《Children of the Singularity (S4)》


 1. Joshua: Origins

    1. Joshua: Origins


    Four men, myself included, sat in a small building leading into a railway tunnel around a camping stove as it burnt through the precious little kerosene we still had. Cooking the meat of some emission stricken mutant animal praying the slices weren¡¯t infested with tumors but glad we didn¡¯t have to eat it raw. The stove threw light over the walls penetrating the darkness of the night which told a story of neglect and horror of what used to reside within the ravaged tunnel. One resident of which now was being roasted by our little stove.


    The land was scorched by otherworldly fallout, psionic forces being a silent killer. Waves cutting through men like blades their wounds leaving lunacy and ceasing brain functions. We had a choice in coming here though, why, you ask, did we come to this corrupt place. This wasteland forgotten by the ¡®Bastions¡¯ known as civilization outside of this hellscape.


    Originally people came for treasure. Yes treasure. You may laugh at first but not treasures such as gold or jewels like pirates hunting for chests but objects known as artifacts. Such objects could knit wounds before an individual¡¯s eyes. Protect from bullets, diverting shots as if a breeze had caught a spitball and carried it away. These dreams of finding artifacts were seen through careful observation, hiking through abandoned fields the only risk being the odd radiation hotspot or scavengers that trained men could easily deal with.


    People flooded in thinking that the battlefield of modern warfare or other conflict was preparation enough. That anything the zone threw out would be nothing more than a slight set back. No one could be so wrong. The zone wasn¡¯t a battlefield. It was at the time a contained apocalypse that lived and decided who was rewarded with its spoils and killed any who disrespected its power. Finally a voice came from down stairs and as its owner clomped up towards us I began to tell the story of this place.


    1985. The year the man who became known as Flux was born. Rough descriptions indicated he wouldn¡¯t have viewed the date as significant for as long as he lived up to his untimely death unaware that his and another life was the most significant thing to happen to this cycle of the universe. His plain face brought attention straight to his hazel eyes always projecting a piercing gaze of lethal focus occasionally obscured by a poorly maintained fringe originating from a mop of long messy brown hair.


    Strider was the only man still operational out of the group. He was a mostly content if not troubled man who warmed up to everyone given the chance assisted by his sharp facial features and short, once tidy blond hair being tended to while he had a free moment. Much unlike the weathered veteran he is today. However a glimmer in his bright blue eyes shone with what hope remained that there was still a chance that one day things could be simple once again.Stolen story; please report.


    Hazard was built as he was nicknamed. Even as a child his strength was paramount. The muscle clinging to his massive frame without appearing unnatural for his age or size. Followed up by a strong face containing sharp features, deep blue eyes and average length tidy brown hair it wouldn¡¯t be a stretch to imagine he was a descendent of the greek legend Hercules himself. Though largely intimidating in possessing the strength to crush a man with his bare hands he seemed to have what could only be described as an aura that shone through his physique that promised security rather than harm.


    Finally there was Bishop. Although occasionally complaining over orders or requests his heart and mind were always on the task at hand, never faltering for a moment. The conviction to the objectives given to him be they from friend or superior burned in his brown eyes with long strawberry blond hair tied back preventing it from obscuring his focus. The rest of his facial features hidden by his usually maintained operator beard of considerable size the same colour as his hair.


    Their friendship did not begin for a few years. Though in 1986 the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant lost control of reactor 4 due to power surges during shut down and indirectly caused the tear in the intertwined dimensional space between sentience and the physical properties of the universe. It was this day the 30 kilometer exclusion zone was established and seemingly otherworldly influences were unleashed. Influences that delved into the minds of a few lacking the power to influence more at once. One such individual was a baby who¡¯s vessel grew up to contain Flux.


    2001. Strange phenomena occurring within the exclusion zone were leaking out. The dead city of Pripyat being a hotspot for unusual sightings being the highlight of the news networks who had the chance to report on it. It wasn¡¯t long until a civil movement demanding entry to study the phenomena succeeded. Not long after the first group of scientists went missing without a trace resulting in the lockdown of the exclusion zone all together. Only the occasional government funded expedition patrolling around the outskirts or odd individuals trying to uncover the mystery of the stagnant yet ever changing afflicted land who came to be known as pioneers entered the secured area.


    2005. Flux, Bishop, Hazard and Strider joined the Australian army to pursue very promising careers and in 2009 word spread that the first successful expedition to the center of the exclusion zone had been completed by an organization unknown to the world. By 2011 the exclusion zone was being flooded by man. Most with ambitions of finding incredible treasures of formations that contained the unknown forces exotic to the area. Others used the zone to escape the world or their own personal issues. Some simply due to what they viewed as wanderlust.


    Pioneers formed camps to cater to the population''s requirements and groups of similar ideologies formed the factions Cerberus and Crusaders in order to rally under a common cause. This inevitably started a proxy war between those who wished to study the area and those who wished to destroy it. Then finally on the first of August in 2012, four men threw themselves into hell looking for an answer.

 2. Strider: Day 0

    2. Strider: Day 0


    We walked through Orane. A small town seven kilometers from a checkpoint protecting the entry point to the thirty kilometer exclusion zone. Trying to find the weapons we ordered from a supplier in a package hidden from view left time to admire the sights. The town itself had fallen under hard times following the Chernobyl disaster which was felt by the rest of the nation. The world attempted to provide aid though it was never enough to cover the incredible maintenance cost of keeping the zone secure. Weary individuals scraping by trudged through the street returning from work frustrated with the sight of their slowly dilapidating homes.


    The streets were saturated with police patrols as a result of the influx of people finding their way into the zone. While this problem inflated security costs further aggravating an already critical economic state it also promoted a massive wave of weapons and equipment trafficking. Operated by small criminal organizations trying to find other avenues of profit and supported by massive weapon¡¯s companies looking to test their equipment in the harshest conditions.


    Ironically this kept the town together as supposedly noble criminals provided the government with desperately required funds. The police correspondingly focussed on individuals attempting to penetrate the zone perimeter rather than the trafficking as not to jeopardize the nation they protected.


    The increased police presence kept Bishop and Hazard within the comforts of the hotel, their inability speak Ukrainian or Russian would¡¯ve put them on notice to be inspected by government officials and deported or imprisoned. That left Flux and myself out and about scanning for our quarry until I managed to spot it on the outskirts of town in the forest near the agreed area. Further investigation displayed it wasn¡¯t being observed by the authorities as a man finally approached breaking the silence.


    ¡°Seems we''re still on schedule, you must be ecstatic Strider.¡±


    Turning towards Flux with a subtle smile to notice he was already scanning the woodland ahead of us entirely focussed on finding our cache rather than share a moment of relief. Pointing out the cache he quickly honed in on the equipment and turned away leaving as briskly as he arrived while still focussed on the gear laid out in the woodland.


    ¡°Right, we leave tonight then. I¡¯ll go and rally Bishop and Hazard to move as soon as we¡¯re ready.¡±


    My eyes returned to the dead drop as he continued to to walk away, concentrating on how we¡¯d breach through the checkpoint no doubt. The sound of crunching gravel suddenly paused for a moment gaining my attention to notice Flux sharing a rare subtle smile on his face as he broke his gaze on the drop in order to share a postponed moment of relief.


    ¡°You know this is probably the best thing for Bishop and Hazard, us as well even. It¡¯s kinda funny to think we¡¯re using all that extra training in the end. Surviving on our own, going to be the first real aspiration we¡¯ve had in awhile.¡±


    Lifting his gaze from me indicating to follow him we walked back to the hotel filtering through the exhausted populace and vigilant officers. A warm orange light began to shine down the grayscale streets as the sun began to set under the aggregation of clouds building up above us, the overcast night would provide a welcome sheet of darkness as cover.


    Come darkness we ventured into the trees to where our gear was located. Quietly we rummaged through the package claiming what we had purchased, each claiming a Makarov pistol, PDA, knife, survival and repair gear in tactical webbing along with a substantial amount of food and water in large backpacks, the straps pulling tight on the camouflaged sturdy overcoats we all wore. Not wanting to attract too much attention we ordered sub par weapons that we would easily find parts and ammunition for in the zone.


    Bishop¡¯s hand went straight for the old AKM assault rifle located in the stash. Checking the ancient firing mechanism found it to be without defect and hopefully as reliable as the guns legacy had proclaimed. I myself carefully lifted out a Mosin-Nagant M91/30 PU rifle with a 4x optic which trained eyes peered down inspecting the sight as to be sure it was properly aligned. Hazard managed to secure himself a substantial piece of equipment. An old RPK light machine gun that the supplier happened to have in his inventory surprisingly. Finally Flux claimed a PPSh-41 submachine gun. A soviet era lead hose bound to drop anything caught in front of it assured by its rate of fire at around 1000 rounds per minute.


    Finally geared up we advanced towards the checkpoint through the thick darkness amplified by the surrounding woodland improving our cover by blocking out what light penetrated the overcast sky. While difficult to navigate barely being able to see a few meters in front of myself the light thrown into the sky by the checkpoint provided me with a beacon to navigate from as we broke from the concealment of the trees into open areas in between the woodland. After around seven kilometers of careful movement and avoiding the occasional patrol we stopped near the edge of the woodland to observe the checkpoint for an opening.


    A few days prior I investigated the checkpoint to determine a plan. The entire area was surrounded by a three meter high perimeter fence which curved inward toward the zone more intent on keeping what was inside secure rather than solely preventing illegal incursions by man. Rustling lazily in the wind razor wire deterred plans to climb the fence as lookouts from towers armed with heavy machine guns spaced a kilometer apart observed the area the fence contained. Irregular foot patrols accompanied by headlights bobbing up and down and the periodic rumbling of armed jeeps could be heard patrolling the outer perimeter keeping it secure. Penetrating the fence itself seemed highly unlikely to succeed and the road leading into the checkpoint had a seventy meter distance of bare road, the perimeter fence flanking either side leaving the entry entirely exposed.


    However with patience and lying in the undergrowth of the forest motionless I discovered there was a flaw in the defence. The lookouts from the towers seemed to only watch inward toward the zone rather than out and the secured road could only be constantly surveyed from the guard post on the left side of the gate. If my observations had determined a pattern a supply truck should be arriving soon that could be used as cover down the road. When the headlights of the predicted truck came into view I gave out a signal. With confidence we advanced to the very edge of the woodland into a drainage ditch beside the intersection waiting for the truck to slow down for the corner.


    With the whining of brakes eventually fading away the truck began to take the turn as we broke concealment for a fraction of a second and launched ourselves at the the loading tray latching on silently. Bishop losing his grip and almost his footing as he hit the ground reached out desperately towards us though Hazard was surprisingly ready for his blunder. While holding himself up he took Bishop by the arm and threw him with ease onto the back of the tray quietly enough not to be heard over the engine.


    Shortly after the whine of the brakes began again approaching the gate and once proceeding slowly enough we disembarked crouching quickly around the side of the truck underneath the passenger door mirror. With guns up and ready for the gates to grind open we¡¯d advance with the truck until we could take cover alongside the buildings on our right in the compound. Waiting anxiously the gate guard and truck driver conversed.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    ¡°(Long night Velychko?)¡± The guards greeting was met by a long audible groan.


    ¡°(So much paper work. These materials for the research teams always leave a fucked paper trail.)¡±


    ¡°(Just a bunch of metals yeah? Must want it getting to them pretty bad. Gates primed and about to open, I¡¯m about to make some coffee as well so once you¡¯ve parked the truck come round while they unload.)¡±


    ¡°(Lina, you¡¯re a godsend.)¡± The gate began to grind open to allow us entry.


    ¡°(Well if I don¡¯t look after you who else will.)¡±


    With a hearty chuckle the driver revved the engine once more while we proceeded alongside it into the surprisingly empty compound containing a barracks, garage and a grouping of helipads to the left. To our right was an armory and the two story command structure connected to the reinforced wall with a bulkhead gate underneath ahead of us, the ramparts were armed with two heavy machine guns and an elevated tower manned by a skeleton crew. As the truck sped up towards the helipads we darted across towards the armory and skirted around its side in between it and the concrete wall which separated us from the zone.


    Proceeding slowly, Flux on point with Bishop right behind, followed by Hazard then myself watching the rear we proceeded as cautiously as possible trying to remain silent regardless of the twenty kilogram packs on our backs. Reaching the corner of the armory I took hold of Hazards shoulder, who clasped Bishop¡¯s and Bishop Flux¡¯s. As soon as Flux felt his grip he led around the corner with the old smg shouldered to quickly cover the rest of the group as they darted in between the buildings in one fluid action that would last only a moment.


    As soon as he turned the corner however it became obvious the action would be anything but fluid. Now looking down the alley between the buildings revealed a rather confused guard locking eyes with mine while taking a drag from a cigarette as another opened the back door to the command building. The door now blocking the view down the gap between the buildings the confused guard now fumbling for his rifle dropping his cigarette as the other began to turn his head towards us.


    ¡°(Wh-? FU-!)¡±


    Flux launched into action. A quick jab into his throat silenced and shook him just enough for him to miss swiping for his rifle. The other cocked his pistol forcing the slide back by pushing the gun into the holster with a mechanical click. As the gun was about leave the holster Flux delivered a quick kick to his left shin while taking hold of his collar and arm. Using his leg placed behind his after the kick unbalanced him just enough to throw him as Bishop delivered a vicious combo leaving the other stunned guard on the ground.


