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While Buck Rogers's mind was racing with questions and uncertainties as he lay in his bed hundreds of miles away in the Inner City, George Taylor found himself reeling from an encounter with the half-buried statue of Miss Liberty that left him feeling disoriented and disturbed.
He and Nova trudged away from the bewildering scene, their exhaustion weighing heavily on their shoulders. The sight of the half-buried statue of Miss Liberty haunted Taylor’s thoughts as they moved further from its eerie presence. It stood there, a solemn sentinel in the desolate landscape, silently calling out to them.
The once-majestic figure now lay trapped in a sandy tomb, her noble form obscured by the relentless onslaught of time and nature. The shifting sands had embraced her with an unforgiving grip, leaving only fragments of her former grandeur visible to the world. Her stone shoulders bore the weight of forgotten dreams and aspirations, while her obsidian face held an air of melancholy.
As Taylor and Nova distanced themselves from this tragic sight, they couldn't help but feel a sense of sorrow for the fallen symbol of freedom. The dead waters that surrounded her whispered mournfully against her weathered stone as if lamenting the loss of hope that she once represented. Each lap against her worn surface seemed to echo the cries of a nation that had lost its way. Taylor couldn't shake off the feeling that he was witnessing the demise of something greater than just a statue. It was as if the weight of the world's disappointments had settled upon her, burdening her with the collective sorrow of generations.
Taylor's mind reeled, unable to comprehend the magnitude of what he had just witnessed. It was as if his entire existence had been upended, leaving him incapable of any thought but that of the greatest wonder. The scientist within him, who prided himself on logical reasoning and rational explanations, was now reduced to a mere spectator in the face of this inexplicable phenomenon.
As an astronaut, Taylor had ventured into the unknown depths of space, braving countless dangers and pushing the boundaries of human exploration. Yet nothing he had encountered in his interstellar journey could have prepared him for this mind-boggling revelation. His understanding of the universe was shattered, leaving him confused and questioning everything he thought he knew.
But it wasn't just his scientific background that was shaken to its core; it was also the man within him who felt brutally stunned. The foundations of his beliefs and perceptions were crumbling before his eyes, leaving behind a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. He grappled with a profound sense of disorientation as he tried to make sense of this new reality unfolding before him. The once unshakeable pillars of his understanding were now reduced to mere fragments, forcing him to question everything he thought he knew. Amid this internal turmoil, he found solace in the pursuit of knowledge, seeking answers to the profound questions that plagued his mind. With each revelation, he slowly began to rebuild his shattered beliefs, emerging stronger and more resilient than ever before.
The nameless planet, the planet of intelligent apes, was his Mother Earth! Or rather, more bizarrely, more fittingly, what was left of it.
His imagination, once a wellspring of creativity and wonder, now lay dormant, unable to comprehend the magnitude of what he had witnessed. The images that had unfolded before his eyes had shattered the very foundation of his beliefs, leaving him bewildered and disoriented. What he now knew to be an unalterable fact was nothing short of a cataclysmic revelation.... the world he had left behind on Earth when embarking on this interstellar journey with his three esteemed colleagues, was no longer.
Gone were the familiar landscapes and bustling cities that once thrived with life. In their place stood a twisted realm of chaos and absurdity, where logic and reason were mere casualties of an unfathomable equation. It was as if reality itself had been hijacked by some malevolent force, transforming it into a grotesque parody of its former self.
Even as he wandered futilely across the arid desert stretches of this monumental Nowhere, with Nova limply and stickily plastered to his back astride the poor, tired horse, he tried to sort out the memories and experiences of the recent past. The scorching sun beat down mercilessly upon him, intensifying his exhaustion and thirst. Each step felt like a struggle against an invisible force, pulling him deeper into the vast expanse of desolation.
His mind was a jumble of fragmented images and fleeting emotions. Faces flashed before his eyes---friends, enemies, and strangers alike. Their voices echoed in his ears, blending into an indistinguishable cacophony. He desperately grasped at these fragments, trying to piece together the puzzle that was his recent history.
The events leading up to this desolate journey were hazy at best. He remembered a sense of urgency, a mission that had consumed him entirely. But now, as he trudged through the unforgiving terrain, he couldn't recall the purpose behind his relentless pursuit. The memories were like shards of a broken mirror, reflecting only fragments of his past. Each step he took felt heavy with uncertainty as if he were walking through a fog of forgotten moments.
