“It's a hit, keep it coming!” Lieutenant Forsberg yelled to his men, one of the soldiers holding the gun still while the other fired through the iron sights.
It was a large gun, nearly the size of a anti-aircraft placement. A large, revolving chamber that fired as though it were a Gatling gun, though it was fed by a thick plastic hose of steam. The Humans had developed the technology less than a year before, the steam allowing one hell of a torque-filled punch in each shot while not falling susceptible to the rules of Guardian Angel overhead.
And, just as they had done with every previous attempt to sack Washington City, the Ancients fell back; scrambling into the hills that surrounded such a beautiful place to live.
“Hold!” Lieutenant Forsberg yelled, halting the gunfire by his side of the battle. “Conserve your ammunition, they are out of range. Assemble a team to go finish off their dying and collect gear.”
“At once Lieutenant.” a soldier replied with haste.
“I'll report our victory to Commander Snelling at once.” Lieutenant Forsberg said, turning to personally deliver the news.
Though it was not necessary. Snelling had been watching the entire battle through the large, atrium-styled window of his office. Hoping with every moment that the Ancients would finally win them over. There was a place for him in an Ancient-controlled Earth. He had been promised more power, more prestige. It was the reasoning behind his move to the Ancients' side, and he had expected a swift defeat of Washington City after doing so.
But, just as the Ancients had done so many times before, Commander Snelling underestimated the will of those who wished to remain free. Free of slavery, free of horror and free of fear. For they were the lions of Humanity, and their most ferocious was on her way back to Washington City by way of caravan, her thoughts saturated with revenge.
“Looks like as good of a place as any to hold up for the night.” Jackson said, his horse galloping slowly beside Alicia's.
“Agreed. Going to be dark soon, and we need to be well out of sight.”
Jackson responded with a nod before galloping forward to the stagecoach which led their caravan, relaying the plan as he pointed to an overhang of cliffs in the near distant.
Meanwhile, Alicia slowed her gallop, falling back to check on those citizens of New Kinneston who had made the journey. As she looked into their eyes, she saw one universal sign. Shock. The children had been pulled from their homes, left wondering if they would ever see their fathers again.
That said, the women seemed to have the glow of defeat. None of them expected their husbands to survive through the night, and they were trying to accept the defeat of their lovers.
Alicia wanted to comfort them, wanted to somehow let them know that all was not lost. But how could she? She had not lost her lover to the Ancients. All she had known since Invasion Day was war. At least, that was the case until she found herself in the arms of Lieutenant Jackson Ayers. He had given her a sense of comfort, a sense of normal that she had not felt in a very long time, if ever.
The caravan collapsed under the cover of cliffs, circling in close as every available body spent time covering the exterior of their vehicles with any brush that could be found. Austin, who remained in a decent amount of pain, had started to wonder if infection would now overtake his injury.
None of them dared attempt to pull the Butcher's blade from the spot it was embedded, between his shoulder and inner chest. Washington City had doctors well capable of such a feat, assuming they made it there in time.
They just wanted to arrive as quickly as possible. For his sake, as well as the sake of all of the children who sat inside the confines of the circled caravan with him.
Certes sat on the ground, his back leaning against one of the transport trucks as he held a massive shotgun. Preacher had climbed to the top of the cliff above them, laying under a blanket of camouflage with his eye to the scope of his sniper rifle. He would watch the horizon while Calypso sat nearby to watch Preacher's six.
That left Alicia and Jackson, who lay against the side of a ravine near camp. It allowed them to watch the caravan's flank, while being close enough to further discover the spark which had carried them so far.
“So,” Jackson said. “When we get back to Washington City.”
“Should be tomorrow as long as we keep the caravan moving.” Alicia replied.
“No, I mean when we get back,” he said. “I mean us.”
“Us?” Alicia asked.
“Never mind, I feel like such an idiot.” Jackson replied quickly.
“Don't,” she said with a slight laugh. “I want us too.”
Jackson and Alicia sat there, a night sky above them as their eyes, their very souls, connected.
“I just wanted to be clear about my military commitment being in Norfolk. I'm a Navy pilot, it's my job.” Jackson said, finally breaking what had become a beautiful silence between them.
“And my commitment is to killing Ancients, defending Washington City...and loving you.” Alicia replied.
Immediately they held one another, sharing a kiss of magnetic importance as she stared into the cornflower blue of his eyes.
“Love is a strong commitment,” Jackson said, his fingers holding her chin up just a bit as he searched her heart. “Are you sure you're up for it?”
“I can't walk away from the feeling you've given me. I can't walk away from that.” she replied softly.