    After choking the two out we heard some commotion from within the building. Footsteps sluggishly stomping down concrete stairs. Another coming down to investigate what the noise was about. Without hesitation Hazard and I dragged in the bodies. Flux breached the building holding the investigator up at gunpoint then restrained him from behind with his arm locked around the PPSh-41 over his back ready to fire. With the guard as a shield he and Bishop advanced upstairs. Upon reaching the top of the stairs Bishop already had the crowd under control with hands in the air.


    It wasn¡¯t long until Hazard hastily tied them down with their own cable ties, easily overcoming any resistance. Once the room was secure I spotted another two guards holding their rifles up to their chests slowly moving towards the command structure. Upon noticing me they brought their weapons to a readied position. Calmly returning their gesture with an easy wave bewildered them further as they continued to advance slowly to investigate instead of firing.


    ¡°Fifteen seconds, over the wall.¡± With my command Flux led out the door to the ramparts. Under his cover we let ourselves down from the ledge dropping into the long unkempt grass of the wildlands. We were in, the zone sprawled ahead of us, it¡¯s bleak breeze disturbing the grass to emit a hopeful whisper of true freedom, it¡¯s glory ours for the taking.


    Instantly taking the initiative we bolted towards the woodland ahead of us, the density of the trees drowning out the light thrown from the floodlights. Our straightford escape from the checkpoint was eventually interrupted by the sound of an alarm blaring from the compound thirty seconds later. We¡¯d already cleared almost two hundred meters from the wall but it wouldn¡¯t be long until the guns would be manned and upon us.


    Another minute and now at a distance of six hundred meters gunshots from the heavy machine guns could be heard firing blindly into the woodland way off our position. It seemed we should be well and clear. Slowing our pace to something more manageable while staying in cohesion with each other the floodlights barely illuminated the woodland from the compound so far behind us. It was enough for us to navigate the woodland at speed as we made for the edge to eventually cross the road into the massive forest ahead.


    It wasn¡¯t enough to spot the tripwires however. With the simple sound of a click that was so sickening to accustomed ears we all noticed the cord once strained against Bishop¡¯s leg, the end of which carried a pin as it flew through the air. That second lasted what seemed a minute, but it wasn¡¯t an accompanying explosion that followed, rather a swath of light from above. A flare. Thank god. He¡¯d triggered a flare not a mine. Emitting a breathless laugh I looked over towards him with a wry look as we proceeded at jogging pace.


    ¡°Not today Bishop¡­ just a flare¡­¡±


    Suddenly his facial expression turned to one of shock which we all shared as high powered spot lights traced the ground to where the flare had originated from.


    ¡°Oh¡­ OH FUCK FLARE GET DOWN!¡±


    Just as my cry was heard a hail of fifty calibre rounds ripped through the trees. The heavy machine guns from the compound walls roared through the darkness of the night. Dirt, splinters of wood and rock filled the air accompanied by a tree falling. The rain of fire continued. Desperately diving and crawling under patterned bursts. Fearfully trying to avoid catching a stray round. I managed to make a fair bit of distance from the area of fire while Hazard and Bishop were slightly behind. Flux nowhere to be seen. Trees began to creak and collapse joining the orchestra of chaos drowning out the world until an unmistakable whistling noise could be heard from above.


    Quickly diving and curling up in a ditch a great explosion resonated from just behind. Apart from ears ringing the world became quiet. A fire starting behind quickly taking hold. Forced to move once again beginning a dead sprint through the woods with rifle in one hand. Hearing still afflicted but returning. The crack of bullets passing by returning first. Another explosion. Further away than the last but startling enough to instill a loss in footing quickly recovered from. Running further and further until confident I was outside the area of bombardment sliding to the ground on my back and rolling over I brought my rifle up supported by a log and steadied myself.


    Long deep breaths. The chaos continued ahead as Hazard and Bishop continued to run towards my position. Scope unsteady and wobbling off the spotlight I intended to hit I adjusted myself. Another mortar whistling above but off my position not compelling any action that would compromise my aim. Deep. Breaths. Raising the muzzle by a millimeter. Squeezing the trigger. The shot rang out bringing my senses back to the surrounding world as the spotlight went out. The last mortar had started another fire fifty meters behind us.


    In a precise fluid motion bolting the rifle quickly the casing ejecting onto the log it¡¯s impact inaudible over the chaos. Lining up the rifle again this time towards an illuminated heavy machine gun. Aiming carefully not to hit the guard but the box magazine. Wrapping my finger round the trigger. The patterned burst of muzzle flash blinding my aim periodically. Long. Deep. Breaths. Exhaling slowly. Squeezing the trigger.


    Another shot rang out as the round travelled for a moment impacting the box magazine on the machine gun in just under a second. Jamming the weapon and suppressing the other machine gunner dropping to the ground in shock. The break in fire gave Bishop and Hazard the cover they needed to regroup however Flux was still no where to be seen.

 3. Hazard: Event horizon

    3. Hazard: Event horizon


    ¡°Where the fuck is Flux!? You seen him Hazard!?¡± Bishop cried out. Strider not responding as he focussed on keeping the machine guns suppressed. The sudden fire had scattered us to hell but we managed to regroup somehow amongst all the chaos except for Flux.


    ¡°No I didn¡¯t! I think he¡¯s closer to the edge if we run along there we should find him!¡±


    Quickly ditching our packs and weapons with Strider we charged ahead through the trees. Bishop darted around branches and outcroppings from trees while I used my sheer size to plow through most of the obstacles to maintain my speed in our search. It wasn¡¯t long until we came across a blooded body face down, Bishop diving into the dirt next to it to inspect the damage.


    ¡°Aw fuck¡­ FUCK! He¡¯s been torn to shreds... Fuckers got him¡­¡± The body wore the same trench coat which had been completely shredded, as if it were torn apart by a beast rather than firearms. The arms appeared to have been shattered as well, the hands clasped tight around a rifle in his last moments¡­ Wait¡­ a rifle¡­ Rolling the body over effortlessly displayed the corpses decrepit face. This body had been here for awhile and didn¡¯t have Fluxs equipment.


    From the prone position lifting my head above the grass scanning desperately for our friend until a blaze that had taken hold in the undergrowth shone light over another body. Quickly advancing over and inspecting it we found our friend injured and bleeding but alive. Helping him to his feet he quickly collapsed again concussed and somehow barely holding onto consciousness. Extending an arm taking hold and mostly dragging him forward we retreated back towards Strider who had managed to silence the other gun as the mortar fire intensified on his position. Skirting around the barrage we ran into a breathless Strider once more.


    ¡°Packs are gone, blown to hell. We need to get out of here before we get caught in that as well.¡±


    With a scowl Bishop led the front followed by Strider as I brought up the rear throwing Flux over my shoulders. The fire became more distant and the mortars less frequent which ceased after covering what we thought was a kilometer and a half away from the checkpoint. We took comfort in that we knew we were out of effective firing range however vehicle headlights could be spotted leaving the gate preparing to hunt us down.


    Running into the depths of the forest we disappeared into the darkness as the checkpoint guards arrived at the edge grinding to a halt. Engines dying down and doors slamming shut we immediately prepared for more fire as we ran deeper into the forest. They never fired a shot or even attempted pursuit much to our confusion but ultimate relief. After another few minutes we took a knee to catch our breath and inspect Flux who seemed to be able to stand on his own at this point at least.


    ¡°Head wound isn¡¯t that bad. Could¡¯ve been alot worse.¡±


    Flux sighed as Strider used a bandage from what gear we had left to wrap around his head into what formed a balaclava almost only showing his eyes and hair. It wasn¡¯t necessary wrapping it round his face he most likely did it simply to irk him. Proven by a final disgruntled groan as Flux pulled down the bandages to take a drink from the canteen at his hip before breaking the silence once more.


    ¡°Food is going to be interesting. Should be some unusual game to hunt down in the area.¡± Strider not quite paying attention continued scanning the forest as best as he could in the darkness his focus now elsewhere.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t be too difficult¡­¡±


    Moral seemed to have already taken a hit with the loss of our clean supplies and excess ammunition. All we had now were our knives, PDA¡¯s, pistols, Striders rifle, water canteens, first aid kits and basic repair tools which brought about Bishop¡¯s alarmed realisation.


    ¡°Fuck! My rifle! Left it with Strider to find Flux. Strider you pick up my or Hazard¡¯s gun when you took off?¡±


    His face fell with a glum look as he stopped scanning for a moment bringing to light the realisation that Strider was the only one with a weapon that wasn¡¯t just a pistol. We were at a disadvantage but it wasn¡¯t over, not entirely, we were still armed if only poorly. Moral might be low for now but we¡¯d make a comeback that was for sure.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t worry about only having pistols. I¡¯ll scare off anyone tempted to hold you guys up. Seriously who''s stupid enough to take on a mountain of muscle. That and a whole boar to yourselves should bring up the mood if you''re still worried about food.¡±


    Bishop, Strider and Flux all shared a light chuckle likely at the thought of some poor idiot trying to shake down one of us only to be tossed around like a ragdoll. The thought of a plentiful hot meal also took their mind off the current situation.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Shortly after we began to march through the forest once we were certain we weren¡¯t being followed by the checkpoint guards. Maybe they thought we had already taken off. Eventually a helicopter could be heard in the distance approaching the forest and at one point passing nearby but not threatening us in any way. The canopy was far too thick for it¡¯s spot light as it presumably searched in vain for any trace of us until it left only minutes after it had arrived.


    The slow march had almost turned leisurely now that nothing threatening could be heard. The silence was welcome for a moment. Then became concerning. It wasn¡¯t the silence of an ambient forest. It was the complete and utter silence of a void. Only our footsteps emitted a sound as we continued until even that dissipated. Pistols now raised as the silence continued.


    Continuing our walk through the forest only interrupted by crossing a main road we ended up tightening our formation until we were shoulder to shoulder advancing ever so slowly while attempting to cover every angle. Something was horribly off. Something was watching us. Something felt like it was denying our senses. Trying to replace standard sensations with its own. Preventing even the sound of our breathing or heart beats from being heard.


    Moving through the forest trying to ignore the maddening effect it had as disorientation spread throughout my body. Strider stumbling into me proved I wasn¡¯t the only one struggling at this point. After what we thought were hours had passed still trying to breach the seemingly never ending forest the appendages of mania were trying to rip apart reality to substitute it with itself. We tried to keep up conversation to fight off the desolation of sound but the silence in between words was enough to maintain its effect. Flux eventually broke under the pressure of the void and began to ramble out loud as we ventured into a clearing for powerlines.


    ¡°Entity¡­ Entity! It¡¯s going to fuse the souls. It¡¯ll make everything better. That¡¯s what has been wrong all these years they¡¯re colliding he¡¯s dead and so is he and together they make this vessel it can make it complete and fuse them together¡­ but where is it¡­ ¡± Bishop took Flux¡¯s shoulder and attempted to shake some sense into him, his face ridden with anxiety and frustration.


    ¡°The fuck are you on about. We¡¯re all strung out keep it together.¡±


    Flux however took a wide eyed look into the air as light seeped into the corners of my eyes requiring all of my focus to fight back as not to lose my mind. It promised to take me along with them. To make me one with the lost. To teach me the secrets of the universe. An aberration of a pure white writhing pillar led to a great glowing core deep into the depths of it¡¯s madness as Flux began to cry out.


    ¡°The pillar THE PILLAR! Our destination unknown but objective established! That¡¯s how it¡¯s communicating with us we¡¯re INSIDE OF IT! It¡¯s voice as clear now as the way is lit in front of us!¡±


    Flux proceeded to throw his arms towards the pillar of pure white that I thought only myself able to see. Strider began to breathe heavily clutching his head falling to his knees, his eyes focused on the ground as Bishop finally confronted Flux.


    ¡°Inside of what!? There''s nothing there!¡±


    Pointing his pistol towards the area Flux was transfixed on he fired a shot into the tendril. The muzzle flash of which began to disrupt its formation until it dissipated. Slapping Flux to the ground leaving him recoiling in shock from the experience a moment of sanity seemed to seep back in. Helping Strider back up while he still held his head as if he were recovering from a bad hangover. Flux helped himself up shaken by the experience with quick shallow breaths.


    ¡°It spoke to me. This place isn¡¯t safe. It knows we¡¯re here we have to leave-¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t aware and it isn¡¯t alive. It¡¯s just a pile of irradiated fucking dirt. Watch.¡±


    He fired another two shots. One into the ground and another into the distance. The first shot buried itself into the dirt and did simply that. The ground didn¡¯t cry out or react in any way. It was simply inanimate dirt. The second shot continued on for half a second and skewed wildly off course after producing a jet of blood seemingly out of thin air. Then came the scream, an ungodly screech that pierced the very soul.


    Through already bloodshot eyes I saw Flux¡¯s back suddenly arch viciously and unnaturally with droplets of blood flying from his mouth the result of his teeth clasping down into flesh and hit the ground motionless. Strider was the next to fall as the screech continued with a psychotic cry of intense pain quickly fading out as he stopped writhing as quickly as he started. Bishop put up more of a fight however the sudden spike of pain brought him to hands and knees losing consciousness in the middle of an attempt to crawl towards it while raising the pistol with teeth clenched.