How long since they got lost in space and crash-landed on this alien soil? Time and torture had erased Taylor's memories, leaving him unable to think or even remember his comrades. All he could recall was the horrific landing incident. Lt. Julia Stewart was dead upon impact with the terrain. It wasn't due to a crash landing, but rather the peculiar nature of their flight. The four astronauts had aged eighteen months during a time-lapse of 504 years from Earth. Unfortunately, being female, Lt. Stewart did not survive the journey. Taylor and the two men swam towards shore, reaching a desolate Arizona-like wasteland. Endless stretches of brown, parched earth and towering rock formations stretched as far as the eye could see. In their aimless wanderings, they stumbled upon a rare sight - vegetation. However, their discovery was accompanied by an encounter with a horde of savage humans. Filthy, unkempt, and devoid of speech, these barbaric beings seemed to have lost or never possessed the ability to communicate. Nova, a captivating beauty with long hair and intense eyes, relied solely on her gaze to communicate. She was the kind of person who needed to be taught how to smile.
Then, the cavalry of apes charged through the bushes and trees. Leather-jacketed gorillas armed with truncheons and rifles. The terrified whites, including Taylor and his comrades, attempted to flee. But it was futile. The barbaric gorillas swiftly captured them all, using whips, nets, and hooks. Any resistance was met with deadly force. One of Taylor's crew, Dr. Arthur Dodge, died in the attack. But what followed was even worse.
Taylor stumbled upon a complex, a labyrinth of stone structures and enclosures. Here, the apes reigned supreme, the last remnants of civilization on Earth. It was a simian society, governed by gorillas, while chimpanzees and orangutans acted as healers. Of the two remaining astronauts, Landon was lobotomized, rendering him an unthinking vegetable. Taylor, on the other hand, faced emasculation and memory-erasing brainwashing by the simian rulers. With the aid of chimpanzee scientists Zira and Cornelius, who opposed the oppressive ape regime, Taylor successfully fled alongside Nova. Their bond grew strong despite Nova's inability to speak. Despite Taylor's efforts to teach her, she might never speak.
Having escaped his tormentors, Taylor recalled the incredible aura and reality of the Ape Kingdom in the "Forbidden Zone." The signs everywhere: Humans, created in the image of the Almighty, are the only ones who kill for sport, lust, or greed, they imitate what they see. The remarkable statues and artifacts of ape culture, like the hear-no-evil-no-speak-no-evil symbol and the mother gorilla cradling a baby reminiscent of Michelangelo's Pieta, symbolized the astonishing notion of Apes as Humans.
Yes, Taylor remembered that much. The shock might never wear off. It was a memory etched into his mind like a deep scar, a constant reminder of the pain and disbelief he had experienced. The event had left an indelible mark on his soul, forever altering their perspective on life.
With humans confined to cages, their once vibrant spirits now broken and subdued, the world had transformed into a dystopian nightmare. The air was heavy with despair as people were mercilessly whipped and driven like mere animals, their freedom snatched away by a panel of highly intelligent apes who had cunningly restructured the very fabric of society. This new order of heredity and nature, meticulously devised by these ruling primates, had plunged humanity into an abyss from which there seemed no escape.
The haunting reality of this twisted existence gnawed at the core of his being, casting a dark shadow over whatever remained of his own life. Each passing day brought fresh torment and anguish as he witnessed the degradation of his fellow humans, once proud and free but now reduced to mere playthings for their simian overlords. The weight of helplessness pressed upon him like an iron shackle, leaving him suffocating in a sea of despair.
Ape had evolved from Man, a remarkable twist in the course of evolution that forever altered the dynamics of the world. Detecting an imminent menace and potential extinction looming over their existence, the society of apes had reluctantly come to believe that their well-being hinged upon mastering and subjugating the inferior being known as Man. This belief, though born out of fear and self-preservation, was a chilling manifestation of genocide unfolding right before Taylor's eyes.
As Taylor observed this disturbing reality, he couldn't help but reflect on the profound implications it held for both species. The apes' presumption that they needed to dominate and control humans to secure their survival was not only a testament to their intelligence but also a reflection of the deep-rooted fears ingrained within them. It was a desperate attempt to safeguard their future amidst an uncertain world where ignorance reigned supreme.
