by John Davis
Each of them praying for some type of intervention from the small group which had left days before. Led by their guardian angel.
-
“Can't believe it would even come to this.” Perk growled.
“What?” Alicia asked.
“Working with the Ancients.” he replied.
“I do trust them,” Alicia replied, turning to the military-trained warrior. She sat inside of a large transport unit, which resembled an armored tank. Several Ancient soldiers sitting with them. “About as much as I trust your old lady's gun hand.”
Perk grinned a bit, knowing Alicia hadn't sold out to the Ancients after all.
“She's no old lady of mine,” Perk said with a grin, turning to a much larger Ancient beside him. “I'm dating this girl back home. Hell of a shot,” he commented. “Hell of an ass. You'd love her. Though I have to warn you, she's killed lots of your kind. Hundreds, if not thousands.”
The Ancient looked down onto the man filled with insults, knowing he had orders from the queen to escort them safely back to Washington City. Orders he planned to follow, as their queen followed them in a second transport. Both large vehicles escorted by nearly a hundred armed vehicles. A caravan meant to end this war in one fell swoop.
“I'm not sure he understands you Perk.” Jackson remarked.
Standing to his feet, Perk turned away from the Ancient soldier. Grabbing his own ass and shaking it only inches from the warrior's face. “She's got an ass. You understand what I'm saying?”
His question went unanswered, though Alicia and Jackson found themselves laughing. Wondering how many of her own soldiers the Ancient warrior had killed.
“So the plan is to arrive at Washington City and group up with our closest friends. Just like you told the queen. Head to the hospital on the north gate and wait for you?” Jackson asked, doing his best to get the information he needed.
“Jackson,” Alicia replied, reaching up to his face and brushing her hand across his cheek. “You really need a haircut.”
“Wow, well it's feathering out a bit, but I figured under the circumstances I'd just put it off.”
“No, I mean you REALLY need a haircut – love.” Alicia replied, looking to him with seriousness.
Her statement was produced in such a way that he understood her underlying agenda.
“Yep. I totally get that.” he replied, though it was casually. Letting Alicia know they were speaking to each other with a conversation within the conversation.
“When we get back, you grab our friends just like we've planned with the queen,” Alicia replied. “You get them there safely and wait on me. I'm going to show the queen a public surrender, just as she's asked for, and then I'll be there. I plan to mark the entrance on my way in.”
“Loud and clear.” Jackson replied.
“What about me?” Perk asked.
“You need a lot more than a haircut.” Jackson replied.
“Hey, fuck you buddy,” Perk insisted, turning to the Ancient warrior beside him. “You know, fuck?” he asked, displaying a pumping motion to the large solider.
“You do realize I understand everything you speak? I simply have allowed it because our queen insists upon it. Otherwise I would have ripped your spine from your puny body miles back.” the Ancient admitted.
Perk began to hum the tune of his favorite song before the war began, inserting fuck you buddy several times. Looking directly at the Ancient in doing so.
“You make sure that you get any supplies you have on you to the building selected by the queen. We'll need them in order to survive the coming battle.”
“I think I understand.” Perk replied.
“I hope so. We'll be counting on those supplies to be in place and ready.” Alicia replied.
“We are approaching Washington City.” one of the Ancients stated, his voice enough to warn their conversation to a halt.
The next few minutes would be silent and bumpy – aside from Perk's continued humming, the transport slinging the entire group from side to side. Finally, it slowed to a grinding halt, just outside of Washington's artillery range.
“You'll have to approach the city on foot from here,” one of the Ancient soldiers stated. “Our snipers will have you in scope, so do not attempt to escape. Have your two men follow through with the queen's plan, but remain in clear sight yourself. As the soldiers of Washington City begin to gather, you will bow before our queen as arranged.”
“Understood.” Alicia replied.
When the transport door began to ease open, bleeding sunlight into the advanced metal interior, Alicia, Jackson and Perk made their way to its exit. Two Ancient soldiers following close behind – stopping to place their rifle sights onto Alicia.
“Jackson, gather as many women and children as you can. Hand select a couple dozen soldiers and then get to the barber shop. Wait for me,” Alicia said, though she never turned to look at him. “Perk, do your thing, then get find Gretchen, Katie and as many real supplies as you can. Get to the barber shop. I'll drag this out as long as possible, then meet you there.”
“Good luck.” Jackson replied, turning for just a moment to look at his former lover. It was look enough to warm both of their hearts.
“You owe me a kiss.” Alicia replied with a smile.
-
“Two people approach our gates!” a soldier yelled, prompting dozens more to rush to his position.
Jackson and Perk eased to the gates of Washington City, their hands raised in hopes of no friendly fire.
Once they were close, several soldiers loyal to the Rise of Allies rushed to their position. Ensuring they were alright.
“Quick, we need to handle a few things,” Jackson said. “We can explain on the way.”