Their full intention was to kiss again, but it would be put on hold as the blinking light of Preacher's scope alerted them. Ancients approached.
As the two lay in the ravine, backs against the moist dirt near the roadway, they both heard coming sounds. Ancient vehicles, some of which were badly damaged, pulling themselves by. And though Jackson, nor Alicia, had any idea of knowing how many Ancients passed, they both knew it was a great many.
“I'd estimate around eight hundred of them,” Preacher said in a whispered voice. “Looks like your army in Washington City whipped some ass.”
“We always do,” Calypso said with a grin. “We always do.” he stated again proudly.
At times, the Ancients would be accompanied by both scouts to clear the path ahead and trailers, which would lag behind purposely to ensure they weren't being followed. Preacher knew their tactics well, and after waiting nearly an hour past the last sight of an Ancient, he signaled the group once more by way of scope light.
Rather than disturb an ailing Austin and the people of his town, who all rested comfortably at the moment, the group met behind the caravan.
“I don't understand.” Calypso said, demanding an answer.
“I'm in love,” Alicia replied. “I'm not going to let Jackson go without me.”
“But why go at all, we will be in Washington this time tomorrow night?” Calypso asked.
“Because the men who stayed back in New Kinneston are brave. They are protecting their homes, hoping to maybe see their children again. They are armed, but no way in hell they will last against that many Ancients, and we all know it.” Jackson replied.
“So what now?” Preacher asked.
“You, Certes, Calypso and Austin continue with the caravan. Get these people to safety. Jackson and I will follow the Ancients back toward New Kinneston.” Alicia said.
“And when daylight hits, I'll use the transmitter to call in an air strike.” Jackson added.
“And they'll come? You are sure that your Navy will send in enough planes to wipe the Ancients out?” Preacher asked.
“No,” Jackson replied. “Hell, I'm not even sure we have any birds left.” he added, turning to look at the caravan group which slept near Austin. “But I have to try. These children deserve a better fate than living in fear. The best way to change things is to hit these fuckers' right in the mouth.”
“I don't like it,” Calypso said. “We've already lost G. If you get out there and no air strike follows, you'll comprise your position and...”
“You don't have to like it,” Alicia said sternly. “I know we
've lost G, and trust me, I wouldn't be going unless I thought it would work.” she added, approaching the loyal member of her team. “You just take this and make sure that gutless son of a bitch isn't waiting for me when I get back.” Alicia said, handing Calypso the sheet of paper which listed everyone involved with the Ancients.
“Understood,” Calypso replied with a smile. “I'll take care of it. And you better take care of our girl,” he added, turning to Jackson. “Otherwise you'll answer to me.”
“You got it.” Jackson replied, his words filled with respect.
“Aw, you're just like the big brother I never had.” Alicia said with a smile, using her left arm to hug the muscle-bound warrior for a moment.
“Well, as your big brother,” he said with a smile. “I'm telling you to bring your ass back to Washington City in one piece.”
“It's not me you gotta worry about,” she replied confidently, “It's the gray-skinned bastards with their tails tucked between their legs.”
And with that statement, Alicia and Jackson slipped away, the outline of their bodies quickly engulfed by the dark of night.
The Ancients had been devastated, at least the ground force that had been dispatched to take Washington City. They had arrived in their own variation of tanks and war vehicles, most of which were damaged beyond repair. The ones that did remain in service, rattled badly and sparked at random from damage recently inflicted.
“They must have took one hell of a beating.” Jackson said, his voice hushed to near silence.
“They usually do,” Alicia responded, both of them nestled into a patch of thick brush as the Ancients marched back into the direction of New Kinneston. “They show up with their high end weaponry and flashy ground assault vehicles; the look of superiority in their eyes,” she added. “But they always look the same when retreating. Beaten.”
“I usually see 'em from the air,” Jackson replied. “Not accustomed to being so close.”
“For me it's the opposite,” she said softly. “I'm used to seeing the bastards up close and personal. At least when I'm not trying to live some sort of normal life back in Washington.”
“If you don't mind me asking, what's life in Washington City like exactly?” Jackson asked. “I've been in the military so damn long, all I know is the Navy way of life.”
“It's different. At least compared to the way things were before Invasion Day,” Alicia replied, silencing herself for a moment as a group of several Ancient soldiers marched past them, seamless black boots digging into the crumble of road.
“It's like everyone finally realizes how precious the gift of life truly is. Before, society was about the perfect living room suit, color coordinating ties and state of the art games that were so very important, but shouldn't have been.”
“Living room suits? Really?” Jackson said with a chuckle.
“You know what I mean,” Alicia replied playfully. “Now people appreciate the beauty of a sunset and spend as much time as possible with people they love. Guess they always wonder if it will be their last chance.”