The parallels between this situation and historical genocides were strikingly evident. Just as oppressive regimes throughout history had sought to suppress and control certain groups of people to maintain power and dominance, the apes' desire to dominate humans stemmed from a similar fear of being marginalized and oppressed.
Man as slave labor, Man as expendable creature, Man as Nothing. These were the bleak and haunting thoughts that echoed through the minds of those who dared to ponder the state of the world after 504 years had passed. It was a period marked by immense progress in terms of knowledge, culture, and freedom, yet it seemed that humanity had somehow regressed to its primal origins.
And all it had needed to upset the applecart had been one madman's thermonuclear bomb.
Taylor contemplated the potential culprits. Could it be Red China? Or Russia? Germany? The United Kingdom?
But amidst these conjectures, another thought emerged - what about those trigger-happy Israelis? A nation surrounded by adversaries, fiercely protective of their existence, their history marred by conflict and survival against all odds.
What does it matter now? It was Man’s funeral, a solemn occasion that transcended all distinctions and titles. Whether one saw it as a man, a brilliant scientist, or an intrepid astronaut, the truth remained unchanged.
The wheel had come full cycle, completing its relentless journey through time. It had witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth and demise of civilizations, and the ebb and flow of human existence. Now, as it reached its final rotation, there was nothing left—nothing but a profound sense of closure.
Their aimless, sluggish trek through the wasteland was a scorching, uncomfortable, bone-weary journey. Taylor's bones were barely noticeable. Bearded, bronzed, clad in leather fragments, he felt like an ancient Adam in a new world. Nova, her lithe body embracing him, remained silent. The weary mare struggled to move.
The scorching sun relentlessly beat down upon the earth, casting its fiery rays from a vast expanse of sky painted in a brilliant shade of blue, adorned with wisps of white clouds that seemed to dance lazily across the heavens. Taylor's weary eyeballs throbbed with an ache that mirrored the intensity of the sun's relentless assault. Beads of sweat cascaded down his face, tracing a path along his chiseled features and carving rivulets through the rugged terrain of his strong-planed countenance. His shoulders, gaunt yet formidable, bore the weight of both physical exhaustion and an indomitable spirit that refused to yield.
They had been riding through the barren desert for what felt like an eternity, their bodies weakened by the scorching sun and relentless heat. Suddenly, the girl's hands trembled with excitement as she desperately pounded on Taylor's back, urging him to look.
Taylor turned his gaze towards her, his face etched with exhaustion and skepticism. He had seen countless mirages during their journey, false promises that evaporated into thin air upon closer inspection. But something about the girl's urgency compelled him to turn his attention towards the horizon.
And there it was – a vision so surreal that it seemed like a figment of their imagination. Amidst the vast expanse of dunes, a shimmering oasis emerged, like a mirage within a mirage.
Slowly, with deliberate steps, he guided the horse towards the water's edge. His eyes were fixed on the shimmering surface, mesmerized by what lay before him. As they approached, his heart quickened with anticipation. Yes, it was real. The sight that greeted him was both surreal and hauntingly beautiful.
Gazing down into the low pool, he could see their reflections mirrored in its tranquil depths. The horse's powerful silhouette stood tall and proud, its muscles rippling beneath its glossy coat. And there he was, a solitary figure with weathered features etched by time and experience. His weary eyes met his reflection's gaze, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.
The waterhole itself seemed like a hidden oasis amidst the barren landscape. Flanked by gnarled trees that appeared to have endured countless seasons without ever knowing foliage, it exuded an air of ancient wisdom.
"Water," Taylor murmured, his voice barely audible amidst the eerie silence that enveloped the desolate landscape
He assisted Nova in dismounting, always conscious of her exquisite physique and youthful allure. Her eyes held a perpetual air of curiosity. Taylor pondered the enigma of existence, forever elusive. He leaned over the water, cautiously testing it. It appeared safe. Unfamiliar but not unpleasant, he signaled to Nova and halted the horse. All three quenched their thirst. With utmost urgency and intensity, as if it were the paramount act in existence.
Sated, Taylor flopped back on the warm sand, feeling the grains shift beneath him as he settled into a comfortable position. He let out a contented sigh, his body tingling with the pleasant exhaustion that comes after a day of adventure and exploration. The sun beat down relentlessly from above, casting its golden rays upon the beach, creating a shimmering mirage in the distance.
