“You did?”
Kat nodded, telling Patti about that night. She told her about Rogue as well. Her unfortunate capture by the love-crazed Bones and being tossed into prison by Douglas.
“So, they’re safe?” Patti asked. “They got away?”
“As far as I know, they’re with the Exiles,” Kat said.
“But for how much longer?” Patti cried. “As we speak, General Sikes is on his way there with an army. He’ll crush them.”
“No, he won’t,” Kat said. “Rogue and the others will have warned them by now.”
“You believe that?” Patti asked with a hopeful expression.
“I do,” Kat said.
“Where does that leave us?” Patti asked.
“That’s why I brought you here today. We need to free Prime before the general returns. This is our chance. Most of the Watch is gone, and the people will back you. I know they will,” Kat said.
“You want the Rebel Faction to take over Prime?” Patti asked.
“Yes, I do,” Kat said.
“What about General Sikes? He’s bound to return, especially if his mission failed, and he has an army at his disposal,” Patti pointed out.
“Yes, but what will he come back to?” Kat asked. “A closed gate and thirty-foot walls manned by the citizens of Prime. He’ll be cut off and stuck out in the open, an easy target for every predator within a fifty-mile radius.”
“What about the men with him? They’ll die,” Patti said. “Those are our people, too, led to disaster because of a power-hungry dictator.
“They don’t have to die,” Kat pointed out. “Not if they surrender. Once they realize where the people of Prime stand, they’re bound to join us.”
“I hope you’re right,” Patti said with a worried frown.
“You know I am. Within these walls are their families. Do you really think they’d choose loyalty to Sikes over their own flesh and blood?”
“No, of course not,” Patti acknowledged.
“This is our shot, Patti. We can take Prime with the minimum amount of bloodshed, cutting the general off from his source of power: Fear,” Kat said, pressing her point home. “What do you say? Are you in?”
“I’m in,” Patti said. “The Rebel Faction too. With Bruce and Moran gone, I’m in command, and they’ll do what I say.”
“Excellent,” Kat cried, clapping her hands. “Now that we’re in agreement, what’s our next step?”
“You can leave the takeover to me,” Patti said. “We’ve been planning for this for years, and everything is in readiness. It’s just a simple matter of execution.”
“When?” Kat asked. “We need to do this before the general returns, and he’s already been gone for a few days.”
“It’ll take a day or two to coordinate everything and get into contact with all the members of the faction,” Patti said.
“Alright. What about me? What do I do?” Kat asked.
“You?” Patti asked. “Nothing. There’s little you can do except wait it out.”
Kat stared at Patti, deflated. “That seems…boring.”
“Maybe, but rather that than putting yourself in unnecessary danger,” Patti said. “There will be plenty to do afterward. The whole of Prime will need to be restructured. We’ll need a new government, new laws, and a whole new way of doing things. That’s when we’ll need people like you within the hotel.”
“I suppose,” Kat said, thinking it over. “What about MacNamara? The man Sikes left in command?”
“If he tries to stop us, he’ll face the consequences,” Patti said.
“He doesn’t seem like a bad guy, though. There’s something about him that’s different,” Kat said.
“It sounds as if you like him,” Patti said.
“Maybe I do. Maybe I shouldn’t, but my gut says Callum can be reasoned with.”
“If that’s the case, perhaps you can try. Keep him in the hotel when the uprising starts and talk to him. If you’re right, he’ll listen. If not…” Patti shrugged, her expression closed.
“It’s worth a shot, but how will I know when the time comes? I already owe Dorian,” Kat said with a shudder.
“I know where you live,” Patti said. “I’ll get word to you, I promise.”
“Okay,” Kat said, her mind fast-forwarding to the night ahead. Already, she imagined the worst. It wouldn’t be pleasant, that much she knew.
“Can I ask what you promised him?” Patti said. “Dorian, I mean.”
“Do you really want to know?” Kat said, her voice bleak.
“I do.”
“One night. I promised him one night,” Kat said. She looked at her watch and blanched. “And it starts in forty minutes.”
Patti paled. “Dear God. You’re willing to do that?”