“Alien invasions have a way of doing that.” Jackson replied with sarcasm, his joke immediately met head on by a slap across the arm, Alicia then grabbing his hand with a smile painted to her face.
The next few minutes, both soldiers for the survival of Humanity kissed deeply, Jackson laying on top of her perfected body; their breaths heard, even felt by the other.
“The Gods have cursed us.” one of the Ancients said aloud, marching with a group of their lowest ranking warriors as rain began to pour down onto the welcoming soil.
“Indeed. The filth of this planet is almost unbearable.” another replied, never knowing he marched only feet from the spot that two lovers became one soul unified, giving themselves to one another in the most sensual ways imaginable.
“They approach!” one of the men yelled, joined quickly by other armed citizens who watched the horizon surrounding New Kinneston.
As the common men turned makeshift soldiers readied themselves, preparing for certain death against a far superior enemy of much greater numbers, they glanced to one another.
They had been neighbors, some of them even good friends. Before Invasion Day, many had been co-workers, members of the same churches and, if nothing more, recognizable from past encounters in town. They had looked out for one another in more peaceful times, watching each other raise children and building the most stable life possible for those around them.
Yet here they were. Laying on the ground outside of a house which bordered town, each man holding some type of rifle in hand. A few even held pistols, but it was no matter. Their guns had been designed for hunting game, not slaying superior life forms from the heavens.
“Hold!” the Ancient in charge demanded. Having been the next in line and watching his Templar fall in the battle for Washington City, Riac was different in many ways.
Physically, he was much larger, much stronger than the Templar who had commanded them before. Strategically, he was more cautious. He had seen thousands of his own kind slain because of haste, and he knew that many names could indeed befit him, but hasty was not one of them.
“What is that chatter coming across your radio?” he asked sternly, his communications officer raising the volume of their long-range unit.
“I say again,” a man's voice rang out against the crackling of mechanical static. “Lieutenant Jackson Ayers, Norfolk Naval Base, requesting priority level one air strike.”
“Damn,” Jackson said with disgust. “The signal isn't reaching anyone nearby!” he added.
“We may need a second plan,” Alicia replied. “I think they're onto us.” she added as the Ancients had started to survey the area around them, looking hard through battlefield binoculars.
“I say again...” he added with despair, holding the mic of the mobile communicator near his mouth. “This is...”
“Lieutenant Jackson Ayers, this is Lieutenant Timothy Spears. Good to hear you're alive old buddy. Awaiting coordinates.” a man's voice replied, bringing instant joy to the faces of both Jackson and Alicia.
“Crap,” Jackson said. “I have no idea what our coordinates are, not even roughly?” Jackson said to Alicia.
She shrugged. They were near New Kinneston, but that would be of no use to an inbound pilot.
“My father gave me this damn watch,” Jackson said, his voice shaking from anger as he quickly removed his Naval combat watch. “I'm really starting to hate these fuckers.” he added, quickly going into a sprint and throwing the watch, which was weighted by a casing of heavy aluminium and thickened glass.
The watch landed only feet from the large group of Ancient warriors, a couple of which spotted Jackson in the act.
“Should I start throwing rocks as well?” Alicia asked, her words drenched in both confusion and sarcasm.
“Lieutenant Spears,” Jackson said, scowling at Alicia for a moment. “My tracking beacon number is one-seven-one-four-nine, air strike the marker when ready.” he added.
“There's a marker built into my watch,” Jackson said, his attention turning to Alicia. “Just a little trick I picked up while you were coordinating furniture.”
“Ties. Coordinating ties, smart ass.” Alicia replied with a huge grin, Ancient bullets zipping into their direction as the sky born enemy did its best to assess how many Resistance fighters were nearby.
“It must be a small group, I'm not picking up much on thermal scan.” one of the Ancient Officers said.
“Good. Form a tactical assault...” Riac replied, his words cut short by the thunderous sound of planes above.
Two F-14 fighters, each bearing the United States Naval Seal and carrying JDAM bombs. It was a surreal sight, watching planes that were put into flight back in 1970 and having long-since been retired, defeating such an advanced foe.
As the JDAM bombs struck ground, an inferno of fiery death consumed a majority of the Ancient warriors, badly injuring those who remained.
A seco
nd pass saw the planes chew what they could of the remaining Ancients up with machine gun fire, though few shells struck home as the fighter planes thundered by at top speed. Daylight had arrived, and with it came several more Naval jets in the distance, chasing Ancient warplanes back to their nests of hatred.