As he lay there, Taylor's gaze drifted upward to the remorselessly hot sky. The cerulean expanse seemed infinite, stretching out endlessly in all directions. Wispy clouds lazily floated by, their shapes morphing and transforming with each passing moment. He found himself captivated by their dance against the backdrop of the vast heavens.
Nova sensed his tranquility and padded over to him. With bright eyes filled with adoration, she nestled herself beside him on the soft sand. Taylor smiled affectionately at her and locked an arm around her lithe frame.
His blue eyes slit sardonically, their icy gaze piercing through the smoky air. In that moment, it felt as though he could be anywhere, in any ordinary universe. Perhaps he was standing beneath a vast expanse of sky, like the one that stretched over New York on a scorching summer day. Or maybe he found himself in the serene landscapes of Vermont or Kansas, where golden fields and rolling hills painted a picturesque backdrop. Alternatively, his surroundings could resemble the arid deserts of Arizona, with its rugged beauty and unforgiving heat.
But alas, reality crashed down upon him like a tidal wave. It was unmistakably New York City that lay beneath his feet – a city that had once thrived with life and pulsated with energy. Now, however, it was reduced to nothing more than a haunting wasteland buried under hundreds of feet of thermonuclear sand. The very thought of it was an abomination—a grotesque parody of what this vibrant metropolis had been.
"Where in hell do we go from here?" he growled at the sky, frustration etched on his face. There was no answer, just an eerie silence that seemed to mock his every word. He twisted his body to face Nova, his eyes searching for a glimmer of hope amidst the desolation.
"Or do we just stop off and start a human colony?" he pondered aloud, his voice tinged with both desperation and defiance. The idea seemed absurd, yet in this barren wasteland, it held a strange allure. Perhaps it was the only way to ensure humanity's survival, to carve out a new beginning in this unforgiving world.
His mind wandered to the children - those innocent souls who had been thrust into this cruel existence. "And the kids would learn to talk—better sense than the apes," he mused, a flicker of determination igniting within him.
Suddenly, he began to notice how Nova periodically seemed to go into involuntary jerking motions. It was as if her body was responding to some unseen force, causing her muscles to twitch and spasm. At first, he dismissed it as mere restlessness or nervousness, but as time went on, these episodes became more frequent and pronounced. Concerned, he couldn't help but wonder what could be causing this strange phenomenon.
Playing a hunch, he decided to investigate further. Carefully placing his hand on Nova's stomach, he waited with bated breath. The anticipation grew within him as seconds turned into minutes. And then, just when he was about to give up hope, it happened. A sudden jolt reverberated through his hand—a firm kick from inside.
His heart skipped a beat as a mix of emotions flooded over him—surprise, awe, and an overwhelming sense of joy. He had felt it—the undeniable presence of life growing within Nova's womb.
Nova was going to have a child. That realization flooded Taylor with an overwhelming sense of euphoria. At that moment, a glimmer of hope ignited within him, dispelling any doubts about his purpose in the future. He now believed that his presence in this time was not a mere accident, but rather a deliberate opportunity to guide and shape the destiny of humanity. With Nova by his side, they would bring forth a new race of intelligent beings, nurturing them with knowledge and wisdom to lead the human race out of the depths of ignorance and back toward the pinnacle of civilization.
Taylor realized his duty was clear, as he observed the profound impact he had on Nova's life. With a gentle yet commanding tone, he urged Nova to attempt pronouncing the name he had bestowed upon her. "Try to say the name I gave you," Taylor softly commanded, his voice filled with unwavering determination and a touch of encouragement. Nova hesitated for a moment, her eyes reflecting a mixture of uncertainty and trust.
She remained mystified and mute, as always, her mind swirling with a mixture of confusion and awe. His finger extended towards her, a silent gesture that spoke volumes about the depth of his desire and the intensity of their connection. In that moment, she couldn't help but feel acutely aware of the surge of her splendid body against its pitiful fragments of costume, a stark contrast that only heightened the raw emotions coursing through her veins.
"No-va......No-va.....No-va...." he repeated, frustration creeping into his voice. Still, she remained mute, her eyes fixed on him with a puzzled expression. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he desperately tried to decipher the meaning behind her silence.
Then, as if a switch had been flipped, her face lit up with recognition. A spark of understanding flickered in her eyes, and to his intense pleasure, she slowly raised her finger and pointed it directly at him. It was a moment of pure connection as if they were the only two people in the world.