“Well enough,” one of the Rise of Allies commanders replied, ordering a handful of his men to stay close to the two warriors and assist as needed.
“You see Alicia,” Queen Karie said, approaching the hero among humanity. “You've made the right choice.”
“I know,” Alicia replied. “But I also know that a simple bow will not do. Not for my people, they've fought this war too long.”
“Oh?” the queen asked.
“You've been honest with me, and I respect that. Now let me be honest with you,” Alicia replied. “A public bow will result in some arms being laid down, but not nearly enough. If I'm allowed to return to the city after I bow, explaining the situation to them. They will fall at your feet.”
“You cannot inform them of the coming fleet. If you do, they will never surrender.” the queen replied.
“No, I can't,” Alicia replied. “In order to save a handful of people who are nearest to me, I will have to lie to the rest. Tell them that you have no intentions of hurting us any further. It's the only way.”
“What? This is anything but our arrangement!” the queen replied furiously.
“I am following through with my end of the agreement. I will bow before you publicly. I'm just trying to avoid the bloodshed that will follow. People will have to die either way, I know that now. But not all of them have to. If I can save a few, it's my obligation to do so.” Alicia said.
“The bloodshed?”
“These people will never bow to you. Not without good reason. They will need to truly believe that there is hope of survival, and they need to hear that from me. I will tell them you grow tired of war and want a pact between our people of live and let live. It is the only way.”
Queen Karie looked onto Alicia as she did her best to search out the truth.
“These are my people. I'm just trying to save as many as possible, that's all. That's the truth,” Alicia said. “I've seen the coming armada of ships. There is no winning a war. I simply want to save my loved ones.”
“What would you have me do?” the queen asked.
“Allow me to bow before you publicly, followed by a return to Washington City. Grant me a few minutes to explain to my people that your soldiers do not mean to harm them. I
can convince them to lay down arms. When I do, I will signal you from Washington City and you'll have a free march into a city that has tormented you for so long. You've nothing to lose here, we both know you have enough firepower to take the city.”
“I see.” the queen replied.
“During the moments of your entrance, I will slip away with my loved ones to the hospital we spoke of. I'll mark its exterior and you will need to give me your word that we will be left alone. By your troops as well as the coming fleet.”
“You have it.” the queen replied.
“Alright then, let's begin putting this war to an end and saving as many lives as possible.” Alicia replied.
“You are an admirable hero among your people. Had times been different, you and I would have much in common.” the queen remarked.
“I'm in love with the husband of another. I've taken the life of my own race and lost no sleep over it. I assure you, I'm anything but admirable.” Alicia replied.
“Then tell me,” Queen Karie began to ask. “Why is it that your people follow you in such a way?”
It was a legitimate question. The queen had only known of one way to lead – fear.
“Because I would die for them.”
-
“Jackson!” Katie shouted, sprinting to her husband as he and Perk made their way deeper into the only part of the city which remained intact.
“Katie, not right now,” Jackson replied, grabbing his wife with a firm tenderness. “I need to handle a few things. Just know that I love you with all of my heart,” he added, staring into her eyes. “Stay with Gretchen until we come for you. I'll explain everything soon enough.”
“Alright,” she replied. “I'm just glad you’re back in one piece.”
Reaching in, Jackson kissed her for several moments. Lips becoming one.
“Gretchen, keep her with you.” Jackson asked.
“I will.” she replied.
“General, I need you to start placing guns to the inside of the second story windows.” Jackson said, walking briskly down the long street which weaved throughout the main portion of Washington City.
“Excuse me?” the general asked.
“Listen, I know we have a chain of command to follow,” Jackson admitted. “But you need to understand that in only a few minutes this place is gonna be crawling with Ancients.”
“Like hell it will!” the general firmly stated.
“Sir, they are coming in with the understanding that we are laying down arms. Obviously, we're not, but we need to give the impression that we are. Once they drop their guard, we chew into them.”
“You,” the general shouted, pointing out one of his Rise of Allies officers. “Have our men begin exchanging their uniforms with citizens. Place everything we have indoors, snipers to the second floor. Have them remain hidden and await my command.”
“Yes sir!” the officer replied, turning to execute the order.
As the general turned once more, Jackson was gone.
-
It was a small barber shop – appearing Americana in style. Perhaps not used since the late 1950's, it looked of a time when our world was much more peaceful. Upon entering, however, Jackson made his way straight back to the left corner of the three-chair shop.
Sliding bolts around which appeared to connect the chair to the shop's floor, Jackson slid the chair back, exposing a tunnel which very few within the organization knew of.
It had been built during the original invasion by soldiers loyal to Alicia. Soldiers who had feared the worst. The tunnel connected to a large underground bunker which had been sitting since World War 2.
Rushing back to the shop's door, Jackson began to usher the selected inside. Directing them to the tunnel.
A dozen women, all of them mothers, helped Jackson bring in as many children as could be rounded up. Nearly a hundred of them. Most of them the age of six or less. Escorting the group of innocent were two-dozen soldiers, each of them hand-selected by Jackson because of their loyalty through the years.