Kat closed her eyes and swallowed. “If it brings me my freedom, yes.”
“Is there no other way?”
“No. I made the deal, and now I have to pay the piper.”
Chapter 17 - General Sikes
General Sikes reigned in his horse on top of a low hill. Behind him lay Prime City. He could just make out its vague silhouette through the binoculars that hung around his neck. It was little more than a smudge, an insignificant dot on the horizon.
It made him realize how insular he and the citizens of Prime had become. How stifled and caged their lives were while a whole world awaited them outside. Sure, it was dangerous. Predatory creatures roamed the wilds, ready to tear them limb from limb. But there was also so much more to discover. For one thing, how many other cities were out there waiting to be conquered? Cities filled with supplies and riches.
In his mind’s eye, Sikes envisioned himself ruling a vast kingdom. People would bow at his feet, and he’d be in command of a mighty army. So big that no one would dare oppose him.
Besides, who knew what technology still remained? Untouched caches of vehicles, guns, tools, and ammunition. Electrical substations, water plants, factories, and laboratories all waiting to be reinstated. He could bring the old world back, only this time, he’d be in charge. Dinosaurs be damned.
Sikes eased back in his saddle, his large frame relaxed. As part of his daily physical exercise, he often rode around the fields and pastures of Prime. He was an expert rider, and his muscles were used to the saddle, unlike the hapless Bones.
“Captain, a word, if you please,” Sikes barked.
Bones hurried over, his lanky frame bouncing around like a sack of potatoes. It was clear he’d never ridden a horse before, and Sikes suppressed a grin of amusement. He’ll be in a great deal of pain come nightfall.
“Yes, General,” Bones intoned once he managed to reign in his steed.
His face was red, and sweat dripped down his cheeks, but he strived to maintain an expression of calm. His efforts were stymied by his mount, however. Clearly unhappy with his rider, the roan chomped at the bit and tossed his head in agitation.
“We’ve made good time,” General Sikes said.
Bones nodded. “Yes, Sir. I’d estimate we’ve traveled eighteen miles today.”
“Why haven’t we been attacked yet? Hell, I haven’t even seen a single dinosaur since we left the city.”
“I’m not sure, Sir. It might be that our numbers have scared them off. They’ve likely never seen so many of us in one place before,” Bones replied.
“Conjecture, of course,” Sikes said.
“True, Sir. I don’t know anything for sure,” Bones said, dropping his gaze to the ground. He shifted in his seat, which only served to irritate his horse further. The animal snorted and whirled about in a tight circle before settling down again.
“We need to find a place to make camp soon,” Sikes said, pointing to the sky. “We have an hour at most left before nightfall. Do you know of a suitable place?”
“Just beyond this rise is a large open field, Sir. It borders on the river on one side, a natural barrier.”
“Good. Take us there. We need to get settled before dark
,” Sikes commanded.
“Yes, Sir,” Bones said.
“Oh, and Captain. One more thing.”
“Yes, General?” Bones asked.
“You look like an idiot. Learn to control that animal before you make a laughing stock of yourself,” Sikes said.
With hunched shoulders, Bones uttered a muted, “Yes, Sir,” before hurrying to perform his duties as Captain.
Sikes snorted as he watched the man ride away, his seat loose and awkward. “What an imbecile. The moment this is over, I’m getting rid of him. MacNamara would make a much better Captain than him.”
For a moment, Sikes missed his right-hand man. Callum was intelligent, brave, and calm under pressure. It made sense to leave him behind, however. Someone capable needed to run Prime City in his absence, and that man was MacNamara. “I guess I’m stuck with Bones for now.”
Kicking his horse in the ribs, he cantered downhill toward the field Bones had spoken of. There he watched as the soldiers pitched camp. There were no luxuries to be had. Each soldier carried a simple bedroll, and they clustered around rough cooking fires. The wagons doled out food and water rations, and each man had to shift for himself.
At least, Bones wasn’t a complete idiot. The man knew a lot about life in the outdoors. Under his supervision, a group of soldiers dug a latrine downwind to minimize the smell. Another team cut enough wood to fuel the bonfires that needed to burn all night, and a third group set up a rough perimeter of strung barbed wire.