    Alone with the unidentified monstrosity that concealed itself within the darkness I fought desperately to remain conscious regardless of it¡¯s unrelenting mental assault. On hands and knees the unknown creature ceased its cry and the ambience of the forest finally returned accompanied by my stuttering breaths. A mixture of complete system shock and exhaustion prevented me from getting to my feet but looking around at my fallen comrades displayed they were still breathing judging by the slow but consistent movement from their chests.


    With one last effort I managed to get back on my feet and prepared to properly analyse the condition of my friends interrupted by a heavy impact to the back of my head. Falling to the ground as the world began to fade a truck could be heard approaching in the distance as a man began speaking in broken english.


    ¡°Vessel acquired collective complete great pillar irrelevant. Come brothers sisters¡­¡± Fading out I felt my body being thrown into the flatbed of a truck with other bodies that had been tossed in previously and driven off to god knows where. Before the darkness finally crept in completely once more the madness of silence took hold of what consciousness was left. They showed me the pillar and the supposed location of the core. Massive metal doors securing a tunnel with an entry building next to it. It pleaded for me to find that place in exchange for the secrets it held.

 4. Bishop: Fresh meat

    4. Bishop: Fresh meat


    Senses began to return. Slowly but surely. First the simple sensation of being alive. Then light barely filtering into my eyes followed by a horrible static from my nervous system attempting to establish the position of my body and relay its state back to my brain. A few minutes later twitching my fingers as eyes made out a blurred image of a room in a small shack we now resided in ignorant as to what transported us here only remembering the screams.


    Suddenly a noise. Incredibly faint but certain. Something stumbling over the wooden floor elsewhere in the house. Eyes barely making out two other bodies in the room the stumbling became louder until the door flew open with an unidentifiable individual falling through. Helping itself up precariously and turning to me the individual began to move unsteadily and almost unnaturally with just barely perceivable rasped breathing.


    It stumbled forward. Arms almost limp to it¡¯s side. Picking up its pace. Desperately trying to move myself my body responded. An amplified sickening static shot through my nerves as the message to move was jumbled and distorted through my resetting body. As the being lurched towards me the message to deliver a precise blow arrived to my arm as an awkward swing into it¡¯s side. Enough to deflect its movement into the wall I was slumped against.


    Rolling over away from the being struggling to all fours it managed to take hold of my shoulder. With another tremendous effort bringing in tow a heightened terrible static throughout my body I darted back onto my knees. Losing it¡¯s grip and beginning to drunkardly fight back against the assailant in futile effort as it tackled me onto my back. However it did not continue to attack and spoke through grated breathing.


    ¡°B¡­ Bishop¡­ It¡¯s alright¡­ we¡¯re safe¡­¡± Eyes focussed to reveal Flux holding me down to prevent any further misguided defence. Letting my head hit the wooden floor gently in relief I allowed my body to now properly reset as Flux checked the other two bodies. A moment later taking Flux''s hand and groggily getting to my feet to lean against a wall I tried to process what happened before somehow getting here until Flux broke the silence.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ something¡­ got into my head. Took control and I was just latching on for the ride¡­¡± He leant against the wall in a defeated manner.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter right now. Let''s figure out where we are.¡±


    Standing steadily now and moving to help Strider and Hazard up Flux nodded and casually walked towards the window to inspect our surroundings. Both Hazard and Strider quickly found their balance as Flux arrived at the window and stood in shock for a moment while Strider checked his rifle. His eyes locked with something but he didn¡¯t react. Not yet. His mind still hazed presumably but ready enough to take action if need be, surely. No action was taken as his eyes widened in absolute shock as a weak rasped monotone voice of a drone drifted through the window.


    ¡°(Cooolllleccttiivvee¡­)¡±


    Diving across the room into Flux peering out for a moment as I flew through the air revealed a husk of a man holding a sawn off shotgun. Both barrels unleashed a cloud of buckshot where Flux once stood. The gunshot shattering the silence as it did the window from which glass fragments blew out from. Hitting the ground unharmed the man continued to drone on unintelligibly as he slowly fumbled shells into his weapon. Trying to enter the building he flopped through the window onto his face. Dragging himself up Flux threw me off him leaping into action knife drawn delivering a fatal thrust into his chest.


    However the man continued to fumble around with his shotgun trying to lock the breach as if nothing happened. Shocked yet unwavering Flux dealt another stab with the knife viciously plunging it into his heart ripping it out with a fountain of blood in a single tactful movement. The man finally managed to close the breach again as if Fluxs decisive incisions had never happened. Flux continued his blows. The masterful finesse in the way he handled the blade giving way to savage swings as he ripped the man''s chest cavity apart. Breathing heavily and covered in gore Flux stood up from the desecrated body breathing heavily through clenched teeth.


    ¡°He should have died after the first blow. What the fuck is he made of.¡±


    Strider handed me his pistol while Hazard kept his drawn on the body in disbelief as to how much punishment the man took before going down. The disbelief was dwarfed by its continued gargling groan. It¡¯s arm moving, inching towards the shotgun that slid across the floor. Holding it¡¯s head down Flux delved the knife in between it¡¯s vertebra just beneath it¡¯s head and finally it¡¯s movement stopped.


    In dismay we looked down at the corpse, then again out the window shocked by the view. More bodies shambling towards the shack. A small hoard of men stumbling erratically in between columns and rows of rusting vehicles blocking out the world beyond. Clutching a variety of weapons in their hands one brought it¡¯s pistol up pointed towards us as we dived down onto the ground. Bullets and buckshot began tearing through the walls relentlessly.


    ¡°Crawl! Find an exit on the other side!¡±


    Flux, Hazard and Strider promptly followed my order only standing up at the door to breach it. Flux took the lead and I followed through. Pistol drawn right behind him. Quickly taking a shot at a drone who was raising his weapon the bullet dug through his forehead and eliminated the threat. Flux dispatching another as Hazard and Strider darted in between the dilapidated cars and trucks throughout the equipment graveyard. Charging through Hazard knocked a drone to the ground as it suddenly appeared from one of the gaps in between vehicles which Strider delivered a quick shot to as he passed by next.


    Running into the open again onto a dirt road between the parked vehicles another small hoard took notice of us and brought their weapons up firing as we staggered into cover. Running desperately onto another road laden with bodies and a man holding an AK-74 precisely aiming down his sights saw us quickly ready ourselves. Drawing our guns onto each other as quickly as we realized that neither us nor him were the human husks so intent on hunting us down he pointed in our direction and ran towards us indicating for us to do the same. Avoiding expending ammo as best we could we escaped the compound into a dried up creek bed where we held for a moment to catch our breath while the stranger began yelling in Ukrainian over the chaos as the fire intensified above us.


    ¡°(They¡¯ll be converging onto this position soon but at this range their aim should be rat shit-)¡± The man stopped his yelling for a second to rip Strider down trying to peek over the edge as a shot tore through the dirt from where he attempted to look from.


    ¡°(-that doesn¡¯t mean they won¡¯t get lucky. Move along the creek bed before they get here.)¡±


    Continuing our desperate retreat we followed the creek bed down a few hundred meters before charging through a field towards buildings in the distance. The air filled with the supersonic cracks of bullets travelling around us. A pistol round impacting a tree nearby. A hail of buckshot blowing apart a wooden post. A wild spray of rifle fire as the husk tried to control the recoil. The stranger reached the cover of the buildings ahead of us first with myself arriving around the corner last as a barrage of fire burst through the air around me burying into the wall as I took cover behind it.


    ¡°Too fucking close. What are they? Don¡¯t die easily.¡± The stranger began to speak in English in response to my remark.


    ¡°Husks of men. Honestly zombie isn¡¯t too far from the truth to describe them. Just dead men whose bodies are driven by something else. Take a moment to rest. We¡¯ll lose them in the town. It¡¯ll take them at least ten minutes to stumble over here.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The stranger then calmly took off the gas mask he wore along with his helmet to reveal a weathered face wrought by age. Dirty grey hair lined his face up to his head the same length all around. His weary eyes calm and focussed on the canteen of water he began to open. He wore a camouflage rubber undersuit layered with tactical webbing and black body armor over his chest, knees and elbows with an oxygen tank integrated into his backpack. Finished with the canteen he returned it to one of the pouches in his webbing and looked over analysing us.


    ¡°You¡¯re all still clean apart from some blood splatter. Hell his hair is done up. Definitely weren¡¯t one of the inhabitants of this town. Didn¡¯t happen to arrive here in a truck did you?¡± Giving him a blank look his brow lowered slightly waiting for a response.


    ¡°How¡¯d you know?¡± The old man''s eyes lit up for a moment followed by a frown. ¡°That mean something?¡±


    ¡°Means something that¡¯s for sure. People who lived here captured a truck and found you all inside of it. Then in the morning we found them all fried. You just made my investigation a whole lot easier.¡± With that the man¡¯s eyes drifted over to Hazard, Strider and Flux observing them staring for awhile and before it became unsettling turned back to me.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got one rifle and the rest of you are armed with pistols. You¡¯re not going to survive here long with that. You don¡¯t even know what areas are safe do you? It¡¯s a longshot but do you have one of these by any chance?¡±


    The old man rustled around in his webbing and eventually pulled out a small electronic tablet that looked almost as ancient as him yet advanced in some way. In response I pulled out my PDA and with a smile he snatched it away for a moment. A minute later he handed it back with a map on the screen with various markings.


    ¡°Now it¡¯s got the right software it¡¯ll be invaluable. Automatically updates next to other pioneers. Securities not great but no one has the time to go about accessing people''s information. Head to that town there you¡¯ll find work to afford some better guns.¡± He eventually stood up and fastened the helmet and gasmask securely around his head. ¡°You¡¯re welcome to follow me. I¡¯m heading back now.¡±


    Without question or argument we followed the stranger towards the town shown on the map. Hiking through the woodland at a moderate pace occasionally stopping as the stranger put up his fist as an order to stop and wait for whatever commotion he was attempting to avoid to pass us by. The wildlife was surprisingly plentiful but incredibly hostile most of which looked either like it¡¯d been thrown into a fire or hideously mutated. Occasionally both.


    A pack of dogs were spotted running through a field a hundred meters ahead bearing down what was once a deer. The dogs had no fur and were covered in scarred, burnt skin while the deer had talons for hooves and antlers moreso like scythes than anything but it was the eyes that caught the most attention. The eyes of the lone deer that was currently impaling the dogs that dare attack weren¡¯t just black, they seemed to absorb all of the light that happened to shine upon them.


    ¡°Ah you see that lads?¡± The stranger broke the silence with a whisper. ¡°That there is an atrocity. Those eyes would be worth an incredible amount. Not just for what they are but as a bounty too. A Lot of people have died to that thing.¡± Strider inspected the beast through his scope resting his finger next to the trigger.


    ¡°Unless it¡¯s hiding something I could make your trip that much more profitable then.¡± The stranger turned around to look towards Strider proud of his hesitation.


    ¡°If it¡¯s hiding something indeed. Your shot won¡¯t do anything. It¡¯s surrounded by an incredibly powerful ambient electrical field that sends bullets flying off course. The faster the round the more energy that pushes it away.¡±


    As the stranger finished his sentence the deer finished the last of it¡¯s aggressors with a charge tearing one of the dogs in half in it¡¯s vicious assault. The surviving dogs fled desperately craven with fear.


    ¡°The only way I think there is to kill that would be to use a knife and I doubt that would work. Even if it would I don¡¯t think you¡¯d appreciate your chances next to that thing.¡±


    With a victorious stamp it continued onward unfretted and unaware of us observing the tantalizing nightmare as it strode away. Continuing on the stranger pointed out to the left into the forest noticing a distortion in the air. He began to explain the gravitational tear and the terrible force they¡¯d bring down on anything that disturbed the field. He then rambled on about other types of tears and abominations taking residence in this desecrated land and we listened as if to be children being told an epic tale. Even without going into detail about everything he mentioned he had us transfixed until again he threw his fist back into the air going silent as the air carried a reticent groan.


    No further order came. Not to get down or skirt around an area. Raising my pistol another groan irradiated through the air this time more audible. Without a word the stranger broke into a sprint. Ourselves just behind. My body distraught from having to be pushed full tilt once more but continuing regardless. A minute later it started to become clear though as to why the stranger suddenly began to run. The sky opened up with another groan throughout the air as a lightning strike erupted in the sky splitting it open forming a pinkish-orange haze which spread like the sky was bleeding. The groaning was fairly consistent now. Different shades ranging from orange to red flowed like a filter of being trapped in a sand storm obscuring view.


    In the distance we could see the buildings we so desperately ran for and began to understand the terror that the stranger must¡¯ve felt upon the sight. I felt my mind warming. The pressure in my head slowly increasing. It began as something barely noticeable and kept creeping towards insurmountable pain. We were sprinting through trees, splashing through burning pools of stagnant water and over the distorted roots of the trees. Seeing the buildings in the distance just at the edge of the woodland hope returned once more only to be snatched away by a lone dog.


    It lept viciously out of view from my squadmates and began snapping wildly at my face with unfathomable rage. Blocking the dogs desperate attack cost precious moments. Deflecting another bite and throwing it off gave me a moment to reach for my knife. With a thrust into the side of its neck the dog quickly lost its strength and slumped over. Upon getting to my feet there was a terrible soul piercing crash in the sky.


