The next chapter is up! Enjoy :)
That week of traveling almost felt like a month to them.
Even when they finally did reach the border of the forbidden zone, the following few days after that seemed to drag. At least the good thing was once they crossed over the border of the forbidden zone; they didn't have to hide all that much beneath the tarp. Plus, they were still lucky not to encounter any gorilla troopers.
Still, they waited at least one day into being in the forbidden zone before they started sitting up front with Barlow in the driver's seat, which was long enough to comfortably fit about three people on it, seeing as it was a pretty wide food cart.
Good news was that today was supposed to be the day they arrive at the human settlement.
Galen was pretty amazed by what he saw. Usually, when he went to other areas of the forbidden zone, majority of it looked like desolate wastelands. But this part of the forbidden zone Barlow was currently taking them through; was a very healthy and dense forest.
"I must say, Barlow, I can't get over how lovely it is out here. The areas of the forbidden zone I've always traveled to were quite desolate with very little fauna or flora. Yet, the woods here seemed to be just as healthy and dense as they are in our home territory." Galen stated as he continued looking around as he sat next to the old chimp on his right. While Julie sat with baby Serena in her swaddle wrap on Barlow's left.
"Indeed, it is nice. And you're right. These woods are very healthy and teaming with life. Many wild humans live out this way. They have countless sustainable resources out here for them. And as I mentioned before, the human settlement we are headed to also has many sustainable resources as well." The old chimp replied.
"Do you know exactly just how many of these humans there are?" Julie asked.
"I don't know the exact number, but there is a lot. The settlement itself is quite big and last I heard, they are still expanding out and slowly but gradually building it up. They have plenty of land here to do so. It's one huge established community with their own set of laws and they have their own authority unit with individuals trained in the art of combat. They also have guns just like the apes do. Not only that, but they also have bombs as well." Barlow told them.
"Really? Is their authority unit quite big or is it small?" She inquired.
"From the little I have seen and from what some of my friends there told me, it's quite huge. And they are all so well trained, that if it ever came down to a conflict, there is a chance they could come out on top if they ever were to encounter Ursus, Urko, and their forces. Because in a way, they do have better weaponry, and the bombs alone could devastate gorilla troops." The old chimp informed them.
Galen gave his friend a surprised look.
"You can't be serious. You mean to say there is virtually an army of intelligent humans out there that are possibly powerful enough to overcome Ursus, Urko, and their men? That would be quite a feat if they could. Because the Chief of Security, the General, and their men are certainly not pushovers." The younger chimp says.
"I'm aware of that. But these humans aren't pushovers either. While it is true that the number of gorilla troops outnumber them a little, that doesn't mean they can be overwhelmed that easily. I've seen them use a bomb once in a test. It took out a huge chunk of earth. Big enough to kill a large handful of gorilla soldiers all at once. The bombs alone would most likely be enough to send the gorillas back in a quick retreat. Because unlike us, they don't know what bombs are and just how destructive they can be, until it's too late." Barlow said.
Galen was one of many apes that had no idea what a bomb was once either. Until Julie was talking to him about the advanced weaponry in her time and she mentioned bombs to him. What they were and what they could do. It was almost hard to believe there was such a weapon that could be that destructive.
"Let's just hope then that the human settlement is never found out by apes then. Otherwise, it could be a massacre. Possibly on both sides." Julie says.
"While I won't say it will never happen, it's still pretty unlikely. This settlement is far into the forbidden zone. Much further than any apes have really traveled other than a select few. But even then, the select few that have broken law and crossed the forbidden zone border most likely still never stumbled upon the settlement. It's pretty well hidden." The old chimp replied.
"How so?" Galen inquired.
"You'll see when you get there." Barlow said, with a knowing smirk.
"And you say these humans have been around for centuries?" Julie asks.
"Yes, the afflictions that affected most of humanity didn't affect them. There were some humans that have a natural immunity to the supposed disease that robbed most of humanity of their intellect and speech. At first, they went underground, building up their own large, live in bunkers.
They did this to remain hidden from the apes when they realized apes were evolving and rising as the new dominant species of this world and were becoming increasingly intelligent.
But once they realized that the apes were establishing territories and putting up borders and declaring certain areas as forbidden zones, that is when they started moving to the surface again. It was difficult at first, but they were able to bring some of their technology to the surface with them. One example is electricity.
The homes within the settlement do have electricity such as lights, air-conditioning and heating. They also have what they call indoor plumbing. Everything is run and generated through a series of these underground wires, transformers, and pipes. Most of which are situated in their original underground bunkers." Barlow explained.
"Really? That's insane! Looks like many of them have maintained a high level of intelligence over the last several centuries." Julie stated, clearly impressed.
"While I know what wires are, what are transformers?" Galen asked.
"From what I learned from them; it is an electrical device that transfers electric energy by electromagnetic induction. Transferring one electric energy from one alternating-current circuit to one or more other circuits, either increasing or reducing the voltage. That is how many things can be lit up or work all at once in multiple housing or building units." Barlow explained.