Bones also arranged for sentries to keep watch around the clock and created response teams to react during an attack. The entire operation took about an hour before the men could settle down for the night.
Sikes picked his way across the field toward his own quarters. He used the opportunity to speak to the men, bolstering their courage. It didn’t take much. A nod here, a hello there, a word of praise or even a stern reprimand was enough to fire them up.
When he reached his destination, he dismounted and handed the reins to a stable young boy. “See that you take good care of him,” Sikes said, patting the stallion on the neck.
As much as he despised most living things, he loved his horse and had even named it Goliath. It was a spirited creature with a proud bloodline. For that reason, he’d insisted on bringing along Samuel, the stable hand, to take care of his mount. The roan, too, of course. Horses were scarce and had to be cherished.
He glanced at the sky, noting the time. It was getting late, and he was almost ready to retire for the night. “Captain!”
Bones rushed over. “Yes, Sir?”
“Ask the cook to bring my food within the next half-hour. I wish to eat and go to bed. Tomorrow will be a long day,” Sikes said, turning toward his sleeping quarters. “I trust you can manage on your own?”
“Yes, Sir,” Bones said with a look of ill-concealed relief.
“Excellent. See to it that I’m not disturbed.”
“Will do, Sir.”
General Sikes swept aside the canvas and stepped into his sleeping quarters. While the soldiers had to make do with the minimum, he and Bones each had a tent. These were pitched in the middle of the field, surrounded by the army—an intentional move. Sikes had no desire to get eaten while he slept. Besides, the men needed to know who was in charge. And that person is me.
***
General Sikes woke to the sound of screams during the night. Screams and wild cries for help. He scrambled upright and yanked on his boots and jacket. There was no time to waste, and he burst into the open, carrying a semi-automatic shotgun. With the tactical weapon gripped in both hands, he felt confident enough to face whatever was out there. “Come on, you stupid dinosaurs. Show me what you’ve got.”
The noise came from the East, opposite the river, and he ran in that direction. The camp was in an uproar, and total chaos reigned. When Sikes reached the border, he paused, trying to pinpoint the madness. A man rushed past, and he grabbed him by the shoulder. “What’s going on?”
“T-Rex,” the man cried, his voice shrill. “It’s a T-Rex!”
Sikes’ blood ran cold at the words. He was mortally afraid of a Tyrannosaurus rex. Only an utter fool wouldn’t be terrified of the forty-foot monstrosity that weighed in at fifteen tons. Suddenly, the shotgun seemed like a toy, but the general was no coward. They had to fight or die.
“Where is it?” he asked.
“Over there,” the soldier replied, pointing at a spot not far from them.
Sikes stared into the gloom, struggling to make out the finer details. Then he saw it, looming above a knot of fragile humanity. It looked like a beast summoned from the depths of hell to terrorize the living. A monster bent on destroying them all.
“Get over there and fight,” Sikes commanded.
“What?” the soldier said, his eyes wide and staring. “I….I can’t. No!”
Sikes shook the man until his teeth rattled. “I said, get over there now, or I’ll kill you myself.”
He shoved the soldier toward the spot, and the man broke into a stumbling run. Sikes followed, and they reached the scene within seconds. A bonfire lit the area with roaring flames, etching the men and beast in shades of yellow, orange, and black.
Bones stood not far from the fire, directing the defense. He wielded a rifle, firing off shots with cold precision. He reloaded when he ran out, not once budging from his spot or letting the men flag. “You there, catch it from behind with your spears. Keep it busy while the gunmen reload. Archers, fire!”
A ring of crossbowmen fired off their bolts. Most of the shots glanced off the T-rex’s thick hide, utterly harmless. The gigantic beast snapped at the offending pieces of wood with its massive jaws, distracted by the flying missiles.
The few gunmen in the area quickly reloaded their guns while the rest kept the dinosaur busy. As one, they took aim and fired. The muzzle flashes looked like fireworks to Sikes, and he watched with wonder as the bullets punched into the creature’s hide.