“Lieutenant Ayers, would you like us to relay your coordinates for a search and rescue?” a voice asked, more than likely a RIO on-board one of the jets flying past.
Jackson had considered both possible outcomes, thinking of this very decision all night. Return to his duty in Norfolk and continue a military life of fighting Ancients, or return to Washington City with Alicia and pursue the one emotion that had long eluded him. Love.
“Turn it off.” Jackson said.
“But...this is your chance to get back.” Alicia said with confusion.
“I'm not going back to Norfolk. Plan on settling in Washington City.” he replied.
“Won't that be considered desertion?” she asked.
He thought long and hard about life from this moment forward. His commitment was to God and country, and nothing would ever change that. But technically, he was to be given the option of leaving the United States Navy well over a year ago, having served the time required by his contract.
He had continued to fight because a military life was all he knew. All that was left. However, from the moment he and Alicia first locked eyes, another reason to live had been presented. And though leaving the Navy seemed like a tough choice, it wasn't. It was time for him to find true love, and along with it some sense of normal. What was the point of fighting so hard to remain alive, unless he truly had something to live for?
“No,” Jackson said with a pause. “At least it better not be. I plan on killing just as many of the bastards as before, if not more.” he added.
“Kill 'em!” one of the men of New Kinneston yelled as the armed men charged, less than a dozen Ancients remaining, many of which were wishing for death because of such painful injuries.
It was the work of Naval fighters above, and everyone acknowledged that. But, as the group of ordinary men fired their rifles onto the dying group of Ancients, it provided them with a much needed victory. A personal victory.
They would see their wives and children once more, and many would become hardened soldiers for the Resistance, swearing their allegiance right now as they fired hunting rifles onto a star born race that had been beaten.
“Listen up,” Alicia yelled, approaching the group as she stopped to fire two shots into the chest of an already dying Ancient. “Strip what weapons and supplies you can from their dead. You are soldiers for the Resistance now, and that means you answer to me,” she added with authority, the men standing more firmly. “We leave for Washington City in fifteen minutes, and I swear with everything above that we will make it by nightfall!”
The men cheered a bit, a few even raising their rifles into the air. They had intended to stay here and defend their homes. But, after seeing the Ancients up close and knowing in their hearts an air strike had saved them, their priorities had shifted a bit.
The importance of the home they had always known, quickly took a backseat to being with the ones they loved. Homes are simply a reflection of memories made with those you care for, and so they would make new memories, and new homes, in Washington City.
“You heard the lady, get the lead out of your asses and get moving!” Jackson yelled, flexing a command that didn't exist. Still, the men moved, immediately dispersing as they pulled weapons, viable armor and even a few Ancient relics for their children.
“And somebody owes me a damn watch!” Jackson yelled loudly.
“You're such a whiner.” Alicia said with a smile of angelic fashion. The sunrise further beautifying her already perfect face.
“We've received word of your friends,” Commander Snelling said as he slowly approached the German airship that was still under heavy guard.
“Are they alright?” the highest ranking soldier asked.
“I think it would be best if you and your men came with me.” Snelling replied.
“I am under strict orders to stand guard over our German vessel at all times.” the soldier replied.
“Oh,” Commander Snelling said, turning to motion into the distant. “I doubt your standing orders are of any importance at the moment.” he added as dozens of American soldiers rushed to them with their rifles drawn.
“What is the meaning of this?” the German soldier asked loudly.
“This is American soil, you don't ask the questions here,” Snelling replied bluntly, raising a brow as he stared the soldier directly in the eyes. “Now, have your men throw down their weapons.”
“That won't be necessary,” Calypso said, approaching the group with Preacher and Certes, each holding weapons themselves.
“Calypso, what in the hell...” Snelling began to ask.
“Shut your mouth, you don't ask the questions here either. Not anymore,” Calypso replied heavy-toned. “This man is a sympathizer of the Ancients, and I have the document to prove it.”
“You have no such document! Shoot him! I want this man dead!” Commander Snelling demanded.
What he quickly discovered, however, is that his own men had a fierce allegiance to Calypso, Alicia and their group. For they had been the ones to slay Ancients in the thick of battle, not their Commander.
“Kill him I say!” Snelling yelled once more, his own men reading proof of his betrayal to the Human race.
“Commander Snelling,” Calypso said. “I am removing you from the position of Commander and placing you under immediate arrest. I will assume military command until Alicia Lucard returns.”
“Like hell you are!” Snelling interjected, though he was slowly convinced as his own men turned their weapons onto him. “This is madness!” he added.
“Indeed,” one of the German soldiers replied. “The thought of your own turning against you.”
“We are not without fault,” Preacher replied. “Nadia's name is also on that list as well.”
