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  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.

  Chapter 5

  “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 h
ell 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 aluminum 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 second 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 leavin
g 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.