How The Other Half Lives Who: Cornelius, Future!Peter [Open] What: Arrives from the future Where: Ape City and then a back alley in L.A. When: Early evening Rating: PG
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Cornelius knew things were dangerous, but it was Zira who finally convinced him that they needed to do something to save their lives and the life of their unborn child. The Gorillas had grown more and more aggressive since the arrival of Taylor, the talking human. They were restless for power and thirsting for blood. The existence of the astronaut (as he had called himself) gave them the excuse they needed to try and overthrow what semblance of a democratic society the Apes had. They cried out for a militarized rule. This threw the Orangutans into endless political talks. And the Chimpanzees? Well, the Chimpanzees had always been peaceful. They sought truth and knowledge. They had no desire nor interest in war. But, at the same time, they did not wish to see the Gorillas in control. That would be a thing most devastating to their culture.
And now with the arrival of yet another astronaut, well, Zira had noted almost immediately that the situation was dire. And she quickly convinced her husband that escape was necessary. But how? Dr. Milo, a well-respected Chimpanzee scientist, had uncovered Taylor's human-built spacecraft from the past. He'd been working to understand its mechanisms and restore it back to its original condition. Or, as close to its original condition as he could. It had been underwater in the sea of the Forbidden Zone for a long time.
"You hurry on to the ship site, Zira! I'll be right along after you!" Cornelius insisted to his wife, the last troops of Gorilla soldiers passing through the street towards the desert.
"But, Cornelius! I'm so frightened! Please come with me now!" Zira pleaded.
"Soon, Zira! But there are a few things I need to get! If we are to leave this world then we must bring with us some record of our history! Who knows what we may found out there?"
"Be quick, my love."
"Don't worry. Nothing can keep me from you for long," he replied, leaning forward to kiss her. "Now go!"
While Zira grabbed her carpet bag and hurried out the door, Cornelius scrambled into the backroom to get his own bag. It was a small sized suitcase. He didn't require as much as his wife. Women and their things, he thought to himself. But he did want to get a few of his artifacts, maps, and a few books on Simian philosophy, history, and archaeology passed down to him by his father. No matter what happened here in this world and no matter where they found themselves in the future (or the past,) he would ensure that his child grew up with a fair knowledge of his ancestors.
But that's when everything changed. Well, when he walked out of the bedroom, that is. He suddenly found himself standing in an unfamiliar alley. He still had his suitcase in hand, but he dropped it when he caught a quick glimpse of some large creature rushing by. He made what should have been a yelping sound, but nothing came out, only silence. Perhaps because he was so suddenly shooken up and afraid. He was inwardly whimpering though. And then another one rushed by!
He pressed himself up against the wall of a very tall building, peering out from the dark alley and into the street. Where was he? What was he doing here? And then an even more horrible thought came to his mind.
Zira! Zira! Where are you?! Are you safe?!
The world was more than just unfamiliar to Cornelius. It was downright alien. Where was the architecture of the Great Hall? And the Museum of Natural Ape History? Where was his own home? Zira's office? The human cages and veterinary center? He didn't recognize any of this. Just as he didn't recognize this strange material that made up the building and the ground beneath his feet. It made him quite fearful. And those beasts rushing by at high speeds! Not even the horses of General Ursus could move that quickly!
Oh, Zira. Where are you? I need you!
And that's when Cornelius received his biggest shock of all. The pedestrians on this dangerous street. They were -- No, it couldn't be possible. They were too civilized. Too much like his own people. They were--
HUMAN!
He crouched down in the darkness near a dumpster and held his suitcase to his chest. Perhaps if he closed his eyes for a moment this nightmare would disappear.