    That same horrific pain before blacking out. My mind being ripped in half slowly as the forces began to whir around the town just ahead. All the colours fading into shades of deep red as I desperately put one foot in front of the other towards my objective. My mind screamed for it to stop but subconsciously refused to give up. One foot in front of the other. Nails digging into my skin clasped over my head.


    On the verge of succumbing to the storm not sure as to how far I had to go a figure came through the now blood red storm that raged around me closing in while the screeching got progressively louder. Taking hold it dragged me through the blind arena that had formed and into a room secured by a bulkhead. The pain subsided but screams could be heard outside still. Someone else didn¡¯t make it. Trapped in the storm that was turning his brain into a roast. While the storm rumbling around was almost deafening you could still hear the pioneers tortured wailing until what sounded to be a shock wave could be heard approaching.


    It continued to close in towards us until finally when the pioneer caught outside reached the frenzied peak of his demise his screams died out instantly followed by multiple impacts against the side of the shelter. Another pioneer winced at the sound. The reinforced building was filled with people. Some holding their heads in their hands waiting for the nightmare to stop and others calmly standing at tables taking the time to pay their respects to those who hadn¡¯t made it.


    Searching the bar shakily I eventually found Hazard, Flux and Strider sitting against a wall in what could only be described as pure terror. We¡¯d experienced most of what war had to offer. Heavy bombardments, chemical warfare, incendiary weapons, mass killings, witnessed war crimes against communities, but this was different. This was the unknown coming out from the depths to wipe the earth clean. A cataclysmic event.


    Eventually the storm passed and three veteran pioneers quickly returned to the recently ravaged world. Other rookies remained still for awhile longer letting the shock leave their bodies before venturing out once more. I sat in a line with Hazard, Strider and Flux who had his arms wrapped around his legs. The three eventually turned to me when they realized I¡¯d been trapped in that storm for a moment.


    ¡°You alright¡­?¡±


    I wasn¡¯t even sure which one of them asked. My mind felt numb for the moment and senses dulled. I wasn¡¯t sure how to describe what just happened so instead I simply sat there blinking occasionally still shocked to the core.


    ¡°First one is always the worst, shake it off.¡±


    The stranger returned with a small jerry can of water offering it to us which Flux, Hazard and Strider instantly reached for with consecutive thanks. Filling their canteens and downing the water they took what relief they could. I continued to mindlessly let my eyes wander across the room to notice the attention we¡¯d gathered. A few looked over towards the stranger with gratitude in their eyes. Due to his generosity and now realizing he¡¯d saved my life just maybe a few more men might survive a bit longer.


    ¡°Oh by the way I didn¡¯t introduce myself. I¡¯m Noah. Get a decent night and we¡¯ll see what we can do for you tomorrow.¡±


    Others though looked towards him as if he were an idiot with a deathwish. Assisting dead weight that wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.

 5. Collette: Tailored studies

    5. Collette: Tailored studies


    Leaving the safety of the camp after the scream late in the afternoon Benedict, Valentine and myself set out with specialized gear to deal with the atrocity that had appeared in the area. Benedict led the three of us covered in ballistic armor with his FN FAL well suited to the open engagements of the area putting down any hostiles mutant or otherwise at range without hassle. Walking forward with confidence though alert he took a rather relaxed posture as we strolled through the long grass in the forest as sunlight became visible again through the remnants of the screams effect on the weather.


    Valentine walked beside me in a camouflage overcoat reinforced with stab proof plates. A Barrett M98B slung over his back beside a pack laiden with hunting equipment. The .338 Lapua Magnum rounds his rifle fired were enough to reliably bring down most horrors. With a Model 444 Ultralite revolver as an emergency weapon at close range he stood ready to deal with most fauna in the zone. I Walked behind them fiddling with my surgery pack strapped over my stomach with a P90 jammed snuggly in the strap.


    Wiping away a smudge on the visor of my closed respiratory environment suit the sun finally broke through the clouds shining over the expanse outside the barrier of trees. Shafts of light shone into the forest casting long shadows over the area as a small herd of mutilated sheep covered in irregular growths ran through the field. Their clear wool absorbed the the light to produce a scattering effect. The vague yet beautiful colours shifted as they continued running before settling near the center of the area to graze. Stopping with hands behind my back Valentine called ahead for Benedict to stop as he pulled out a notepad and pen breaking the silence taking the moment to practice our native French after a minute had passed.


    ¡°[Sooooo did you notice anything? Should I be writing something down?]¡± Continuing to stare at the sheep appreciating the silence for awhile longer I began rustling through my medical equipment again.


    ¡°[Just caught my eye that¡¯s all. Nice to see something here that''s not hell bent on killing everything.]¡± For a moment Valentine appreciated the sight beside me while Benedict kept up his guard. Finding my scalpel in the mess of equipment in the bag I turned to Valentine again.


    ¡°[You reckon it¡¯d taste good?]¡±


    ¡°[Only one way to find out.]¡±


    Readying his rifle on a branch that had decided to grow with a sense of absolute bedlam perfect for a crouching position I knelt beside him with a pair of binoculars ready to observe the effect the bullet had on the target in gruesome detail. Benedict in turn took up a position behind us protecting from any intrusions while our attention was diverted to the flock of sheep.


    ¡°[Two hundred meters, ready to fire.]¡± Focussing my binoculars as not to miss a single detail I got comfortable resting on the branch with Valentine with a hand holding a pen hovering over a notepad next to me.


    ¡°[Fire.]¡±


    The round left the gun with a terrific crack as it flew through the air making it¡¯s mark almost right away. The gunshot could be heard echoing throughout the hills amidst the creatures panicked bleating as the wool seemed to absorb the shot with no evidence of a wound being present through the rainbow cloud it appeared to be. Bolting another round Valentine prepared a follow up shot.


    ¡°[That was disapo-]¡±


    A tremendous crash. The wounded mutant sheep exploded creating a bone crushing shock wave catching the rest of the fleeing herd within it¡¯s radius. Now the air was filled with the panicked bleating of the survivors. Shocked Benedict threw himself to the ground as I ripped Valentine down. The bleats were replaced by a chain reaction of explosions vaporising what was left of the sheep.


    Looking up at the devastation of craters specks of wool floated down from the site of the detonation. Distraught I watched the chromatic snow like wool float down from the sky as Valentine stood up shocked with surprise his face blank. Benedict unable to contain his snickering burst out laughing hunching over his knees. Looking back to him with our separate distraught and utterly surprised expressions he stood up wiping his eyes with his fingers as he brought his laughter down.


    ¡°[Oh shit¡­ They just all started bleating then that explosion. That was fantastic.]¡± Staring at him unimpressed as Valentine still shocked looked back over to the new craters dumbfounded instilled we didn¡¯t feel the same way about the situation.


    ¡°[You not think that was great? I mean c¡¯mon, the bleating¡­ then explosions¡­ and¡­ ugh fuck off.]¡±


    Nodding slowly I returned to the notepad writing down our encounter with the sheep to update the encyclopedia of the zone. We had the luck of testing their response at range. No doubt pioneers had come across these creatures before but rather than picking them off they ambushed them with shotguns for a reliable kill. Looking back over to the craters it wasn¡¯t surprising no one had reported these before. Sighing I closed the notebook to look at the scalpel I spent so long trying to find as Benedict noticed it glinting in the sun.


    ¡°[Really? You''re disappointed you didn¡¯t get to poke around in them? Did you SEE what they just did?]¡±


    ¡°[I doubt they¡¯d explode if you''re careful enough. Besides they seem to have a delay. Give it a slice, roll it down a hill and see what happens right?]¡± Shaking his head Benedict continued on point unwilling to continue the argument. Setting up in a glade we found ourselves waiting for our prey. It had been made aware to us that the atrocity that eluded us before had been spotted in the area.


    As darkness began to fall preparing to admit today might not be the day to bring down the atrocity the deer with vantablack eyes strode into sight one hundred and fifty meters away from us. With a wild grin I reached into the surgeon''s pack to pull out a FN303 less than lethal riot gun as Benedict loaded an M79 launcher with a sponge grenade.


    ¡°[You sure that this¡¯ll be enough to bring it down?]¡± Benedict shared Valentine''s concern with a grunt and a shrug. Confidently finishing my checks on the riot gun I loaded the magazine.


    ¡°[Well we know for sure bullets don¡¯t do shit. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a gravity field otherwise everything would be thrown away from it. Has to be magnetic so rubber rounds should hit it.]¡±


    ¡°[If they don¡¯t?]¡±


    ¡°[Climb a tree and hope it gets bored enough to leave. Best of luck guys.]¡±Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°[What kind of back up plan is that? Piss it off and hope it doesn¡¯t kill you?]¡± Ignoring Valentine Benedict set off to position himself.


    ¡°[Be careful, don¡¯t fuck up.]¡± With a nod I crept up to the edge of cover from where it grazed a hundred meters out as Valentine provided an overwatch from any other threats and Benedict waited to follow up my attack. With a go signal I walked out from cover waving my arms with riot gun in hand to get the deer''s attention.


    ¡°[Hey little guy! How¡¯s things? I see you¡¯ve got some new trinkets on your antlers! Were you helping us out or tearing us apart I wonder?]¡±


    The deer looked up furiously. Stomping the ground with one of its taloned legs it offered a moment of mercy so rare in the zone allowing a chance to escape. Though such abnormal behaviour was noted we didn¡¯t come here to run. Walking forward towards the deer obnoxiously it went into a frenzy stomping both front taloned legs into the ground repetitively. Bringing my hands to my knees leaning forward slightly I provoked it further defying it.


    ¡°[Aww that¡¯s awfully sweet of you giving us the choice leave. Sorry but you''re an inconvenience for most idiots. Someone has to do this. That and your a scientific treasure trove I can¡¯t WAIT to see what makes you tick!]¡±


    Pushed to a point of deranged frustration with my refusal to leave the deer charged as I back peddled to the cover of a tree waiting for it to close in. The talons cut into the ground tearing it up as it continued it''s blitz. The scythed antlers covered in the remnants of it¡¯s aggressors drove home what failure would bring. Standing unshaken with the riot gun ready I waited for the right moment. As it closed in to around forty meters away I fired. The rubber pellets collided bouncing from the deer''s leg throwing the muscles into a spasm bringing it crashing down into the dirt.


    Benedict immediately broke cover charging forward with the M79 launcher. Sliding down to a knee as he found a position he fired into the creature''s head as I kept the deer down with sustained fire. The first grenade bounced from the deer''s skull sending it into a seizure where it¡¯s head swung the scythed talons around wildly. Loading another round a second shot saw the deer finally subdued as it¡¯s body went limp.


    With a grunt of satisfaction Benedict threw the M79 to me for Valentine to collect as he went out to set up a perimeter. Valentine approached taking the M79 holding onto it while I procured a glass syringe and vial.


    ¡°[Pretty anti-climatic way to go. Shame we couldn¡¯t just get a tranq rifle and save the trouble of knocking it out.]¡±


    Valentine procured his notebook and hunting equipment as we prepared to perform an autopsy. Penetrating the vial with the syringe drawing the fluid with grave caution I found a suitable vein to begin injecting the serum.


    ¡°[A glass syringe would have probably just shattered on impact and I¡¯m not collecting more void toxin.]¡±


    ¡°[Yeah, lets just hope it can kill it.]¡±


    ¡°[It¡¯ll work. One of the most lethal neurotoxins known to man. See? It¡¯s already stopped breathing.]¡± Throwing the syringe into a secure container Valentine checked the creatures pulse letting out an impressed whistle as he recorded the time of death shortly after.


    ¡°[The shit that can kill us in this place. So potent it¡¯s almost inspiring.]¡±


    Bringing the scalpel down the deer''s belly as Valentine stood well away should it contain any life threatening surprises he readied himself to record everything I dictated. As the light faded he also provided a light source as benedict sat jittery on overwatch. The predators formed by this place welcomed the darkness as true nightmares and Benedict was rightfully skittish towards every noise emitted through the pitch black night. Cutting through the deer with haste I continued to converse with myself as Valentine recorded my findings.


    ¡°[Those same organs, note that down as well. The eyes are incredible. Even shining your light on them they seem to absorb the entire visible range and possibly beyond. Either it has incredibly sensitive eyes or it sees something else entirely outside of the material world. The brain has an extension of the organs over the occipital lobe so it may very well be modified detect other stimuli unknown to us. The talons and scythed antlers are warped to a lethal edge. Whether or not this is from initial mutation or during it¡¯s growth I¡¯m unsure however it¡¯s so dense it blunted my bonesaw. The abdom-]¡±


    ¡°[Shutup.]¡±


    Following Benedict''s order we froze. Valentine quickly drew his revolver and I readied my P90 regardless of contaminated hands. Complete silence accompanied our sentry in the darkness which headlights did little to penetrate. To Benedict''s front the grass was disturbed. Ripping his rifle round his eyes tracked the ground as I watched him clench the gun. A small patch of grass flattened out. Two shots from Benedict broke the silence. Resonating into the physical realm a greatly deformed and contorted humanoid figure went into ballistic shock as it¡¯s fluid like body lost structure and sloshed to the ground with a spectral rasping.


