for the Empire is the only true power, and we will destroy all who stand in our way." The pro war faction erupts into thunderous applause before being silenced, "I will personally lead the army against these barbarians and crush them once and for all"

January 17, 1883

Fort Wingate

It has been two weeks since Pina had left and there was still no word as to whether the Saderan Emperor was willing to talk. During that time Johnson was buried under a mountain of reports and paperwork regarding issues throughout the territory. Many being people who had survived wanting revenge, others reporting people and loved ones who had been kidnapped and missing. There was also reports of large bands of Saderan troops still fighting and holding out in the mountains or in small mining towns unaware of their defeat.

To make matters worse, he had been swarmed by reporters for some time now asking him repeatedly as to what he planned to do if the Saderan emperor refused to surrender, others asked about why the Indians were being allowed to run freely around the territory. The most unnerving question came from two reporters, one from Washington, and the other form Kansas city who claimed they saw Johnson and the princess getting rather close and wanted to know what their relationship was.

Johnson was going over some paperwork when Col Morgan came into his office, "General a Saderan message rider has arrived and wishes to deliver a message to you personally."

"Very well get a small troop together and ready my horse we leave in 10 min."

An hour later Johnson was again back at the Gate, where he saw a Saderan Message rider waiting. "Are you Col Johnson," the man said.

"That would be General Johnson, what message do you bring."

Reaching into a satchel on his person, the message rider begins reading aloud, "His imperial Majesty Molt Sol Augustus, her by welcomes col/ General Thomas Johnson to meet with his majesty in the imperial Capital of Sadera, to discuss the terms of peace."

"I accept your emperors gracious invitation; my men and I will arrive tomorrow. With a nod the imperial message rider mounts onto his horse and rides back into the gate.

"I don't like it General," Morgan said as he looked at the Gate.

"Neither do I Col, but if there's a chance that this emperor Molt will listen to his daughter, we need to take it.

The next morning Johnson woke early, after a quick breakfast and meeting with his officers he set out for the Gate. By 8am troops A of the 8th and 10th Cavalry were set to move out, all that was left was for Johnson to give the word. "Gentlemen were truly riding into the unknown, when we crossover I must ask you to stay on your guard, there's no telling what could happen or who or what is waiting for us. But you men have proven you are the best of the United States Cavalry, and I couldn't ask for better company.'

'Our mission is to establish peace with the Saderan empire, and bring home all those who were taken. However, there is the possibility that an army could be waiting for us, and could attack, if that happens do not hesitate, return to this side of the Gate. I have given strict instructions to Col Morgan that if any Saderan soldiers emerge from the Gate he is to destroy it. If any of you still wish to back out now's the time, Johnson looked at his men and not one objected, very well prepare to move out."

As the Johnson and his men mounted up and readied their weapons a message rider came riding hard, jumping off his horse he ran to Col Morgan whispering to him before being dismissed. "General I just got word there's a small band of Apache and Navajo are on their way."

Just as Morgan said that a group of 10 appeared dressed in war paint, the lead riders approached Johnson, after a small conversation which nearly turned ugly Johnson agreed to allow them to join them.

With a wave of his hand and the sound of the bugle they set off into the gate, at first the horses were skittish but after some encouragement they moved on. As the troops and native warriors entered the gate complete Darkness overwhelmed them as lanterns and torches were lit. For those men riding into the unknown it was truly a daunting sight, all around was perpetual darkness one man feared that if his horse spooked, he would never find his way back.

After what felt like hours, which in reality was only 20 min a light could be seen ahead revealing the end of the tunnel. As the men got closer the light continued to get brighter and brighter, then finally they emerged, as Johnson and his men looked around, they were stunned by what they were seeing. It was as if they stepped into a whole new world, it was dark out and the night sky shined bright, the few among them who knew how to navigate by the stars were even more stunned as they couldn't identify any of the known constellations. What truly shocked them the Apache and Navajo included was the two moons overhead.