One remained posted to the shop's door, while the rest carried crates of supplies. Plenty of guns with ammunition, as much food as could be located, drinking water and whatever else could be grabbed under such hurried conditions.
Upon entering the underground vault, a single room opened up with the room of nearly two-hundred yards. The ceiling was low and the walls a dirty aluminum color, but it seemed safe enough. It looked to be a cramped stay, though they would manage.
Each corner of the room had a single pipe which attached to the wall and exited through the ceiling. Vents which connected to the inside of guttering on the surface. It allowed them to remain hidden, while bleeding enough fresh air inside to provide a livable oxygen system. Installed by soldiers following the invasion, when nuclear war was no longer a threat.
“You stay on this door,” Jackson ordered. “I'm taking the bulk of men with me to supply up again. We'll be back. Take care of the people here, and remain out of sight.”
“Will do sir.” a soldier replied.
Four soldiers remained behind with the group. Two posted on the inside of the barber shop door, the other two inside of the vault for added protection.
The women began unfolding sleeping bags and blankets as quickly as they could. Doing their best to comfort the children, while asking them to remain quiet.
“Don't shortcut the people fighting on the surface, but grab what you can. We don't know how long we'll be down below.” Jackson said.
“What of Perk?” one of the soldiers asked.
“He's on something else right now, but he'll be here. Just make sure you grab whatever looks necessary for an extended stay. Plenty of food and water.” Jackson replied.
“You got it.”
With that verbal exchange, the group splintered into two smaller groups. One of them looting known food storage buildings, while Jackson led his group to places the Rise of Allies generally stored weapons and ammunition. Anything of a military sort.
-
“I don't understand?” Gretchen asked.
“Boom, you understand that?” Perk replied.
“No, I mean having to go underground. We've been winning the fight against the Ancients this far, can't we just continue?”
“No.” Perk replied, crimping several wires together with a pair of hand pliers.
“It just makes no sense. All of the sudden like this?” Gretchen questioned.
“She's right. We can defend this place a long time from the look of things.” Katie added.
“Look,” Perk said, slinging his pliers across the room after finishing what he came to do. “Throughout history, each race or army or whatever you would call the Ancients, they send a small group to begin colonizing. Once their feet are planted in the new country, the true numbers begin to arrive.”
“You mean?” Katie asked.
“Yes,” he replied with agitation. “I mean the Ancients at our gates are like pissing into the wind compared to the amount that's headed here right now. When they get here, all hell will break loose.”
“We can't hold them off?” Gretchen asked.
“According to Alicia, they would end us inside of an hour.” Perk replied.
“So we run and hide?” Katie asked with sarcasm.
“Nobody is forcing you to run and hide. If you want to stand up and fight tens of thousands of Ancient soldiers and their superior technology with a revolver, be my guest,” Perk replied. “But some of us want to survive this, rather than die a hero's death.”
“Why not a hero's death?” Katie demanded to know.
“Look lady, I'm gonna tell you the truth about a hero's death. It's something the higher-ups created in order to make you fight harder. Fight against unthinkable odds knowing you don't have a chance in hell of winning. That can tack the word hero on all day long, but death is death. And when you fall you'll be no different than any of the other dead bodies laying around here. So if you want to think of me as a coward, do i
t. I don't care. Because at the end of this, I'll survive, and any dumb son of a bitch who stays above ground will fall.”
“So, what's our plan?” Katie asked, her tone much more humble as she nodded her head in apology.
“Jackson is leading a group for needed supplies. I'm going after luxury items. Things like cigars, booze and anything else that will help us pass the time down there. You two need to carry your ass to the barber shop on Hollins Lane. Jackson and his soldiers will make sure you're taken care of, just don't let them shut it without me. Got it?”
“Yes.”
“Gretchen, you stay clear of trouble you hear? I'll be there soon enough to watch over you.” Perk said.
She replied with a smile, her lips met by his in cowboy fashion. Perk quickly turning to run hard into a different direction.
If there was anything he understood, it was demolitions. Perk would make sure the Ancients understood that fact.
-
It was something Alicia had never done before. Bow. Yet she did so as if she'd done it a thousand times. Kneeling before the queen and looking up.
“Good,” Queen Karie said. “Very good.”
The queen could see the faces of dozens of soldiers, all of them posted on the walls of Washington City and looking on in disbelief. Never thinking of Alicia as one to surrender.
“Now rise my child. Go speak to your people of the coming days of peace and convince them to lay down arms. In return, you and your selected will be spared.”
“Yes, my queen.”
Alicia played the part, though she had never intended to surrender. If giving up was on the menu, she would have served that a long time ago. She was a fighter, and had lost too damn much during the fight against the sky demons.
There was a damn fight to be had, and Alicia intended to make it memorable. Thinking of her fallen team members every step she took which brought her closer to the city.