    The humanoid figure¡¯s limbs of irregular length flopped about in protest about it¡¯s demise. The largely offset eyes rolled around manically trying to assert some control over the situation as black leach like maw appendages flailed from its rasping now gargling mouth. The melted skin began to deflate as the humanoid mutant lost its strength and passed on.


    ¡°[Abyss jaegers are out to play. Wrap it up.]¡±


    Quickly harvesting the eyes of the deer for further research we made our way back to Ilovniza village. Trying to cut through the darkness with our flashlights did little to provide any sense of security. After dispatching a few fallen who began to hunt during the night saw me wiping fresh gore from my visor to continue the assault. A beacon of hope could be seen in the distance as lights shone from floodlights shambled together from the village with a few pioneers out the front on watch for any threats that might try attack in the night.


    Passing through the bulkhead after having my suit doused in dirty water to wash away all the contaminants I was covered in from the expeditions efforts Benedict and Valentine enjoyed a drink earned from the bounty and a well earned nights rest. I immediately entered a makeshift laboratory locked off to most of the other pioneers and began performing as many experiments on the eye¡¯s that the rooms equipment allowed. Rummaging through rusty and defective salvaged equipment as well as old unreliable chemicals I found my quest for discovery to be highly limited.


    Frustrated with the lack of results slumped over the bench on the rickety stool I let my helmet visor rest on the table with my forehead pressed against the cold protective screen. Rolling sideways looking at the eyes in their container I sat upright once more to hold one in each hand. Staring into them proved to have no effect for the first few minutes. Slowly I felt something though. Looking into the eyes from the void it started to feel as if there wasn¡¯t a barrier between us. Gently prodding them with my thumb around my hand I felt the outside world disappear as my focus rested entirely on the eyes.


    Sitting entirely still I gazed into the void in my hands. Something of a connection was felt. Something otherworldly. The eyes seemed to be detecting something I naturally couldn¡¯t but now I was focussing on them it was there for me as well. It was as if some part of my body registered the organs presence after exposing myself to the eyes for so long. Closing my eyes deciding to throw caution to the wind I encouraged the connection in the promise of progress.


    Immediately thrown into what could only be described as a network I felt everything. Exploring freely for only a moment I was cut off by the soul crushing scream tearing through my mind and body as I recoiled backwards on the stool. Breathing heavily the eyes rolled free from my grasp. Laughing unevenly slapping my hands against the bench Valentine opened the door to the laboratory. He began scolding me but none of his words registered. Ears ringing I looked through the window slit to stare at the shafts of light intensifying through the baricade until Valentine began shaking me by the shoulders for my attention.


    ¡°[Collette you in there?]¡±


    Looking blankly at him exhausted I managed a stoned smile. Shaking his head he returned me to a bunk after cleaning my gloves with alcohol wipes. Lying on the mattress I couldn¡¯t help but worry about the detrimental effects of the research I carried out so often. While not obvious something seemed more and more off after every autopsy performed. Those organs so similar to each specimen plagued my mind more and more as I turned over the risks in my head.

 6. Flux: Ilovniza village

    6. Flux: Ilovniza village


    Waking up at around sunrise Strider, Bishop and Hazard began cleaning their pistols and equipment out of habit while I sharpened my knife after yesterday''s rigorous usage. Sharing the last of the water Noah had given us he clomped up the stairs and greeted us all with a lazy yawn falling into a seat next to the bunks.


    ¡°Right now you¡¯re in Ilovniza village. This building houses a trader, bar, doctor, mechanic, lockers and sleeping area with a bunch of mattresses thrown in that you enjoyed last night. It¡¯s the place we all call home regardless of our standings with each other.¡±


    He continuing to watch us, particularly Bishop, making sure he wasn¡¯t too scrambled from his experience in the storm imaginably. Hazard and I continued our repair routine as Bishop waited patiently for him to continue while Strider made sure his rifle was still sighted properly.


    ¡°Military. From the looks of it well trained too.¡±


    For a moment we all stopped to look at Noah then to what we were doing and everybody else in the barracks. No one else woke up and got straight into cleaning their weapons while they had a free moment. The concern must¡¯ve been visible as Noah let out a chuckle and continued on.


    ¡°Relax. Wild guess. From your reaction I must¡¯ve been right. Would keep it to yourselves. People aren¡¯t too fond of army here. You know how to fight though that¡¯s important. Perfect job has come up for you talk to the barman for details. See you round pioneers. Survive it and I¡¯ll make an effort to educate you about the land.¡±


    With that he stood and left without a second glance back leaving us to our weapon maintenance and checks. Confident everything was in working order we proceeded out to the front room with the bulkhead entrance filled with tables to talk to the barman. Myself and Strider approached him being able to speak the language. I¡¯d get the information while Strider translated for Hazard and Bishop.


    The man behind the bar wore a shemagh like a poncho around his neck mostly concealing a vest without the armor plate in it. His face cleaner than most people in the room, well shaven even, complemented by his moderately maintained hair as well. Spotting our approach his eyes shot over towards us off the old makeshift benchtop he was cleaning. Twitching his nose he threw the cloth over his back onto another bench carelessly.


    ¡°(New blood, what can I do you for.)¡± He gazed curious to see what we required and whether it¡¯d intrigue him or prove to be a waste of his time.


    ¡°(We heard you have a job offer that you need fighters.)¡± The barman scoffed, turned and reclaimed his cloth to continue cleaning the bench behind him.


    ¡°(Yeah, I need fighters, not rookies. Too important to send fresh meat into the grinder. How¡¯d you hear about that anyway you¡¯ve only been here a day.)¡±


    ¡°(Noah recommended we take it up.)¡± The barman finished cleaning his bench turning to face us again now intrigued.


    ¡°(Noah. The old bastard can pick out characters I¡¯ll give him that. So no one can vouch for your experience and your gear leaves a lot to be desired.)¡± With a sigh he continued tapping the bench for a moment and brought out a PDA.


    ¡°(Look, there is some work I have, not what Noah was talking about but if you¡¯re looking for a fight head to this area.)¡±


    The barman continued to explain the job. A small group of outlaws had been stealing artifacts and funding dangerous men getting the wrong kind of attention in the area. It was bad enough that even the group of outlaws they previously worked with agreed that their actions couldn¡¯t continue.


    ¡°(So the package you¡¯ll be retrieving is quite expensive. Some very valuable things inside it, consider this your rite of passage. Get that back and I¡¯ll have more for you.)¡±


    Without another word we ventured out into the wilderness. The sky overcast and miserable with empty stomachs we marched onwards to give ourselves a chance in this hostile land. All we had to do was put a few people in the ground, outlaws as well, it shouldn¡¯t be difficult. Halting at the sighting of any wildlife after witnessing what was once a simple deer could do we ventured cautiously through the woodland.


    It didn¡¯t take long until we sighted the river ahead with a small pier going across the water and breaking off to the right obscured by crates with a decaying trawler docked next to it supposedly containing the the stash we¡¯d been sent to retrieve. Three outlaws stood guard at the trawler while another was two hundred meters down the river bed.


    Strider shouldered his rifle. Peering down the scope he began to inspect every man and their equipment. Two stood at the back of the trawler while another looked towards our direction from the cabin. The two towards the back of the trawler furthest away held their shotguns up to their chests looking for something on the other side of the river while the outlaw in the cabin held an STG 44 in his hands keeping a lazy vigil out over the sixty meters of open sandy ground between us and them.


    Developing a quick plan Strider prepared to take out the guard in the cabin as Bishop, Hazard and myself prepared to advance over the sandy river bed with only our pistols taking advantage of the plant life that had developed to avoid detection. Advancing onto the pier I managing to get behind some crates next to the men on the back of the trawler. Waiting to give Strider a signal an outlaw began to approach my position as I unsheathed my knife. Once I engaged the outlaw Strider would open fire take out the sentry in the cabin above and Hazard with Bishop¡¯s help would eliminate the last man, it would all be over in a moment.


    Spotting my sudden movement in his overwatch Strider fired at the sentry just as the alert went up after my lunge. Hazard and Bishop began suppressing and moving on the final man behind the trawler flawlessly. Lunging forward disarming him of his shotgun I went for the kill. He was quick to react however and threw me around almost into the sickly water pulling a knife himself while charging towards me hoping to end the threat I posed quickly. His bravery admirable but carelessness comical.


    It was just me and this outlaw, this scavenger. Feinting with the knife bringing him to defend my phantom attack opened him up to a jab into his ribs. Spinning using my velocity to deliver a savage spin kick into the same area I struck and using whatever momentum was left drove my right elbow into the side of his neck. All in a second, a second was all it took to put him on the ground. I moved in for an easy kill lunging at the defeated man.


    He wasn¡¯t just a scavenger though and was hardly defeated just yet. He survived this place killing arrogant fools like me daily. He¡¯d taken heavier hits before and he was ready for my act of stupidity. As if some otherworldly force favored him his foot flew at my hip redirecting my lunge as I dived on him. His knife slashed across my chest while tossing me down the pier in one fluid moment. Bouncing down the wooden planks the outlaw was already on his feet charging down to finish the job. A shot cracked past as Strider attempted to halt his advance as he passed by a gap in the crates. He brought his knife down as he reached me barely managing to roll away in time narrowly avoiding a fatal strike.


    Quickly maneuvering to my feet with blood dripping from my chest everything apart from the small arena of the pier and my opponent seemed to fall out of existence. We even failed to properly notice the strike of lightning throughout the clouds. The outlaw was the first to strike and went for a deep stab aimed for my torso. This time I was prepared and clear minded, like all the arrogance had been bled from me. A sidestep later and I was on the offensive wearing him down.


    He made his counter-attack. A backhand followed by a wild slash meant for my neck. The backhand made contact but rather than fight its influence I used the impact to spin me round something the outlaw didn¡¯t expect as I ducked the slash, then buried my blade deep in his chest. As the life left the outlaw my senses returned to the world and I noticed two gunshots and a voice.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Flux! Where are you?! That storms back get your ass in cover!¡± I couldn¡¯t tell who it was with the rumbling now getting louder but the warming sensation in my skull told me not to screw around. Dashing to cover Strider took another shot as I entered the ship door keeping the last outlaw who was previously off gazing into the zone suppressed. If he had a grenade and got close enough he¡¯d be able to take all of us out at once.


    The outlaw stopped trying to move towards us though. Instead we could hear his terrified screams in the short distance from the trawler begging not to be flayed alive. He continued as the storm picked up. His voice carrying itself through the door even though the storm was becoming deafening once more. That outlaw knew something surely and capturing him would give us some information. If he didn¡¯t no one deserved to die like this at least. Thinking back to the previous storm and the screams of the last pioneer caught out in the deathly psionic wave it sounded like he still had time to be saved and wasn¡¯t too far away. With one final look towards the door as the screaming intensified I made a decision.


    ¡°Fuck it.¡±


    ¡°Wha- GET BACK!¡±


    Bishop threw himself towards me in an attempt to restrain me but I was already at the door taking the brunt of the forces the storm emitted almost stopping me completely in my tracks. The pain was like nothing else I¡¯d ever felt before. I was so ill prepared to put it up to endurance to last long enough to retrieve the outlaw but I was sure I had time there was some slight hope at least that I could reach him.


    Charging through the storm eventually reaching the source of the screaming seeing him clutching his head in pain and shock there wasn¡¯t time to snap him out of it. Throwing the outlaw over my shoulders with a surge of adrenaline the outlaw was still unaware as to what was happening amongst all the chaos. Turning round and beginning the charge back towards the trawler the air began to become filled with an impenetrable red field of dust closing in around me.


    Soft voices began to pierce the storms deafening frenzy calling for control becoming overwhelming in almost an instant. As soon as my mind was about to give way to the storm as well as the demands of the now angelic voice a hand was outstretched into the field that contained me as the world began to go dark. With one final effort launching myself and the outlaw into the arms of the interloper I felt myself get dragged back into the trawler by Strider who was being pulled back by Hazard and Bishop. Twitching on the ground trying to hold onto consciousness I slipped away with the outlaw after the ordeal.


    Unlike the road coming back to my senses wasn¡¯t met by horrific system shock, in fact getting up slowly I was feeling well rested, refreshed even. Looking about in confusion Hazard stood guard next to the outlaw cable tied to the bench who was still sobbing out of shock while Strider and Bishop were nowhere to be seen in the trawler¡¯s crew quarters. Helping myself to my feet Hazard immediately reacted to my rustling, tracking my movements for any sign of weakness that I might collapse.


    Giving him a nod Hazard left the room, the metal clanking with his steps continuing up the side and top of the cabin where Strider or Bishop held an overwatch of the area. Approaching the outlaw slowly he looked up with bloodshot eyes and tears streaming his face, the shock still present, quickly replaced with relief as he noticed who I was as I began to question him.


    ¡°(What is your name?)


    ¡°(Artur¡­) The silence continued for awhile with my back turned to him before Artur spoke up again.


    ¡°(You saved my life¡­ Why?)¡±


    ¡°(Why were you so far away from your friends.)¡± Looking to the ground sheepishly he eventually spoke up.