“Bullshit!” the German soldier replied.
“No, I have seen it with my own eyes. She tried to lead us into a trap, I was there.” Preacher said.
“And where is she now?” the German soldier asked.
Certes answered the soldier's question with a nod.
And though Commander Snelling fought a bit, his restrained hands were no match for such a numerous detail of soldiers. And so they led him to the cell in which he would be held, formerly known as DC Jail.
“Do you think Alicia and Jackson were successful?” Preacher asked as Certes rejoined the group of German soldiers at their airship.
“I do,” Calypso replied. “At least I hope so.”
“Sir, what is our next order?” the German soldier asked of their highest ranking officer.
“The darkness will not be kind to us,” Preacher replied. “We will remain here overnight and lift off for Berlin at daybreak.”
“Understood sir.” the soldier responded with loyalty.
“Double the guard detail on our city's edge,” Calypso ordered.
“Right away sir!” a Resistance soldier replied.
And as the soldier turned to double the detail of guards who protected the outskirts of their city, Calypso began to look out across the landscape.
Mountains, once beautiful with the influence of almighty God, were now war-torn and littered with signs of mortar shelling and fires. What was once a crisp breeze of nature blowing through the city streets, now reeked of dead flesh and ash.
Calyspo's wandering eyes skimmed the city behind him, noticing neon signs and hybrid cars replaced by calligraphy painted signs and carriages powered by both horse and steam. Though Humanity had withstood such a devastating barrage of attacks since Invasion Day, it had forever been changed; the memory of how things used to be, just that. A memory.
He hated the Ancients. With every speck of his very soul, he hated the race that had humbled them ba
ck to such Victorian times. And he was tired of being on the defensive. Sick of waiting for the grey-skinned bastards to strike, only to pray for their defenses to hold.
He, like many of the remaining Humans, wanted nothing short of redemption. And as he turned to glance back into the wastelands, thinking of what once was scenic land painted by the hand of God, he hoped for the return of Alicia Lucard. He knew she would have a plan.
Almost there. Alicia thought as she attempted to curb her heavy breathing and push forward just a bit longer.
“Alicia,” Jackson said. “You go, I'll...” he added, cut off swiftly.
“No, you go,” she replied, her angelic voice hindered by such a small intake of oxygen. “Get them to safety. I'll be right behind.”
Jackson wanted to argue with her, wanted to plead for her to make better sense of the situation. The New Kinneston survivors were exhausted, a few even having passed out during the trip. All day, every minute of every hour they had ran for Washington City. No water breaks and no stopping.
Alicia had decided their best chance of survival was to somehow make it to Washington City in the span of only a single day. She knew the Ancients would soon have slayers of Humanity on their heels, and she was right. For nearly an hour now, the Ancients had been right behind them, murdering any survivor of New Kinneston who fell behind.
The group was exhausted, and a few of the surviving had even fallen back on purpose, choosing death over a continued journey to possible freedom. Viewing the trip as a forced death march.
Jackson wanted to plead with her heart, but they both knew there was simply not enough time. She was more skilled in fighting the Ancients, especially on foot. She would provide them all with the best chance of survival.
“You get you ass to Washington City, you understand me.” Jackson said firmly, tears filling his eyes as he wondered if this would be the last time he laid eyes upon her.
She simply nodded, her own eyes tearing heavily. Having tasked Jackson with pushing the group of survivors to sprint the hill that lay ahead, Washington City merely a hundred or so yards away from them, Alicia pulled two pistols. And as she leaned against a tree of rotted bark, Alicia closed her eyes for a moment. Remembering life before Invasion Day, while thinking of her new-found love for Jackson Ayers.
She had to live, fate had granted her no other choice. Her heart, in such a short time, had been changed for the better. She had found herself madly, deeply in love. And the Ancients had taken enough from her already. She would be damned if they took her true love as well.
As Alicia slowly opened her eyes, it was if she had been reborn. No pain, no fatigue. Simply focus piled onto the will to kill those who deserved it most. She turned slowly from the tree, firing eight shots from her right hand pistol and four from the left.
Two Ancient soldiers lay as dead as the night winds before, victims of the first eight shots. Meanwhile, a third grimaced with pain as he crawled slowly behind a tree of his own, four shots striking him in the stomach only moments before.
It was a cold day by Human standards, the breath of Alicia nearly freezing at she exhaled softly. Pressing a single button, the expended cartridge ejected from her pistol, quickly replaced as she shoved a loaded one into the weapon of survival.
As she started back around the rotted tree which provided cover, bark flew into the frigid air, nearly a dozen Ancients having taken aim onto her location.