While Johnson was just as stunned as his men, he couldn't help but notice the lack of a welcoming party, while not totally unexpected he had at least expected to see a guard or two. With the shock of their surroundings wearing off one man looked down into the valley below, "LOOK," looking in the direction he was pointing the area below lit up with torch lights. As Johnson feared an army was waiting and their true numbers was revealed when the sun rose over the mountains.

While Johnson was just a speechless as his men, he still had a mission to complete, of course it hadn't taken long to realize that the Apache and Navajo warriors were missing. But he knew what their reason for being there was and he wasn't going to argue with them, thinking back on it Johnson actually agreed to them coming as they had lost everything to the Saderans, their homes, their families, for some of them their whole tribe.

A small party was seen approaching from the valley below and what appeared to be a high ranking Saderan officer as he was decorated in very fancy armor. Getting his men's attention, they formed back into line and began riding towards the Saderans. Near the bottom of the hill Johnson and his men made contact, "Greetings I am General Commodus, commander of the Alnus Garrison."

"Major General Thomas Johnson, United States Army, 8th Cavalry and commander of the New Mexico Territory, I've been sent by my government to meet with your emperor, who has invited me to your capitol."

Commodus looked at Johnson before nodding his head, "very well, if you'll follow me," nodding his own head Johnson ordered for his men to follow, but with caution.

As they got further from the Gate Johnson started to get a bad feeling, a feeling as if he was being led into a trap. Looking around, dozens of Saderan soldiers watched them the same way he had seen many others before attacking. Suddenly one of the horses spooked and proceeded to fall into a small hole crushing the man inside while, throwing the young man off his horse. It didn't take long before similar holes were spotted and Johnson realized his worst fear, they were being led into a trap.

Commodus realized this and called his men who quickly surrounded the union soldiers, many eager to spill blood. "STOP," a voice shouted form a nearby hill, looking in the general direction Johnson saw a young man with golden blonde hair, dressed in very fancy armor which he figured was more for show. Riding towards them a very devilish smile on his face as he slowly drew his sword and began to pick up speed the closer, they got.

Johnson wasn't about to wait for the attack to come, "RETREAT BACK TO THE GATE." All at once gun fire rang out as dozens of Saderan soldier fell dead, however their numbers was their advantage, and several union soldiers were overwhelmed and cut down. The rest of the cavalry managed to break out of the trap and made a run for the Gate. Johnson feeling guilty about leaving his men behind knew that if he was captured it would be a disaster.

Prince Zorzal, having not given up despite the carnage, was focused solely on Johnson, as he rode after him, determined to take his head as a trophy. Johnson had made it to the base of the hill where he ordered his men to keep going, however, Johnson was going to leave a warning that even this prince Zorzal would never forget.

Reaching into his saddle bag he pulled out a large bundle of Dynamite as he was about to light the fuse several arrows landed near him, three hitting his horse. Trapped under his mount Johnson pulled his revolver and shot his horse and the archers who were closest to him. Looking around Johnson lost his matches and was unable to light the dynamite. Freeing himself from his downed horse he pulled his rifle out and what ammo he could while kneeling down behind his horse.

Taking aim, he shot Zorzal's escorts, but the stubborn prince kept on coming, determined to spill blood. Suddenly Johnson was attacked from the side when his rifle was kicked out of his hands and a Saderan soldier began swing at him, Johnson pulled a small dagger from his belt stabbing the man in the eye. Getting up Johnson narrowly avoided getting his head cut off when Zorzal came rushing forward.

Zorzal came around again and charged forward once more, Johnson tried to grab his sword, but it was stuck under his dead horse. Zorzal took advantage of his distraction and using his horse slammed into Johnson knocking him onto the ground. Johnson watched as the cocky prince stood over him atop his horse, he raised his sword and just as he was about to kill him, when a loud scream caught their attention. Johnson looked just in time to see an Apache warrior slam into Zorzal's horse knocking the prince onto the ground. Getting up Zorzal and Johnson made eye contact, with his revolver in hand Johnson took aim and fired, the bullet grazed Zorzal's face.