She leaned forward, peering closely into his eyes as if searching for something hidden deep within them. Her gaze was intense yet gentle, like a soft breeze on a summer's day. He felt himself being drawn into her presence, captivated by the depth of emotion reflected in her eyes.
"Taylor," Taylor said, her voice filled with understanding as she comprehended what he was after. She pointed once more, her finger directing his attention to a specific spot in the distance. "Taylor," he echoed his name, a hint of curiosity lacing his tone.
In that moment, a sense of connection blossomed between them. It was as if their shared name had forged an unspoken bond, transcending the boundaries of mere coincidence. They stood there, two strangers brought together by the whims of fate, their eyes locked on each other.
She squinted in the blinding sun, her eyes watering as she strained to make out his words. "Taylor," he repeated, his gaze fixed on her mouth. Her lips moved, forming the shape of a sound, but no words escaped. She was rendered speechless, a mute Eve at this moment. Despite her inability to communicate verbally, there was an undeniable beauty that emanated from her, captivating all who beheld her silent presence.
From among the tattered remnants of his clothing, Taylor carefully retrieved his identity tag. The small metallic disc seemed out of place in this desolate world, a relic from another time and another reality. With a sense of reverence, he looped the tag around his neck, allowing it to rest against his chest. The sunlight caught the polished surface, causing it to gleam and shimmer with an otherworldly glow.
As Taylor pointed to the tag, Nova's eyes followed his every movement with a mixture of curiosity and awe. It was as if she were a child eager to absorb every detail, trying to unravel the mysteries held within that simple piece of metal. She had never seen anything like it before – an object that seemed both ancient and futuristic at the same time.
"Tay-lor," he said, his voice dripping with caution as he enunciated each syllable painstakingly.
Her lips barely moved in a brave attempt at mimicry, but no sound issued from them. Taylor sighed, feeling a mixture of frustration and sympathy for Nova. Despite her efforts, she couldn't find her voice. Nova's frown deepened as she continued to struggle, determined to overcome this obstacle that had plagued her for far too long.
In an act of unwavering support, Taylor reached across and gently kissed her on the lips. It was a tender gesture filled with love and understanding, an unspoken reassurance that they were in this together. As he struggled to his feet, he knew that their journey toward finding Nova's voice would require more time than they currently had.
"Let's find a home," Taylor said, his voice filled with determination and hope. 656Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybeaxl40kv
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The trial had been quick, exactly as the two chimpanzees had expected it to be. And now, they awaited news from the Tribunal as to their sentence.
Cornelius glanced at his wife and could see the look of anger boiling up inside her. Temperamentally, his wife was the opposite of him. Zira possessed a sharp tongue, a quick temper, and a willingness to speak her mind whenever she felt like it, no matter how much she risked getting herself in trouble. In many ways, her feistiness was why he had fallen in love with her so many years ago. But now, he found himself praying to the God he still believed in (even though he no longer believed in the truth of the Sacred Scrolls that claimed to be written in His name) that Zira would hold her tongue on this day. If she made any angry outbursts, it would probably mean a stiff prison sentence and total ruination for them both.
The door to the far right of the room opened and the three orangutans who made up the Tribunal entered and sat down at the table in front of the two chimpanzees. The President of the Ape Assembly, the nominal civil government of Ape Civilization, took his place at the center of the table with the two other members flanking him. He tapped his gavel, signaling that the Tribunal was now in formal session.
"This tribunal has weighed all of the evidence presented against the accused and has at last reached its decision," he began in that sonorous tone that had long ago earned him the respect of every legislator in the Ape Assembly.
Cornelius felt himself tense and reached under the table to squeeze Zira's hand.
"The tribunal finds you, Dr. Cornelius, and you, Dr. Zira, guilty of one charge of promoting scientific heresy," the President said solemnly. "Please rise to await sentence."
The two chimpanzees dutifully rose from their stone-backed chairs.
"Ordinarily, the sentence for such an offense against our faith is two years in prison. However, at the request of Dr. Zaius, who brought the indictment against you, the tribunal shall exercise the leniency that Ape Law is so noted for."
Zira felt herself almost biting her lower lip to avoid making a sarcastic retort.
"Cornelius, Zira. the tribunal suspends the sentences of prison time. Dr. Zira, because your heresy stems from your dangerous interactions with humans, your license to study them is revoked for a period of not less than two years. You will continue to receive your full salary and benefits as a psychologist, but you must now turn your attention to another species of animal---or your people."