Alicia threw her arm around the tree, blind firing her pistol in a desperate attempt to injure any Ancients closing in. And though her bullets did strike one of the demons, he was merely hit in the upper thigh.
It was Alicia, however, that took the brunt of it. Her right hand hit with a rifle shot before she could retract it back behind cover. It passed through the webbed flesh that rested between her finger and thumb, spilling only a trickle of blood but hurting her immensely.
As she dropped the expended pistol, Alicia used her wounded hand to help guide her last remaining cartridge into the pistol still held in her left hand. As the steel of the cartridge slid into place, Alicia turned to take aim at the beasts once more.
A gripping punch from one of the Ancients, however, sent Alicia onto her back, pushing the air from her lungs in the very moment of impact with the snow-covered soil.
“She's alone!” the Ancient yelled loudly, his tone deeply infected with a slang of non-human.
“In that case we will shave the tissue from her bones,” another Ancient replied with a smile. “Slowly.”
Alicia could hear their conversation, though her eyes swelled with tears from the hard punch which had thrown her to the ground. Reaching around, she did her best to locate the pistol which had fallen from her hands only moments before, though all her hands were able to grasp hold of were twigs aproned in powdery snow.
“It will be my own sword that maims the soul from her shell of a cattle.” an Ancient said with authority.
Her time had come, and the heart inside of Alicia's chest convinced her mind that it was so. All of her slaying of the race born of stars was coming to a close as she lay here, so close to Washington City.
As the monster rared his sword up high, preparing to thrust it into the disoriented woman of such beauty, a gunshot fired loudly enough to nearly pierce her own eardrums. Her tear-filled eyes allowed her to see the shadow of such a large Ancient fall to its side, thudding heavily onto the ground beside her.
More gunshots rang out, dozens or more as she found herself giving up the attempt to count them and focusing on getting back to her feet.
As she started to get to her feet, still pushing with what little power remained in her arms, the silhouette of an Ancient once again hovered over her. Falling back to her bottom, she did her best to lift her arm in order to absorb the strikes about to come down onto her.
Instead, Certes clinched her hand and pulled her to her feet; scooping Alicia up into his arms in order to carry the disoriented vixen.
“Relax,” Certes said calmly. “You are among friends.”
Her heart exploded with emotion, having only dealt with certain death just moments before. She had greatly misjudged Certes, seeing only his race and not the true intentions of the warrior within him.
And as Certes carried Alicia quickly to the gates of Washington City, Resistance soldiers trailed behind them, exchanging gunfire with the Ancients as darkness began to set in. They had made it back, and with not a moment to spare. The Ancients were on their heels, but no match for the onslaught of gunfire spawning from the edge of Washington City; quickly forcing the sky-born warriors to back away.
Certes gently placed Alicia onto a bed, and though it was prepped for medical use, she had no intention of having her wounds tended to.
“Where is everyone? Austin?” she asked.
“Everyone else is either fighting or tending to wounded. Good job bringing so many men back to reunite with their families.” Certes replied.
“And Austin? Sheriff Garrett?” Alicia asked.
“I'm,” Certes said, taking a moment to gain his composure for her sake. “I'm afraid he did not survive. His wounds were too severe. But I have sworn to carry the Butcher's blade which slew him, and exact revenge in his name.”
The thought of Austin's death overwhelmed her a bit. A man who had finally taken a stand, finally chosen a side for the sake of his own people. He now lay dead somewhere in a thick plastic bag because of treachery by his own race.
“Where is Commander Snelling?” she finally asked.
“He is being held in the DC Jail, Calypso thought it a good idea to...” the Ancient replied, his words interrupted as Alicia stood to her feet.
“You should be resting.” Certes said.
“And soon I will be, right after Commander Snelling knows of eternal rest.” she replied.
“But Calypso thought it best...” Certes began to reply.
“Calypso is no longer in charge here. And I'll be damned if such a good hearted Sheriff lay dead while a spineless c
oward lives.” Alicia said, walking out of the small house where the bed was located.
As Alicia crossed the street which was located less than a block from what had become an urban battlefield, she walked with intent. Her eyes caught sight of grieving women and children, the unlucky survivors who would never again see their man of the house. She watched several soldiers of the Resistance fall, slumping over behind the cover in front of them; each succumbing to Ancient gunfire.
And she thought of retribution. Sweet fucking retribution. Someone was going to pay for the horrors she witnessed within this moment. Ancients, perhaps their entire race one day. But on this day, Commander Snelling would answer the bell of fate.
Alicia walked into the lightly guarded DC Jail, staring at the few who remained on watch rather than fighting the grey-skinned bastards at their gates. She had planned to ask the location of their former military leader, but found there was no need. Instead, the two soldiers on watch simply pointed down one of the halls.