"Sounds very interesting." The younger chimp says.
"It is. In a way, it's almost like a different world there. The only thing they're really missing are modes of transportations like cars and buses. Though they did have an underground train system that could transfer them from one large bunker to another if needed. But up on the surface, they didn't have the right kind of parts or equipment to assemble cars and buses.
Not to mention, there really is no point. Because there are very few wide dirt roads big enough for such vehicles. Plus, if they were to travel too far in such a way, they could accidently find themselves out of the forbidden zone and in the apes' territory and apes seeing such a thing would cause a panic and they would be sending troops out to investigate. And that is the last thing they want or with the technological advancements they do have, they still try their best to remain hidden from the rest of the world." Barlow tells them.
"In a way, that does make sense. So, does this mean they utilize horses to get around then, like apes do?" Julie questioned.
"Yes, or they walk. But they do have some horse farms there where they breed and raise horses. They also have a sustainable amount of other various types of farm animals that they can use for meat. Or just hunt for food out in the woods." The old chimp replied.
The more the couple heard, the more they were really beginning to like this place and couldn't wait to get there.
"Barlow, do the humans there hold positions like for teaching and have their own doctors? Julie asked.
"Yes, they do. Like apes, these humans have teachers, doctors, technicians, engineers, scientists, and a variety of other jobs too." He stated.
The last part about there being scientists caught Galen's attention.
"Really? Human Scientists? That certainly has my curiosity piqued. Wouldn't mind meeting some of these scientists when we get there and get situated." The young chimp says.
Perhaps, being a scientist himself is what makes it sound all the more interesting to him. He likes to think too that maybe he can gain a job among them and continue working in the science field with them.
Not only that, but he wonders if Julie will be able to write books again. Maybe at this new settlement, she'll be able to freely.
"Barlow, by any chance do they have or make their own books there do you know?" Galen asks.
Julie shifted her gaze to Galen after hearing his question.
"As a matter of fact, they do. They have an extensive collection of books in their own library, located underground. They also have their own printing machines to make many copies for mass production." The old chimp told him.
Galen shifted his attention to Julie and gave her a small smile.
"Hear that, Love. You can start writing stories again and sharing them with others once more." He says.
Julie couldn't help but smile back.
"That would be nice. To be able to do that again." She said.
It would be nice too. She misses being able to write stories to share with the rest of the world. Writing was her passion and something she never wanted to give up.
"Well, if you do start writing stories again, save me a copy. Would love to have one." Barlow tells her.
"You got it. I'll be sure to reserve my very first copy for you. With an extended note of gratitude for you, for saving us and taking us somewhere safe, so that we may have a chance to start over with a safe and happy life." Julie told him.
Which was very true. Barlow did save them. If he hadn't been on his way to see them, they would've never known that Carsia was there spying on them. Then they would've faced their worst nightmare come true with Ursus and Urko banging down their door and coming in to capture them and eventually, kill them.
While it still maybe a little early to celebrate because they were still not out of the woods yet, the odds were still in their favor.
Especially, since Ursus, Urko, and their men are unfamiliar with the territory beyond the forbidden zone borders. Because not only were civilians not allowed to cross into it, but the gorillas weren't allowed either. No one was.
Because of this, they wouldn't know any of the paths or hidden roads and passages that Barlow knows.
Meanwhile with Urko, Ursus, & their troops...
"Dammit, where are they!? It's like they disappeared off the face of the earth!" Urko growled in frustration as he rode alongside his brother.
"I know, it just doesn't make sense. Where could they have gone? It's been days now and according to some of our men we stationed outside of their home for when they return, have yet to report their return." Ursus said, just as equally frustrated as his brother.
Urko was silently contemplating something as they continued walking their horses.
"I wonder...if somehow, they were warned or tipped off about us coming. And that is why they never returned home. But even still, we should've been able to find them. We sent out many of our troops to comb the area of the territory, sending them all out into different areas. We even ordered them to head to some of the other ape settlements to search them and let civilians know to notify them if they have seen Galen, this human female, and infant." The gorilla chief stated.
"And there are quite a few settlements in this territory. May take a little longer to send men out to them all." Ursus replied.
"Perhaps, but if that is what we must do, then we will. No matter how long it takes, we'll find them." Urko declared.
"I'm also wondering, if what you say is a possibility, then who could've tipped them off? No one lives down that way except for that one eccentric old fool Barlow, who lives a couple miles down the road from Galen's home." His brother says.
Urko was silent again for a moment, before speaking.
"Hasn't he not been seen for a while now too?" Urko inquired.
"Modi informed me that he and Kava encountered him on the main road heading south. He was driving a large food cart. Kava asked Barlow a few more questions after sending Modi ahead to check out some hot spot Galen likes to visit. Kava informed Modi that upon further questioning of the old chimp, he mentioned something about doing some camping. He also says he may or may not travel to one of the other settlements to visit some friends." Ursus informed him.