    ¡°(... I was collecting bugs¡­ I send them out in packages to the same address every time I find something. Do you know the address? Is that why you saved me? Are you taking me to the address?)¡±


    ¡°(No. I think you owe me something first. Artifacts, where are they.)¡±


    Turning and unsheathing my knife I held it to my side non-threateningly for the moment, the other hand on my hip. Staring into his eyes with cold focus the relief quickly bled from his facial expression returning to shock letting his head sink. Looking up to the side shaking his head while avoiding eye contact, opening his mouth for a moment as if to give away the stashes location then shaking his head again this time more vigorously.


    ¡°(You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re getting into. These people will hunt you down just leave it here for them and take me to the address. You won¡¯t see me ever again.)¡±


    Brandishing the knife in front of him made him aware what he suggested wasn¡¯t an option. The outlaw began tugging at the cable tie restraining him to the bench while pushing himself into the wall in an attempt to escape the knife. Asking him questions about the address or of who he was trying to provide the artifacts for was met by further panic continuing on about how these men would find all of us.


    After awhile of slowly giving away snippets of information he began to revert back to hopeless despair. A quick slash just scratching over his face brought him back to the moment as a droplet of blood ran down his check locking eyes with mine once more.


    ¡°(Why are you so persistent? We will all die if that case isn¡¯t here.)¡±


    Preparing for another slash he winced and turned away but rather than bring down the blade I mounted the bench straddling him. Shock and confusion took over as he tried to blurt something out prevented by pushing the blade against his lips hushing him. His eyes shot around to meet mine, the cold focus replaced by unsettling compassion.


    ¡°(Sounds like you die either way but don¡¯t you want to feel safe just one time at least? I can make it stop, all of it, you just have to ask once you give me what I want.)¡±


    Breathing heavily the fear amplified by confusion allowed for interest to spark within him. He had no exit but maybe I¡¯d be able to shock him enough to think I could provide him with one. Bringing my forehead down onto his feeling the cold sweat that had formed over his face I began slowly pushing the blade into his mouth as he began to shriek. After substantial harm enough and what sounded like a borderline gargled plea to stop I eased up allowing him to collect himself enough to a whimper. Bringing the blade back into view forced a creaking voice from him.


    ¡°(... wall... plate.)¡±


    Leaning back still on top of him on the bench looking over to where he¡¯d indicated there was indeed a loose plate right beside us. Peeling it back revealed a lead lined container with a handle. Smiling I turned back to the outlaw before a voice came from the door.


    ¡°Dude¡­¡±


    Strider stood looking over towards my position on the outlaw slightly unsettled at the sight of me mounting him while his mouth ran with blood. Standing up wiping the splatter from my face while walking towards him he cringed further at the sight of me attempting to wipe the blood away.


    ¡°You just smeared it all over yourself¡­ doesn¡¯t help that you already look like you got way too into that.¡±


    ¡°Got the job done didn¡¯t?¡±


    With a sigh Strider discontinued his concerned tangent instead calling down Bishop and Hazard who handed me one of the deaceased outlaws shotguns, Hazard holding the other and Bishop the STG44 from the first sentry to fall. Before leaving I walked back over to the outlaw knife still drawn.


    With morbid acceptance his head fell once more preparing for the end. Looking down at the defeated man there was one last thing to do. Cutting through what little resistance there was his arms fell no longer bound. He looked up again confused as if his interrogation wasn¡¯t over not sure what to do now wondering if he was free or if it was a trick.


    ¡°(They¡¯re going to kill you if they find you. That¡¯s what you said. Better start running for the border. Prison is better than being dead surely.)¡±


    He stood. Wobbling slightly amidst all the shock his body was going through. Looking into my eyes one last time to find no deceit he stumbled past us cautiously and took off once out the door jogging in the direction of the border. Leaving the shelter of the trawler with the case of artifacts we headed back to Iloviniza village to return the case. Walking through the door of the camp the barman instantly called us over spotting the case in Hazard¡¯s arms bringing a half smile to his face. With the agreed payment he also threw in a desperately needed meal. As meagre as it was it still provided intense relief to weary souls.


    Looking over to my friends it was hard to believe how we got to this point. From an almost flawless entry to being cut down by heavy machine guns. To being seemingly in the clear and almost losing our lives now recovering with a quick payout. To say these first two days of being in the zone had been a rollercoaster would be an incredible understatement. Having no clue as to how we were still alive after so many close calls back to back even more so. We could fight and defend ourselves but we had no idea how this place worked. It was as if it were another world and from the little we saw it no doubt had so much more to try take our lives with.


    I¡¯d began to question why we came here. There was a reason searing in my mind but it seemed incomplete or artificial in some way. We came here willingly throwing away everything to do so for adventure, treasures and glory but that all seemed so childish now, not something we would have seriously considered. Noticing I¡¯d stopped eating my food Noah came and sat down next to me thunking down onto a chair as he did before with a sympathetic smile.


    ¡°Everybody''s like that when they first get here. You¡¯ll remember why you came eventually once you get used to this place.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ What did you come here for?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for something. I know where it is but not how to get there. Simple as that. Wouldn¡¯t you rather ask something about the area? This old man has alot he could teach you.¡±


    Looking up properly his smile widened noticing the spark of hope in my eyes that we¡¯d be able to make something of ourselves here and accomplish what we originally set out to achieve.

 7. Noah: Learn you a zone

    7. Noah: Learn you a zone


    Handing a flask to Flux once he was done eating a meal of what could almost be considered mystery meat with the level of mutation present I indicated for him to pass it to Bishop, Hazard and Strider after drinking a mouthful. Unscrewing the metal cap and taking a swig I couldn¡¯t help but laugh as he recoiled wincing trying to swallow the local brew, his dissatisfaction present in his scrunched face.


    ¡°There a reason to drink this poison Noah?¡±


    ¡°Purges the system. Just about everything here is contaminated with something and this¡¯ll flush it out. If the food doesn¡¯t kill you though that just might.¡±


    Flux passed the flask to Strider next whole drank without complaint, goading Flux with his lack of reaction to the strength of the alcohol earning a scowl. Hazard and Bishop followed through with the same ease in downing the alcohol resulting in a mumble of frustration from Flux. This proved to be a mistake on Flux¡¯s part as the other three continued with childish torment ending up with Flux tackling Strider in a tantrum.


    With Strider pinned he simply said ¡®spag treatment¡¯ and let a strand of saliva hang from his mouth above Strider¡¯s face struggling in his iron grip protesting in an aggravated manner much to Hazard and Bishop¡¯s amusement. Hazard then walked over to break the two apart ripping Flux back causing the strand to break, landing directly in Strider¡¯s mouth.


    With Strider spitting vigorously in disgust amongst Bishop¡¯s bellowing laughter Flux sat back down satisfied he¡¯d acquired appropriate vengeance if only out of spite. Grown men acting like children. Those who had been here for months, years even, looked over shaking their heads or resting in their hands at the immature display. The scars they earned brought them to believe this an act of stupidity and nothing more. For me though it was heartwarming. So much that it almost brought me back to another time so much simpler to what today was even though it was so distant in the past.


    Those days were long gone however and any hope of returning to such blissful simplicity would never be achievable. I¡¯d seen the depths of this place and knew the inevitabilities it would bring. All I could do now was teach what I discovered throughout years of surviving in this pocket of hell. Letting the reminiscent smile fade I called for their attention and they responded almost instantly. All that military training no doubt, big man speaks you pay attention. While it was advantageous that they knew how to fight they didn¡¯t know how to survive, not here at least, and all that training would come into conflict with what I tried to teach them. A cup already full must be emptied first or some shit like that.


    Beginning with what they had already seen I explained what the deific deer was that tore through the omnipresent wild dogs in the area. Much to their relief the deer was incredibly unique in that it was the only one but that relief was shattered when I brought to their attention the sheer abundance of what we called atrocities. Each was unique onto itself, with horrific capabilities that guaranteed death for the unprepared or the ignorant though hope was offered by the vast encyclopedia of atrocities put together by those who dared to simply observe these creatures once tracked down or spotted by chance.


    Strider finding the information in his PDA began turning through the countless electronic pages of demons trying to soak in as much information as he could while the others continued to listen. A few new faces began to flock around sheepishly hoping to eavesdrop on the life saving facts I might shed light on throughout my lecture.


    Noticing them and eagerly inviting them over now holding the attention of a considerable portion of the makeshift bar the man at the counter scoffed and walked over to provide me with metal mug of water so that I could comfortably continue my long lecture. Taking only a moment to thank him which he dismissed with a wave I went on describing the more common threats of the area other than the mutated animals.


    The husks of the lost who wandered aimlessly, dead eyed, their souls torn from the fabric of known reality and replaced with purpose anew granting only the most basic of functions before their bodies gave out. Dying with their weapons in their hands retaining only a vague memory of how to operate their guns and while their indiscriminate fire was startling these husks were a godsend compared to those without weapons.


    Those without weapons were determined ill equipped by the forces that controlled their flesh for the purpose it sought to complete. Instead the unarmed or maimed were subjected to madness and mutation transforming into one of the fallen. Jagged bone tearing through the skin of their arms to form numerous irregular blades and an unquenchable rage only doused by the eventual decay of the body. The physical prowess of the fallen pushed the very boundaries of what were thought to be the limits of the human condition though there were examples that broke those limits.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    The blades would become buried under mountains of muscle rippling along elongated limbs to form a beast twice the size of a man, talons growing unregulated from the bone of fingers, the abominations. The fallen that found success in consuming enough material grew uncontrollably during a scream. The terrible psionic force acting as a catalyst propelled their metabolism into an incredible rate. Some say they even hear the screams over that terrible storm as the body rips itself asunder to make way for the enhancement.


    The last creature of a notably human origin were the abyss jaegers. Should the metabolic catalyst fail the psionic energy would simply pool within the creature rendering it¡¯s body incredibly flexible, gelatinous almost. Nearly throwing it out of our plane of existence it would seem the beings disappear as if into thin air cloaking perfectly when alerted so that the light passes through them almost entirely. Present in two realities at once, our own and another not visible they lurk amongst us in the dark with perfect perception. Returning primarily to our plane only to strike or wrap abominable appendages and maw around an unsuspecting pioneers throat from behind. While the creatures have to shed their camouflage to strike it would only be for a moment, a moment the lone pioneer often didn¡¯t survive.


    While these abominable creatures at least held some resemblance to human origin the atrocities took upon creation of their own. The human mind and soul tore apart from each other with ease but the human condition always remained in some form. It¡¯s weaknesses well known no matter how distorted or defiled. Atrocities, the deer encountered being a minor form, held terrible secret powers to be unleashed upon the individual. There were far worse creatures though. Some made of both flesh and metal wrought into terrifying creatures integrating electronics, machines and weapons perfected for their task into the adaptability of biological systems. The worst of the atrocities was an entity of cataclysmic potential resting deep in the zone as it¡¯s corrupt heart continually pumped out putrid energy which flowed scorching the land it enveloped.


    The creatures of this place were not the only threat. Tears opened by the terrible forces created tremendous fluctuations in the form of heat, gravity, chemical and even reality in pockets where the forces consolidated. Stagnant water would be turned into pools of deadly acid, metallic materials would be rendered into psionic emitters blocking access until they ran out of energy. Some pockets becoming so concentrated and focussed they would only be the size of a small car but any interruption would see the entirety of it¡¯s energy expelled upon it often being immediately lethal or maiming those who survived.


    The expressions of the gathered group were notably dismal. The information of our mutual enemy demoralizing even those who resided at the tables knowing most of the facts I¡¯d covered. With disgruntled murmurs throughout the crowd growing louder with mentions of trying to escape and questioning themselves as to why they chose to break into the area it was time to remind them of why they decided to come here. Bringing the now empty metal mug onto the table with a clang returning their attention to my lecture a slight smile crept across my face as I began anew.


    The artifacts, the treasures, the relics. The terrible forces of this place absorbed and contained by formations created by the heinous screams. The storms we¡¯d never be able to forget or the screams that would roll over the hills accompanied by its wave of terrible force. Through compressing, smashing, ricocheting and melting materials together they could take on some of the forces from the tears they formed in. Glowing rocks that blew away bullets, damp sponges that felt as if to be living oozing liquid that would neutralize the harshest acid or base, orbs that contained fire which held a steady temperature in the pocket they emitted irradiating a never ceasing light.


    Wonder was quickly replaced with skepticism from most of the men in the room, only the most elite in the bar stood unswayed by my words. Bringing forward my backpack and dragging Flux to the table I retrieved a metal container. Undoing the latch allowed a sickly green glow became visible from under the lid. With a pair of industrial tongs to flip the container open and retrieve the deformed jade green formation of granite bubbles fused together I held the artifact over Fluxs chest next to the wound he¡¯d recently sustained.


    With a choke he lifted his shirt quickly to investigate his wound revealing his flesh knitting itself back together to the crowd. Within a few minutes the healing was done as Flux fell gently to the ground exhausted, the crowd stunned with the miraculous regenerative abilities the artifact provided. With the light gone from the artifact it was quickly placed back into it¡¯s container to regenerate its properties. Returning the container to the pack I brought out the metal flask again for Flux to flush the toxins instilled by the artifact. Taking another swig brought back the same wince as before much to Strider¡¯s amusement earning a punch thrown in his direction as Flux groggily helped himself up.