“Cell fourteen.” one of the men said.
As Alicia walked deeper into the hallway of such faint lighting, she approached cell fourteen.
“Alicia, thank God you've returned! Someone has to talk sense into the members of your group!” Snelling yelled.
She was without words, instead pulling one of the punishing pistols from its holster and pointing it into the direction of his face.
“What is the meaning of this? I am your direct superior!” Snelling shouted.
And though his lips uttered the words, all Alicia could see was the memory of women consoling their children, painful explanations of a father who would never return.
She fired a single bullet, the slug shiny as it seemed to glimmer a bit, almost spinning in slow motion before puncturing the forehead of such a traitor. And even as his body abruptly hit the floor, dead flesh thumping onto the unforgiving concrete, Alicia's arm remained extended, smoke trailing a bit from the end of her pistol's barrel.
She had lost one of her pistols during the battle outside the gates of Washington City. Deciding it was a different day, and knowing she would now lead the military side of the Resistance, Alicia dropped the second pistol onto the floor. Moments later, as she exited the long hallway which lead to the city streets, Alicia leaned behind the front desk and pulled a battle-ready rifle. It would serve her better in the fight to come.
“They continue to come!” one of the Resistance soldiers yelled as what remained of their first line of defense continued to get shredded with gunfire.
“Fall back two blocks,” Alicia said, approaching the soldiers with no sign of fear attached to her beautiful body. “Give the illusion that they have bested us. When they advance their forces, I will have a dozen cannons waiting to level the very ground that we stand on.”
“Yes, at once,” the soldier said with obedience, more than glad to retreat from possible death. “Fall back men, fall back!”
And with his words, what few soldiers remained began to sprint back deeper into Washington City, several falling to their own deaths in the process.
“The Humans retreat!” an Ancient sniper proclaimed, having seen the situation through the long lens that was attached to his rifle.
“Good, now we advance swiftly and crush them!” the Templar in charge replied, a devilish grin cut into his face.
And though they did so with a bit of caution, the Ancients quickly moved their force up, hundreds of warriors taking the ground which Alicia's own feet had occupied only minutes before.
The Resistance soldiers began firing into the crowd of gray skins with their rifles. Knowing well it wouldn't drive them back, but instead, force them to hold position until a mass of soldiers could be formed. And mass they did. The Ancients quickly moved up thousands of heavily armed demons, their plan to build a spearhead of warriors and then plunge into the city.
“Fire. Fire at will!” Alicia yelled, her words barely beating the throaty sound of cannons firing behind her. There were a dozen or more of the large cannons of iron, each fed by a huge supply line of steam power. They had no need to light a fuse, the steam fed directly into a crankshaft which operated by a spinning wheel of brass.
The soldier in charge of such a massive weapon would spin the wheel, forcing the large weapon to fire a burst of life-ending lead. Then, merely seconds later, the steam fed line had readied the weapon for another shot.
It took the Ancients nearly an hour of fierce fighting to enter the city, but it took less than five minutes for them to realize defeat. They had massed their warriors for an assault, which meant mass casualties once the lead shots from such pounding cannons began exploding around them. On them.
“Retreat! The Human bastards have tricked us! Pull your warriors back before we have nothing to pull back!” The Templar yelled, unsure if his words could even be heard above the loud booms of blasting.
A large force, a spearhead of thousands that was intended to finally break the will of those in Washington City, defeated within minutes as only dozens of Ancients remained. They were shell-shocked and bewildered, nothing short of staggering as they backed away from the battle and attempted to flee.
“Now!” Alicia yelled, prompting a group of nearly fifty Human warriors to give chase; ensuring the people of Washington City that retribution was indeed at hand.
And though it was only a small victory, the Resistance soldiers chasing down and slaying a handful of Ancients that remained, it was a much needed win for the morale of mankind. Hope for those who had made the journey from New Kinneston to Washington City.
“A solid victory.” Jackson, said, approaching Alicia slowly as she watched such heroes return to the safe confines of Guardian Angel.
“Albeit a temporary victory,” she replied, turning to place her hand into his. “They will return soon enough. Continuing to assault our home. Continuing to break us down, piece by piece.”
“And we will continue to defeat them.” Calypso replied, approaching them as he joined in looking across the landscape.
“Ask Preacher, Certes and their crew to remain until sunrise tomorrow. Make sure they are well taken care of until then.” Alicia asked.
“You got it.” Calypso replied.
“Want to help me get our new citizens settled in?” Alicia asked, turning to Jackson with the most amazing eyes.