Jumping off his horse, the Apache warrior grabbed Johnson and threw him onto the horse just as two union soldiers came to help. With a muttered thank you, Johnson leaned down grabbed his rifle and rode off with his men as the Apache warrior was swarmed from all sides by Saderan soldiers who killed him. Stopping at the entrance of the Gate Johnson and Zorzal made eye contact, Zorzal had nothing but furry and hatred in his eyes as did Johnson. Wasting no time Zorzal grabbed a bow and an arrow and took aim, at the same time Johnson loaded his last round into this rifle and took aim. All at once an arrow and bullet flew past each other; Johnson was hit by the arrow which lodged in his shoulder, almost knocking him off his horse while the bullet hit the ground in front of Zorzal.

On the other side of the gate, Johnson's men came riding back in a mad dash, reporting that they had been ambushed. Not wanting to lose their General, Col Morgan ordered the artillery to hold fire till he gave the order. As the min went by it felt like an eternity when finally, three figures on horseback emerged from the Gate. However, they had company right behind them, taking quick action union forces took aim and open fire on the Saderan soldiers who came through, but more were still coming.

As Johnson made it to safety, Morgan gave the order to destroy the Gate, the guns roared as HE shells pounded the area around the Gate. The Saderan soldiers who came through realized what was happening began to retreat but were either killed by the shells exploding or gunfire. In a matter of 10 min the Gate had been reduced to rubble, at least a dozen or more prisoners were taken and those to injured to be helped were shot.

Back in Falmart Zorzal was in his tent as his face was being bandaged, he was enraged that two barbarians had struck him. One was dead and the other had fled, when the healers had finished bandaging him, he ordered them to leave, standing over a small table Zorzal picked up his latest trophy (Johnsons revolver). But it wasn't enough, Zorzal wanted revenge and when the Gate reopened, he would get his revenge on the barbarian that scared his face and threatened his life.

January 24,1883

Fort Wingate

It's been a week since the Gate was destroyed, all across the country Johnson is praised as the hero that saved the Union. For several days Johnson was kept in hospital, of course reporters had been attempting to interview him wanting to know the details of what happened. During this time Johnson received word that he was being asked to return to Washington to be decorated for his brave actions.

During his week in hospital, Johnson was informed that the debris of the Gate had vanished, of course this was no surprise as Johnson had remembered something similar happened after the battle of Gettysburg. With the doctors permission, Johnson was released from the hospital on light duties, not that it mattered to him, he knew once he returned to Fort Union there would be a mountain of paperwork waiting for him.

Before heading to Fort Union Johnson went to overlook the area where the Gate once stood, Johnson found himself thinking about Princess Pina's fate. For some unknown reason he found himself wondering if she was dead or alive, but of course there was no way to know. As Johnson stood at the Gate a young Navajo woman rode up with a young infant, as did several others including those of the Apache, Comanche and Kiowa. There was no resentment, only heartbreak and mourning for those who were lost and those trapped on the other side. As the natives left Johnson was the last to remain as he was still thinking about Pina and everything that had happened, "General it's time we got going."

Johnson didn't even turn as he continued staring into the distance, when he finally did move, he slowly made his way to his horse when he spotted a purple flower growing on a hillside. Plucking it from the ground Johnson made his way back to where the Gate once stood and placed the flower among the many items left by the natives. With a grunt as his shoulder was still very sore Johnson mounted his horse and began slowly making his way back to Fort Union.

In the years to come Johnson would come to accomplish many things before retiring, however after he was decorated, the war department had made secret the events that took place in New Mexico. A random story was made up saying that what truly happened was nothing more than cowboys and Mexican Bandits running wild and bands of Indians continuing the fight. Of course, even after his retirement one question remained, would the Gate open again, and if it did WHEN AND WHERE, would it happen.