    Leaving them to their fight I returned to further plan deep raids into the zone to try reclaim what I¡¯d lost, maybe also to finally find someone willing to help me in my desperate strife while still capable of battling the worst of what this place had conjured. Looking back over my shoulder revealed Hazard holding back an infuriated Flux while Strider continued to goad him as members of the crowd chuckled dissipating throughout the building and bar. It seemed the recent wave of pioneers this year still held onto the memories of what was before this place, what there was while there was still hope. Maybe they would end up being exactly what I needed. Only time would tell.

 8. Valentine: Blood harvest

    8. Valentine: Blood harvest


    After another scream passed we moved out into the wildlands near the scar where the land had been torn apart but far away enough where the grass still grew freely. Benedict secured a perimeter in the light forest while Collette and I flattened the long grass. Once satisfied with our work I dragged a husk with broken arms and legs onto the flattened grass while Collette set out her field surgery kit unpacking it from the pack she wore at the front of her waist. In turn I produced two meat hooks from my hunting equipment and left the gear with Collette so she could get to work as she prepared her bone saw.


    ¡°[Beautiful day don¡¯t you think?]¡± She broke the silence as did the sharpening of her saw speaking to the husk which looked up staring it¡¯s cold dead glassy eyes into hers while trying to raise one of it¡¯s broken arms rasping in Ukrainian.


    ¡°(Cooolll¡­ coooooooooll¡­ cooooooooooooo...)¡± Taking hold of the husks hand she looked intently towards it her eyes wild as if about to make a groundbreaking discovery.


    ¡°(What? What is it? Cold? Are you cold? Go on you can do it, say something!)¡± The husk rasped a few more times before replying.


    ¡°(Coooooollllllecctiveee¡­)¡± Disapointed she dropped the husk¡¯s hand as Benedict looked back towards her.


    ¡°[As if it wasn¡¯t obvious it was going to moan about that cult. Just get to work before someone see¡¯s. No one ever takes this well.]¡± Shooting a quick glance back at Benedict she readied organ containers.


    ¡°[You never know. Imagine if we could communicate with them. That would change everything we know about these things.]¡± I was the next to respond.


    ¡°[If you found out we could speak to them I doubt you¡¯d handle what you''re about to do.]¡±


    Shaking her head she began to grind through the husk¡¯s rib cage with the saw. The husk simply laid there rasping as if to be simply lounging in the sun enjoying a lazy day. Cutting through the first section Collette took a moment to reply.


    ¡°[We should never be afraid of discovery. Regardless of what it might bring.]¡±


    ¡°[Pfft. If only that were the truth¡­]¡±


    Continuing on Benedict kept scanning out of the forest looking for anyone or anything stumbling onto our operation. Finally done with the saw Collette called for my assistance as she placed the meat hooks into the rib cage ready to pull it apart to access the husks chest cavity. Looking down with hesitation I took hold of the handle muttering to myself.


    ¡°[God I¡¯m always gonna hate this part¡­]¡±


    With a grunt we tore the husk open who still laidrasping idly basking in the sun. With an exclamation of disgust and pulling out a notebook I wrote down everything dictated while Collette slowly dissected the husk muttering to herself.


    ¡°[Absolutely fascinating¡­ the organs are good but the new organs¡­ they¡¯re exactly like the rest. Every creature here has these same mutations. Other than that it¡¯s your ordinary husk. No offense but you''re nothing special, sorry little guy. Just a poor pioneer who got fried. Nothing to note in the bestiary this time. Though for personal notes mention the similar organs. Those are important to solving these things I know it. God I love perfect samples. As for the lungs-]¡±


    ¡°[Shit we have company. People company.]¡± Benedict interrupting her procedure with the alert she turned to look as Benedict continued. ¡°[Get that blanket over it¡¯s chest quick.]¡±


    ¡°[If I stop now we compromise the operation.]¡± Ignoring her for the moment Benedict waved down the pioneer who stumbled dangerously close to our operation site.


    ¡°(Hey! Wait over there for a second [for fucks sake the blanket!] Stop where you are!)¡± The man continued approaching in a complete daze exhausted muttering something hopeful as I closed the notebook and readied my weapon prepared for the worst.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°(Ostep¡­ you found him didn¡¯t you? You''re helping him right now aren¡¯t you. Back there.)¡± Cursing Collette threw over the operating blanket just in time as Benedict shouldered the pioneer back slightly.


    ¡°(Trust me you don¡¯t want to see this pioneer. We¡¯ll tell you what happened to him back at the camp.)¡±


    ¡°(What are you talking about? Ostap, he¡¯s right there¡­)¡± Taking a good look at his friend he saw his cold dead eyes as well as the now bloodied operating blanket on the ground as the husk swiped it away exposing it¡¯s torn out rib cage.


    ¡°(OH MY GOD!)¡± The pioneer immediately went into shock bringing his rifle up as did I while Benedict shouted him down.


    ¡°[Fuck¡­] (calm down he¡¯s a husk he¡¯s already dead!)¡±


    ¡°(WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO HIM?! YOU FUCKING ANIMALS!)¡± Hands shaking with the rifle jittering backpedaling rapidly he tripped over a root firing past Benedict''s head. The bullet passing with a deafening crack.


    ¡°[Jesus!]¡±


    Without wasting a moment I ran forward and kicked the rifle out of his hands and restrained him before he could pull out his pistol as he continued to scream.


    ¡°(HELP! THEY¡¯RE CUTTING US OPEN! SOMEONE-)¡± Muffling his screams I tried to drive some sense into his head.


    ¡°(We¡¯re not cutting people open you fucking idiot. It¡¯s a husk. He¡¯s. Already. Dead. If we wanted you you¡¯d already be out cold.)¡± Wrestling free and crawling backwards without his weapons we let him sit in the shade as Collette properly covered the operation once more while the pioneer analyzed the situation.


    ¡°(Then why are you cutting up Ostap?...)¡± Collette was the next to try calm the man.


    ¡°(He was already dead. Look come over here and I¡¯ll show you his eye¡¯s. Benedict, Valentine, give him some room.)¡± Slowly the pioneer approached as Collette cradled the Husk¡¯s head with one hand and reached for a torch with the other. Shining the light right through it¡¯s glassy dead eyes it didn¡¯t respond to the stimulus at all and continued to rasp unintelligibly.


    ¡°(See? There''s nothing left in there. You saw the operation as well. If he were alive and conscious any man would be screaming. He¡¯s gone and only his body is left. I¡¯m sorry you had to see this but he¡¯s going to continue saving lives if you let us work ok? I¡¯m sorry.)¡± Stricken with grief logic finally worked it¡¯s way through his shock. He stood shaking assisted by Benedict as I collected his rifle and handed it back to him.


    ¡°(But¡­ oh god Ostap¡­)¡± Breaking into tears again I gently shook him to get his attention.


    ¡°(You need rest man. Head back to the camp. We¡¯ll buy you a drink and a meal for having to see this. Take care of yourself pioneer.)¡± Sobbing the pioneer stumbled back in the direction of the pioneer camp shaking my head as he left.


    ¡°[Poor bastard¡­ these fucking rookies don¡¯t last long do they. Least the veterans understand and just tell us off for disrespecting a body.]¡±


    ¡°[No where near as much disrespect as the zone has shown them.]¡±


    Pulling the blanket off the husk once more she hastily continued before the organs became contaminated. With the required organs harvested she went to packing away her disinfected tools before standing up distraught. I made a sarcastic remark as Benedict scouted ahead to try at least annoy or invoke some reaction to get her mind off the situation.


    ¡°[Thought you loved perfect samples.]¡± With a weak uneven laugh turning her head away with closed eyes and turning back to the now dying husk she formed a half frown half smile.


    ¡°[Not like that¡­ he just¡­ fuck.]¡± The silence continued for a moment as she rubbed her eyes shaking the shock away before looking back up with a concerning smile.


    ¡°[We saved lives today. Made something of someone who died pointlessly before we found him. We did good.]¡±


    Her fractured smiled begged for some form of confirmation. Over the years her psyche was breaking with all the autopsies and discoveries we were making. Even the least distressing creatures had some influence on her upon opening them up. She couldn¡¯t stop though. The knowledge we gained saved so many lives in providing information on how to combat the threats of the zone as well as how to harvest its horrors supported by even this gruesome display.


    ¡°[Yeah. We did good.]¡± With a relieved sigh she walked by.


    ¡°[Well c''mon! Benedict is waiting up ahead and we still need to get the day''s hunting done. Don¡¯t want to go hungry do you?]¡±


    Regardless of the good we were doing at this rate something was going to break alongside the madness and bedlam she was diving into. The question was if it would it be her inquisitive spirit leaving her nothing left but to die or her restraint where she would see herself put the knife to anything she deemed fascinating including her fellow man. For her sake as well as our own our priorities should best shift over to focussing on escape soon. Hopefully Noah would bring to light the plan he had to leave and soon.

 9. Strider: Tensions

    9. Strider: Tensions


    A few weeks of surviving this place one morning in the middle of preparing with Flux for a day''s hunt while Bishop and Hazard began planning potential raids from the PDA map¡¯s voices could be heard from a room further down the hallway. An agitated debate preparing to turn violent at the drop of a pin or gunshot by the sounds of things.


    Promptly paying the trader we moved to the end of the hall just outside a door to listen in properly. An outlaw of supposed renown argueing with one of the veteran pioneers who founded the camp. The veteran threw accusations of bringing outside interest into the zone bringing risk onto us all while the outlaw continued his furious rebuttal of how the threat had targeted them first. With the argument reaching it¡¯s peak a gun was heard being cocked under a threatening growl as Noah bustled past us into the room before a shot could be fired. The veteran turned his attention to his intrusion immediately continuing his rant.


    ¡°(I don¡¯t give a good goddamn how wronged you feel. Mercenaries run amok throughout the area because of your actions.)¡± The outlaw brought both hands down onto the table his voice laced with rage.


    ¡°(Your sanctioning the murder of all of us then regardless of the protection we provide. Is this a declaration of fucking war? My boys are eager for blood after the massacres and they don¡¯t care whose it is.)¡± Noah now arriving at the edge of the table stalled the argument in a calm tone.


    ¡°(The recent massacres have been felt by both sides rest assured. These attacks are targeting to set us upon ourselves so the worst thing we can do now is murder each other. If we cannot face this threat we can at least deny them their objective.)¡±


    An uneasy silence was shared between the two as they processed the facts they knew themselves seemingly correlating with Noah¡¯s proposed theory. With a grunt of frustration the veteran left the room scowling displeased with the lack of results from the argument as the outlaw sighed.


    ¡°(I know we don¡¯t agree on how to survive but you¡¯d think a common threat would unite us. If you want to do something about it the merc¡¯s are executing and dumping the bodies into the scar. We¡¯re too disorganized in all this chaos to stop them but if something''s done about that I¡¯m sure it¡¯d ease tensions.)¡±


    With a nod the outlaw left the room as well, closing the door hiding away the crowd that¡¯d gathered as Noah threw a map over the table.


    ¡°If they start a war a lot of good people will die and you four need to make a name for yourselves. I have a job for you.¡±


    Running his fingers over the map he tapped a location far down the river totaling a nine and a half kilometer hike which would take roughly two hours to traverse. He described the scar as a fissure in the earth that a gravitational tear had caused ripping the area apart leaving deep shafts in ravaged ground. The forces raged fluctuating the soil blowing it out of the ground forming massive caverns and cramped twisting tunnels for hundreds of meters.


    Even though the gravitational tear remained its forces had consolidated around the main entry into a large cavern that the fallen had taken as their home. Only the most hardened expeditions returned to report the occupants presence. Though his descriptions were vividly accurate nothing compared to seeing the devastation for ourselves.


    We marched stepping carefully over the soft dirt giving way throughout the irregular rolling hills hiding treacherous pitfalls discovered by Bishop as he almost slipped down into the depths. Hazard quickly diving forward managing to grasp him by his webbing just before the ground gave way underneath him pulling a shocked Bishop back from the brink.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Jesus¡­ How¡¯d you react that quickly?¡±


    ¡°Thought about that beartrap you got stuck in and knew you weren¡¯t going to be watching your step you clumsy dickhead.¡±


    ¡°Who expects someone to bring a fucking bear trap to a gunfight?¡±


    ¡°Someone trying to trap a clumsy dickhead, obviously.¡±


    Frustrated trying to shove Hazard Bishop found himself over the hole once more as Hazard pulled him round in an effort to irritate him further resulting in a growl coming from below. Throwing Bishop behind him Hazard shouldered his shotgun scanning the depths of the darkness for any movement. Flux now taking notice of the commotion himself formed a perimeter as Bishop steadied his assault rifle in cohesion with the rest of us. Waiting for only a minute we decided to move on with grave vigilance against any fallen that might rise from the depths below.


    ¡°Not the time to fuck around. Keep an eye out and move slowly.¡±


    Alerted to the threat below our pace decreased dramatically as we scanned the dirt for any disturbance. The soil became harder and harder to maintain a foothold on as it became less dense as if it had been sifted. Advancing up the hills became difficult while maintaining an overwatch using one hand to pull myself up to make sure I wouldn¡¯t slide down to the base once more. Without any stable terrain reaction fire would be hell with this rifle.


    Coming to the top of another hill gunfire erupted from across the river. A shot cracking by caused Hazard to lose his footing and slide down the hill with Flux sliding down to help him. Bishop set his rifle a few meters away from mine as I scanned the forest from the best cover available on a bare dirt hill finger wrapped around the trigger while Flux cried out to Hazard.