The psychologist's mouth fell open slightly in a mixture of anger and shock. Cornelius felt himself fearing the worst, that his wife would make an outburst that would immediately bring a harsher sentence against her. To his relief, she said nothing.
The President then turned his gaze to Zira's new mate. "Cornelius, you too shall receive no loss of pay and benefits as an employee of the Ministry of Science. However, you are forbidden from engaging in any future archaeological studies and like Zira, are forbidden to ever speak or mention the name of the mutant being called 'Taylor' to anyone from this day forth."
Cornelius kept his expression stoic, his bearing firm and erect.
"Do you accept the judgment of this tribunal, and pledge on the Sacred Scrolls that you will abide by it?"
"I so pledge," the archaeologist said with only a hint of resignation.
"And you, Zira?"
Zira suppressed an urge to spit on the President. "I so pledge," she angrily forced her words out.
"So be it," the President rapped his gavel. "This tribunal now stands adjourned. You are both free to go."
The three orangutans rose and departed, leaving the two chimpanzees alone.
Cornelius let out a sigh of relief. "Much less than I expected," he said. "We should both feel grateful."
"Grateful?" Zira bolted from her chair and tossed a withering glance at her husband. "Convicted unjustly and deprived of our livelihood, and you feel grateful?"
"Would you have preferred prison, Zira?" he looked up at her and kept his tone patient. "That's now how I would have preferred to start our new life as a married couple."
"Always putting self-interest ahead of the truth!" she said in an angry huff as she sat down again.
Cornelius kept this attention on her.
"What do you want of me, Zira?" he asked. "If you're asking me to become an angry crusader for reform, I can't do it. As long as there is a Ruling Class that believes in repressing the truth, there is little you or I or any other chimpanzee can do. If, God willing, our society is to reform itself someday, it will have to take place because of change from within their ranks."
She avoided looking at him and folded her arms in defiance.
"Your trouble, Cornelius, is that you're like most Chimpanzees," she said. "Always content with your lot. Always content to be a permanent second-class citizen in our stratified society."
"Fate could have picked something worse for me," he injected a tiny edge of levity into his voice. "I could have been born a gorilla. Even you will concede, Zira, that as chimpanzees we do occupy the middle class of Ape society. We enjoy privileges and benefits that no gorilla will ever know."
"Gorillas will never know what it means to think!" she spat. "And we've seen firsthand how perpetually closed-minded orangutans will always be!"
Cornelius looked toward the door and then froze in horror when he saw the orangutan who was Chief Scientist standing there.
"Zira!" he hissed, "Dr. Zaius is here!"
The psychologist looked up and flushed with embarrassment.
"You have a very powerful way with words, Dr. Zira," the orangutan smiled as he made his way over to them, using his cane for support. "What a pity that chimpanzees can't serve in the Assembly."
"Dr. Zaius," Cornelius rose to his feet and practically stammered his words. "My deepest apologies for Zira's conduct. I hope that...."
The orangutan raised his cane and smiled disarmingly. "Do not apologize, Cornelius. All legal matters about both of you are done with. Were I in your position I would likely feel the same way." He sat down in the chair next to Zira. "But I gave you my word during our return from the Forbidden Zone that I would see to it that neither of you spent a day in prison or lost a penny in wages. You should have been more trusting of me."
Zira forced herself to look at the Chief Scientist. "You also gave us your work that the contents of the cave would be revealed!"
"And so I did." Dr. Zaius lowered his head. "Were I a younger ape with more faith in my fellow simian, I would have kept my word about that. But I am at a stage in my life where I have no desire to be the instrument of the greatest social upheaval our civilization would have known in untold hundreds of years."
"You said that the teachings of the Sacred Scrolls about Man can be reconciled with the existence of an ancient human civilization," Cornelius said. "Surely it would not be as great an upheaval as you fear for Apes to know the truth of that."
"I am not worried about the preservation of our religion and the Sacred Scrolls," Dr. Zaius said. "It is the greater unknown that I fear. Of what potentially lies beyond the Forbidden Zone that Taylor and his woman now seek."
"Do you know what lies there, Dr. Zaius?" Zira asked pointedly.
Again, the orangutan smiled and got to his feet.
"Come to my office in the Ministry," he said. "And to show my penance for subjecting you to the humility of this Tribunal, I will share with you something that no other Ape has had the privilege of seeing."