"And have any of our men seen him out here somewhere, after he encountered Kava and Modi on the road?" His brother asked.
"Not that I know of. Some of our troopers said they have seen or encountered some travelers and campers. But I don't believe they mentioned if any of them were Barlow." The gorilla general replied.
"Makes me wonder if he lied to Kava and Modi." Urko says.
"But Zaius said he questioned Galen's brother Cornelius and his wife Zira, along with their young son. All confirmed they had no extensive knowledge or insight about ever seeing or encountering this human woman and her child. The councilman stated he had no right to doubt them. Seeing as they don't get to visit Galen all that much. They also mentioned that they don't believe Barlow had any idea either." Ursus mentions.
The gorilla chief snorted, "Or maybe the fact that Zaius always had a bit of a soft spot for Yalu's sons has made him blind. Even if they don't see each other much, I wouldn't put it pass Cornelius to lie to protect his brother."
"Perhaps, but unfortunately, we cannot question them. Zaius cleared them and even said there was no reason for anyone else to question them further. That they seemed genuinely confused and shocked at what Zaius had told them about Galen and this secret life he had." Ursus stated in disappointment.
"And that is why Zaius is one huge fool. Maybe he bought into what Cornelius and Zira told him. But I still don't. Even more ridiculous that he didn't give us permission to question them further. I'm sure they would've given us the true facts with the right line of questioning and persuasion." His brother told him.
"That maybe, but that doesn't discount the fact that we are not authorized or permitted to question them without Zaius's, or the high council's say so. Less, we wish to get in trouble and possibly arrested for going against the lead councilman's order." Ursus replied.
While Ursus is all for wanting to question Cornelius and Zira further, he didn't want to risk his position or lose it by defying Zaius. Or risk possible jail time. He also knew the same thing could happen to Urko too if he tried.
While they both hold high positions of authority among the troops, Zaius held the position above all and in the end, it was his decision and approval that mattered most in the end. Anyone who went against his decisions and did something rash, would receive consequences.
So, for now, they will just stick to scouring the territory and hitting up every ape village and settlement within it.
Though there was one thought that did pass Ursus's mind, and it made him think that it was another possible escape route for them, and possibly another reason why they haven't found them yet.
"Urko, do you think the reason we also are having a hard time finding them is because it could be possible that they may have traveled to the forbidden zone?" Ursus pondered.
The gorilla chief sharply turned his gaze to his brother.
"While it could be a possible option, I certainly hope not. If they have, it would be awfully difficult to find them, seeing as we don't know the territory beyond the border of the forbidden zone. We also don't know how truly vast it is or where to begin. Seeing as the forbidden zone stretches around our territory from the south, west, east, and part of the north. Even if we asked Zaius and gained his approval to enter it, we wouldn't know where to start looking. Plus, we run the risk of getting lost the further into the forbidden zone we go." Urko informs him.
Ursus sighs in frustration, "This is true."
"Let's just keep doing what I mentioned earlier. We'll continue scouring this whole territory and check each and every settlement here. And hope that they can be found hiding out at one of these settlements." Urko repeated.
At this point, it maybe all they can really do, for now.
Back with Galen & Co...
"You see that cliff over there in the distance to the right? That right there shows us we are very close now to our destination and should be there within the next few hours." Barlow stated, with a hint of happiness in his voice.
The couple perked up upon hearing the great news.
"Really? We're almost there?" Julie asks, with some excitement in her tone as she continues cradling baby Serena to her front.
"Yes, I want to say oh...another five hours or so." The old chimp replied.
"That's all? We are really close then." Galen says, also getting excited.
Five hours.
Only five more hours until they reach safety and the start of a new life for all of them.
Galen's gaze shifted from his friend to his wife and infant daughter. When Julie noticed him looking her way, she gave him a soft smile. Something that he returned. His gaze then shifted from her face to that of his daughter, who at the moment was actually wide awake and looking around.
After several moments, the baby's dark gaze landed on her father and she saw him giving her a small, loving smile.
A toothless smile gradually appeared on the infant's face as she smiled back at her daddy. This made his smile widen. This whole journey was for her. So that she can grow up in a safe and happy community and not kept hidden in the shadows her whole entire life from the outside world that would wish to harm her.
Now, he and Julie no longer had to worry about her growing up in such a bleak existence anymore.
Instead, she will have the life she deserves and a happy childhood just like he and Julie had growing up in their own perspective communities. That alone made them happy.
I know in the Planet of the Apes Show the apes did have bombs (They show an ape's version of a bomb in Ep.11 'Tyrant'). But I don't recall them having advancements like bombs in the original Planet of the Apes Movie. So, in this story, I'm making it that the apes are advanced enough to have guns but not bombs.
Until Next Time ;)
