Apeworld: Civil War III Chapter Twenty-Three

Magus sat in his quarters, deep in thought. It had been partly his fault that the primitive apeworld had fallen into Imperial hands, and now, he wanted to atone for that act. As he began to gather his thoughts, the door buzzer sounded. Seconds later, the chimp, Galen, entered. Galen still looked upon the Dreadnought cruiser with wonder. He had never seen anything like it before, but that wonder was clouded with sadness. Magus could detect Galen's sorrow.

"I assume you've heard the news, my boy," he said.

"All I know is that my home has been overrun by a force far more powerful than my people," said Galen. "General Bel Iblis tells me that you are formulating a plan of attack. Have you finished it yet?"

"The first part of the plan has already been put into operation, Galen. It was some time ago."

"You mean you knew these Imperials would attack my world? You could have prevented it? How? How could you know?"

"An ancient law, as old as Time itself, forbids me from telling you more."

"Then if you won't tell me everything, then you must let me help!"

"That's out of the question!"

"I know my world far better than anyone on this ship, including yourself! You need me, Doctor! It is my world we are fighting for after all!"

Rising from his seat, Magus approached Galen and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You are right, my friend. Your help would be very valuable to me at this time."

Galen turned to leave the room.

"Know this, Galen," Magus said. "I will do everything possible to free your world. On that you have my word."

 

Zaius and Cornelius looked upon Caesar suspiciously as he began to tell them his story.

"My home is on an island, many miles off your coastline. I have lived there in virtual solitude for a number of years. That is until the Imperials came and took me from my home. They brought me here in one of their flying craft. The next thing I know, I am in this prison, with the rest of you."

"So why you?" asked Zaius, staring Caesar straight in the eye.

"I have perhaps the most powerful weapon on this world of ours," Caesar continued. "More powerful than any weapon or any army! Knowledge!"

"We all have knowledge here!" said Cornelius. "I have knowledge of our ancestors, Zira has knowledge of medicine, Doctor Zaius has knowledge of the astronauts' machines, and Urko has the knowledge of combat. What knowledge do you have?"

"Knowledge that would dwarf yours by comparison. I know of a way to defeat the Imperials!"

"Then why haven't you used it?" asked Zaius. "Why haven't you beaten them?"

"Because it is useless in this prison. I can do nothing while I am confined like this. We must escape."

Zaius began to laugh.

"And how, pray tell, are we to do that? Their technology is far superior to ours! We have bullets, and they have weapons that fire lightning!"

"Wait!" said Caesar. "And watch!"

 

Aboard the U.S.S. Flying Scotsman, Drathro had studied under Captain Scott and had learned how to repair a warp core and several other systems almost single-handedly. That knowledge had helped him in this assignment, because compared to Starfleet technology, the engines and systems of the Dreadnought-class cruiser seemed a little primitive. However, with the superior Istarian technology, he had managed to jerry-rig something, and after just three hours, he had managed to integrate the Istarian cloaking device into the Dreadnought's systems. Seconds after he had finished, he activated his communicator.

"Drathro to Bel Iblis. The cloaking device is fully installed. You may begin the tests."

Just as the message came through to the bridge, Magus entered.

"We don't have time for tests, General," he said. "Activate the device now!"

"But that thing of yours could blow out every system on board!" said Bel Iblis. "I don't want to take any chances!"

"We are just about to take one of the biggest chances in the history of the universe, General! And trust me! I know my own technology!"

Bel Iblis turned in his command chair and signaled to the helmsman.

"Cloaking device is activated sir..." the helmsman said before breaking out into a huge grin. "...and it's working, sir! It's working!"

Bel Iblis turned to Magus, who was also smiling.

"Did you ever doubt me, General?" he said. "Now set a course for Apeworld!"

 

What used to be the Council chambers now served as the command post of Grand Admiral Thrawn. From this cavern he marshaled his forces, taking control of this primitive planet, capturing its backward people, rounding them up, and executing those who dared resist the might of the Galactic Empire. As he gathered his thoughts, trying to calculate his next move, his communicator sounded. It was a signal from the command ship, in orbit around the planet.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Admiral, but I thought you'd like to know... a ship is approaching this world at high speed."

"Is it Free Federation?" Thrawn asked.

"Negative. It does not conform to any Starship design, or any of those used by the Rebel Alliance. Long-range sensors have just picked up a visual... putting it through now."

Soon, the image of space was on the screen before him. The ship soon came into view. He had never seen a ship of this design before. It seemed most unworthy of space travel, and yet, it seemed far superior in technology to anything the Empire had.

 

Drathro sat at his science station, intrigued by what the long-range sensors had detected.

"Fascinating," he said, not realizing Magus was now standing behind him.

"Anything I should be aware of?" he asked.

"Long-range sensors are picking up a most unusual warp trail, heading straight towards Apeworld."

"Show me."

After Drathro flicked a switch, Magus saw the warp signature on the screen. Drathro could tell from Magus' expression that he recognized the readings. Magus turned swiftly and faced Bel Iblis in his command chair.

"General, I suggest we go to maximum speed."

"Why?"

"The need to get to the planet is now more urgent than ever! I will explain all later!"

It wasn't long before the Dreadnought entered the system.

"Irenz, carry out preliminary scans."

Irenz did as she was told.

"First scans coming through now, General... I'm picking up an Imperial Star Destroyer... but no energy signature!"

"How is that possible?" asked Bel Iblis. "Star Destroyers are the most powerful ships known! They put out a tremendous amount of energy!"

Magus stood beside the General, closing his eyes, reaching out with his powers to scan even further.

"Probe deeper, General," he suggested. "And get a visual as soon as possible!"

Bel Iblis studied Magus before nodding to Irenz.

"Visual coming in now sir," she reported.

The view-screen before them flickered to life. What Bel Iblis saw shocked him. An Imperial Star Destroyer, possibly the most powerful ship ever conceived or created, was dead in the proverbial water. It had been almost ripped in two. And the reason for this was nearby, plain for all to see. Magus' eyes opened, and he saw one of the things he dreaded most in all the universe. Looming near the Star Destroyer was a ship far more powerful than the mighty Imperial vessel.

"It can't be!" Bel Iblis gasped. "I thought they were a legend!"

"It is no legend, General! Our task has just been made more dangerous by... the Borg!"