“Least I can do,” he replied with a smile. “Seeing as how I'm one of them.”
And though they would, in the approaching hours, find a place for those who left their homes back in New Kinneston; they stood for several minutes, holding one another and admiring the beauty of the cloud-filled tapestry of a sky above them.
With the coming of nightfall, also came the familiar roar of fighter jets above. They were in retreat, just as they seemed to be every night around dusk as the people of Washington City stopped to observe their air-riding heroes.
“With any luck, we gave 'em hell today.” Jackson said, holding the beautiful body of Alicia snugly in his arms.
“How many Ancient ships have you shot down, if you don't mind my asking?” Alicia asked playfully.
“Thirty or so,” he replied with seriousness. “Been shot down four times myself.”
“You've been shot down four times?” she asked, pulling away from him a bit in wait of a response.
“Yea,” he replied. “Sorry, had I known you'd eventually judge me for it one day, I would've tried harder.”
“Smart ass.” she replied with a grin, falling back into his arms once more.
“I mean, thirty kills and four downs, that's a pretty decent ratio.” Jackson added.
“Yes dear, I wouldn't dare question your ability in combat.” Alicia replied with sarcasm.
And with only the slightest motion, the two found themselves holding one another, deflecting the chilled air of night as they stood; watching the dog fighting above as if it were a fireworks display.
“Alicia!” Calypso yelled, approaching the two with haste.
“Yes.?
?? she replied, expecting the urgent news to be not so urgent.
“Preacher and his crew are gearing themselves up to leave out,” Calypso said, doing his best to catch a deep breath in the frigid night air. “Berlin City is under attack!”
“Leaving out? It's dark!” Alicia replied, her words brimming with concern.
Moments later, the three rushed to the location of the German airship.
“Hold that ship!” Alicia yelled, the American Resistance soldiers immediately hoisting their weapons into the direction of such a Victorian-style masterpiece.
“What?” Preacher mumbled, quickly exiting the airship to confront her in person. “You have no authority to hold us here!”
“I'm temporarily in command of all things military in Washington City, and I'll be damned if I allow you to head into a night sky filled with Ancient warships!” Alicia responded, doing a bit of yelling herself.
“My people are under attack! MY PEOPLE...my countrymen!” he added, turning his long range communicator up to its highest volume.
Moments of heavy crackling broke in and out, compliments of the Guardian Angel grid above them giving off EMP bursts. But between the bursts, devastation told through words was communicated to them. News of a large battle, a battle that had broken the back of Humans in Berlin City; pushing them deep onto the outskirts of their own home.
“They are slaying at will,” Preacher said with desperation. “Berlin is my home. I have to do something!” he added, heavy hearted as his voice lowered to one of panic.
“I understand,” Alicia replied. “But not tonight. Not like this,” she added, her own voice lowering a bit. “If you leave now, you won't live to see tomorrow's sunrise.” she added.
The two looked at one another, each hoping the other would back down.
“We are friends, and I will assist Berlin in every way possible,” Alicia added with sympathy in her voice. “But not under the shroud of darkness. Not when there is no chance for our own survival.”
“How then?” Preacher asked.
“Have your crew back down and exit the airship,” Alicia replied in a convincing manner. “Then we will meet to discuss everything, create a plan which has at least a minimal chance of success. You have my word.”
Staring at one another for a moment, Preacher finally turned to motion Certes for it to be done. In exchange, Alicia turned to quietly ask her own soldiers to lower their weapons. For they were all among friends and allied against a common foe.
“I've dispatched a scout group to head out beyond Washington City,” Alicia said. “Beyond the range of Guardian Angel. They will set up a small radio station to monitor the situation in Berlin throughout the night,” she added, surrounded by the most trusted among Resistance leaders. “At daybreak, we will be able to not only allow your airship to depart, but do so while giving you the friendliest place to land once you arrive home.”
“I appreciate that. Truly.” Preacher said, a bit emotional as he thought of his countrymen back in Berlin.
“It is the smartest move.” Certes added.
“It will also give us a chance to assess our own damages while shoring the defense of Washington City,” Alicia added. “And what manpower we can spare will accompany you at daybreak.”
“For such kindness we are in your debt.” Preacher replied.
“You would do the same for us. Focus on a good night of sleep, you will more than likely need it in the coming days.” Alicia said.
And as Preacher and Certes, along with two German soldiers, left the makeshift briefing, Alicia paused to allow them exit.
“Double the watch around their ship, it is to remain landlocked.” she said.
“You think they will try to return home anyway?” Calypso asked.
“I know I would.” Alicia replied with certainty.
Chapter 4
*Love Defined*