The T-rex tipped its head back and roared. The sound blasted outward like a sonic boom, causing several men to stumble back in fright. Sikes winced as the noise pounded at his eardrums until he thought his head would explode.
Enraged, the T-Rex lashed out with its powerful tail. Several people went flying, and the bonfire exploded in a shower of sparks. Bones ducked in the nick of time, hugging the ground. Sikes dropped into a low crouch, his eyes striving to take it all in.
Without pause, the beast broke into a thundering run. Each step caused the earth to shake, and Sikes’ army scattered in all directions. One man screamed as the wicked jaws of death snatched him up. His cries changed to a sickening gurgle as the serrated teeth ripped him in half, scattering chunks of innards all over.
Gathering his courage, Sikes stood up. They had to stop the monster before his entire army was destroyed. “Captain! Get those gunmen together. Hurry.”
Bones obeyed, scrambling to his feet and rallying the men. Together, they stormed after the T-rex, firing whenever they had a clear shot. Their bullets rained down a hailstorm of damage, ripping through muscle and tissue. Rivers of blood streamed from the beast’s hide, yet still, it refused to die. Instead, the T-rex swung around and charged its attackers, bellowing with each stride.
“Hold your ground,” Sikes yelled, aiming at the T-rex’s head. “Keep firing!”
Another volley of shots rang out, and the dinosaur threw up its head and shrieked with agony. Its massive hind legs faltered, and the T-rex crashed to the ground. With a final shuddering breath, the once invincible beast sagged into death.
General Sikes lifted his gun and uttered a triumphant yell. Within seconds, the rest of the men joined in, roaring out their victory to the heavens. Despite the destruction, it was a great moment for Sikes. It gave him the belief that he could do anything, go anywhere, and crush anyone who stood in his path.
Chapter 18
Rogue searched the crowd for any signs of Moran, but the woman was nowhere to be seen. She’d disappeared in
to the masses without a backward glance. “Where is she, Seth?”
“I don’t know, but we have to get out of here,” Seth said, pushing her toward the exit.
“No, I’m not leaving without her,” Rogue insisted, yanking her arm back.
“Then get up onto the stage,” Seth said, pushing her toward the raised platform.
Rogue scrambled onto it and helped the others up one by one: Olivia, Brittany, David, Paul, Sandi, Aret, Bruce, Bear, Steven, and Seth. Thankfully, they were all there. Everyone except Moran. “We have to find Moran!”
Jamie ran toward them, her eyes wild. “This is crazy. I can’t believe Robert did this. What is he thinking of starting a riot?”
“I don’t know,” Paul said, holding Sandi close to his side. “My father has always been a little intense.”
“Intense?” Aret cried. “He’s lost it.”
Rogue listened to them talk with half an ear, her eyes still searching for Moran. At the edge of the stage stood Ric, attempting to regain control. “Stop this madness. Stop it right now.”
Nobody listened until Moran jumped onto the stage, appearing as suddenly as she’d vanished. Without pause, she yanked Ric’s gun from his belt and fired a single shot into the air. In an instant, every single person within the building froze, shock and horror imprinted on their faces. Silence settled over the building like a thick blanket until Rogue swore she could hear a pin drop.
“Stop fighting, all of you,” Moran said, her commanding voice hypnotic to the ear. “For years, I’ve suffered beneath the yoke of oppression. For years, I’ve fought for freedom—both for myself and my fellow people. For my efforts, I was captured, imprisoned, and tortured. I escaped, and Rogue brought me here in the hopes of finding refuge. Instead, all I find is more suspicion and hatred. Neighbor fighting neighbor. You should all be ashamed of yourselves.”
From her spot on the stage, Rogue watched as her adopted mother took control of the room. Pride filled her heart as Moran showed the same grace and determination that had made her the Rebel Faction leader.
“We Primes are not your enemy. If you allow us, we can be allies and even friends. We can work together, but only if the hatred from the past can be set aside. Rogue did not kill your man, Dan Bergman. I’m sorry for his death, as is she, but the man responsible is still out there. If you want to blame someone, blame him.”
The Extinction Series | Book 3 | Primordial Earth 3 Page 11