    ¡°Hazard! You hit? Come on say something at least move.¡± Hazard looked back up towards him with a shaken look in his eyes.


    ¡°I felt that shot breeze past my balls¡­¡±


    Bishop could be heard chuckling from the other side of the hill as I relaxed my finger alongside the gun. Further inspection down the scope displayed the shot was not meant for us but had gone stray from the firefight raging across the river. Cerberus and Crusader forces were engaged in a skirmish over an area filled mostly with gravity tears. The Crusader forces appeared to be winning at first in a display of superior tactics and raw power until a few became trapped within either acid pockets or gravity fluctuations.


    The troops died either writhing on the ground vapour slowly coming off their bodies until nothing was left of them or compacted into balls of crushed bones and gore while others were launched into the noxious lake by competing gravitational forces or the complete lack of them.


    It wasn¡¯t long until the Crusaders retreated seeking to set a cordon around the minefield of tears while the Cerberus forces took cover amongst them navigating the lethal pockets with ease. Some even began to collect the crushed piles of gore in lead containers while others ran tests quickly before vanishing into the forest once more. With the firefight over we continued on now there was no risk of catching anymore stray rounds.


    Moving in proper formation with absolute caution we arrived at a cluster of buildings and large fracture in the ground where two mercenaries marched a pioneer towards the hole. Rapidly advancing to cover I was able to catch a glance of our adversaries covered in armor head to toe. My rifle would probably penetrate the helmet of one of them however Bishop and Hazard wouldn¡¯t be able to defeat their armor. The fire would be able to disable the other mercenary for just long enough for Flux to close in however.


    Lining up the shot Bishop and Hazard took barricade positions to fire on the other mercenary as Flux closed in with the knife. As a cohesive machine we all took part in the ambush as the mercenaries shot the pioneer in the back of the head leaving him falling into the hole.


    Squeezing the trigger the bullet crushed through the helmet projecting a spray of blood, bone and brain out the front of his visor. As the mercenary fell I began bolting another round while Flux charged and Bishop and Hazard fired upon the mercenary. Bullets and buckshot stumbling him blowing out a mist of blood as shots grazed underneath his armpit.


    Recovering from the ballistic shock Flux was already on him swinging his blade aimed for his unarmored armpit. The mercenary however ready for his strike interrupting his swing and while it still struck a lethal blow the mercenary continued to fight grabbing Flux running for the hole. Watching in horror as I finished bolting the round and sighted my target both Flux and the mercenary were already flying off the ledge. The shot futile regardless of the fact that it made it¡¯s mark as both men fell into the depths.

 10. Flux: Darkness and desperation

    10. Flux: Darkness and desperation


    The mercenaries grip faltered as Striders shot came too late. Writhing free the light beginning to drown out in the darkness I managed to dig my hands into the dirt walls with my shotgun clanking down the walls. Dirt showered around as my descent slowed while pain shot down my arms. Losing grip once more as the flesh began to tear around my fingers going into a freefall to land on a soft pile. Rolling over the mound revealed a pile of bodies mutilated by the fall and the fallen below. Dazed but managing to get to my feet the mercenaries shattered corpse was displayed in front of me, his body crushed from the fall and spine disfigured next to his damaged rifle.


    ¡°Glorious¡­¡± Rummaging through his vest I found 3 spare magazines for the M4A1 carbine replacing my lost shotgun as well as some combat drugs and a defensive grenade as a threatening growl echoed through. A fallen crawled past investigating the commotion almost spotting me as I crouched down behind the pile of corpses. It could be heard coming closer and closer as I desperately tried to clear the breach of the damaged rifle to defend myself. Spotting the once human face peak around the corner a look was shared between us. I slowly reached for my knife as it¡¯s growls grew in intensity until it was silenced from a gunshot above. Looking up I saw Strider looking down into the hole with his smoking rifle braced.


    ¡°God damn how¡¯d you survive that? Nevermind, you still have to find a way out of there but your in your element. CQB and all that right? Make sure you stay alive we¡¯ll try find an entry. Good luck.¡±


    With that he left as the bloackage ejected from the chamber of the rifle. The damage it had taken rendered it viable to failure which could prove lethal in here but in lieu of any other available weapon it would have to do. Attaching a flashlight as best as I could I proceeded into the pitch black darkness that my flashlight cut through. Proceeding slowly as not to disturb the dirt beneath my feet potentially giving my position away I listened for any indication of hostile movement. The air was thick, moist and carried the tension that would instil the madness of despair into those without the mental fortitude for such a task.


    Rustling and occassional beastial screams could be heard throughout the cave¡¯s many tunnels weaving throughout the area which I already lost my bearings on position or direction due to madness they weaved with. Pressing on regardless as the flashlight darted across to every noise the tunnel emitted while slowly stepping forward with the rifle readied taking calm breaths barely audible that did not interrupt my aim.


    Stepping through a hole in the dirt wall revealed a large cavern with a natural rock formation bridging over a chasm leading to a makeshift dirt stairway to a corridor with what seemed to be mud huts clustered at the bottom. Had the fallen constructed this? All descriptions of them suggested they were mutants blinded by insatiable rage. Not creatures capable or thought or forming what looked to be a primitive society.


    Hearing specks of dirt sprinkle from the ceiling brought me around pointing the rifle to the roof illuminating it. Seven fallen were slowly crawling to a position above me. The light irritating them enough to break into a charge. The hunt was on. All of us bearing our teeth. Squeezing the trigger the rifle began screaming its cry of death. The fallen replying with a collection of rasped screams themselves. The muzzle flash illuminating the cavern walls. Sprinting over the bridge one of the fallen landed from above in front. A sidestep and rifle butt to it¡¯s head. A burst of fire I continued to run. A kill. A surge of strength. More fallen arrived behind to continue the hunt.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Another in front. Squeezing the trigger only to hear a click. Desperately ripping out the magazine ducking the scythed arm of the screaming fallen while slamming the empty magazine into it¡¯s head. It tumbled into the darkness below as another two charging from behind closed the gap. Backpedalling as quickly as possible grasping the new magazine slamming it in chambering a round the rifle screamed once more. The barrel smoking one died mid dive the other slumped over the ground.


    Charging up the stairs another fallen tackled me. One swift movement while tumbling saw the fallen thrown off the ledge like a rag doll. A combat high unleashed inhuman reserves of strength as more fell under my fire. Loading the second last magazine another two came up the stairwell to be slaughtered halfway up. The blood running down the altar of battle. Charging forward at lightning speed shoulding through one of the fallen turning only to confirm the kill saw another fallen take hold from behind.


    Viciously throwing him over my back it grasped me from the front. Holding down the trigger the rifle barrel now glowing red. Gore splattered all over the wall behind it as it crumpled. Another fallen dived in swiftly for a quick kill only to have the rifle barrel shatter in it¡¯s face while firing. Glowing red fragments burned through its flesh as it writhed about. Down to the knife I pressed on. Charging forward. The deaths of many fueling my sprint through the psychotic withering tunnels which sang of the sacrifices offered to them.


    More fallen came and more fell. Now standing my ground with the blade. Oblivious to the world outside of this glorious arena of combat. The walls sang louder. I had to kill. I had to kill as many as I could. For the harvest. I needed their energy. It had to be collected, molded and reformed. Each death drove perfection into every strike. Tearing flesh asunder and crushing through bone. Drenched in mutant a massive scream could be heard from further behind. Breaking free of their grasp sprinting faster than I ever had before. My high at it¡¯s peak. Adrenaline replacing plasma. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel I pulled the pin and dropped the grenade as I charged upwards dragging myself to the surface.


    Back into the outside world free of the labyrinth rolling down the dirt hill the grenade exploded as one of the fallen was crawling out throwing it into a tear ripping it to shreds. In a final display of violence the tear threw the remains of the fallen over the surrounding area dousing it in blood. Lying on the ground for a moment as the high rapidly ceased crippling exhaustion took over only realizing the stress I was placing on my body now. Taking deep rapid breaths trying to move was met with horrible pain as my body demanded rest if only for a moment.


    With my breathing stabilizing I struggled to my feet only to fall back onto all fours a few steps ahead, the blood dripping from my overcoat staining even the already desecrated soil. Rolling back over trying to focus my mind on what had just transpired reminded me of that feeling just before that great scream where I¡¯d lost consciousness and woken up in that cabin surrounded by husks. Everything seemed to fall out of the world and only a single purpose remained in it¡¯s place. This time instead of reaching the center it was simply to kill.


    The tunnels were pitch black as well. Dropping my rifle and losing my flashlight returned them to complete darkness though I fought on unhindered. Somehow I knew exactly where my enemies were and struck all of them down. I should have died in those tunnels in blind darkness overwhelmed and eaten alive. Though here I was. Breathing. Covered in the blood of my aggressors.


    Standing up once more with rasped breaths as I struggled to put one foot in front of the other without collapsing again as I looked up with blurred vision. My body continued to give out now the driving force was fleeting further and further away from me. The overwhelming urge to kill being replaced with devastating fatigue as everything had been burnt for energy to survive the fight. Regardless of an iron will my body finally gave out one last time collapsing into the dirt face first in an unnatural position. The darkness crept in as I spotted a humanoid figure climbing out of one of the holes and running towards me.

 11. Hazard: Scars

    11. Hazard: Scars


    Strider and Bishop fanned out throughout the ruined hills as we searched for any sign that Flux may have escaped the fallen below. Searching alone now quickly moving while alert trying to keep my footing traversing the grainy soil becoming more and more careless as time went on. The air thick with tension instilling anxiety over our comrades fate. Running forward one of the fallen leapt from one of the fractures in the ground alerted no doubt to my stomping around. The wicked grin it bore stretched the webbed flesh over it¡¯s face as it began it¡¯s charge powered by distorted legs. It¡¯s arms lined with disfigured bone breaking through the flesh raised ready to strike. The creature was brought down with two clouds of buckshot leaving it writhing as the gunshot echoed throughout the broken hills.


    Stopping only to reload the shotgun cracking it open to eject the shells the dirt from behind crunched with the rhythm to footfalls. Locking the breech without loading the shotgun swinging the butt round to produce a grotesque crunching noise of a skull being fractured. The fallen collapsed it¡¯s jaw dislodged as it fell onto the ground. Recovering immediately as it made contact with the ground I brought my boot down onto it¡¯s head burying it into the dirt. The fallen continued to fight until the fourth strike as it lost most of it¡¯s motor function due the sheer amount of brain damage, the fifth ensured an end to it¡¯s suffering.


    My boot still buried in it¡¯s fractured skull breaking open the breech of the shotgun again to reload the weapon sliding in two more shells ready for more should they crawl out from the ground. Locking the breech a shout could be heard coming over the next hill. A terrified voice threatening someone else. Running up the slope in bounds reaching the peak with the shotgun shouldered to see a Crusader with his back to me while he himself shouldered an AK-74 pointed at a member of Cerberus sitting behind an unconscious Flux with a pistol as he continued to cry out in fear.


    ¡°Stay back! You¡¯ll kill him if you try take the shot and I could still get a lucky shot past your armor!¡± The Crusader stood unwavering under the threat. Unafraid he was covered by the layers of armor strapped to his vest and legs evident in his voice as he spoke in rough English.


    ¡°You won¡¯t do anything with that. I¡¯ll give ten seconds. You must surrender.¡± Wild eyed the Cerberus operative spotted me on the hill though he did not give my position away. Instead he strengthened his resolve and rather than surrender placed Flux¡¯s life in immediate peril bringing the pistol to his chin.


    ¡°I¡¯ll shoot him. Don¡¯t think I won¡¯t.¡±


    The Crusader stood unmoved by his words more likely directed towards me gambling that I was his friend. Not seeing any other alternative but to eliminate the Crusader I ran as quiety as possible towards him. The shotgun would unlikely do enough to immediately eliminate the soldier and that wouldn¡¯t be enough with him already drawing a bead on Flux. The only option was to tackle him. Running forward quiety trying to manage a silent assault that only Flux would manage on this terrain the Crusader turned his head just outside of arm''s reach.


    Cursing he brought the assault rifle round with surprising agility the barrel clocking me in the side of the head as he fired barely closing the gap in time. Taking hold of an arm and strap on his chest I threw the man over my back onto the ground disarming him only to realize he¡¯d drawn his pistol mid flip. Firing as I juked to the side narrowly avoiding a fatal shot and kicking the weapon out of his hands I turned drawing the shotgun from it¡¯s resting position on the sling firing the second I faced the other man with his pistol now drawn on me standing over Flux. The cloud of buckshot tore through the side of his arm releasing a cloud of red mist causing him to drop the pistol in the process, a very lucky shot for the both of us.


    With the Cerberus operative falling to a knee with a cry of pain the Crusader rose to his feet once more with a knife knocking the shotgun away. With a wild cumbersome slash he exposed himself. Intercepting his blow taking hold of his elbow I delivered a crushing strike into his throat. Gasping for air the Crusader joined the Cerberus operative on the ground overwhelmed by their injuries for the moment at least. Confiscating their weapons I checked on Flux while the two stayed on the ground in sight. Although his breathing was certain it was weak, very weak. Concerned with the condition of my friend I laid him out in a more comfortable position.


    Monitoring his vitals for a few minutes proved he was stable at least, he¡¯d live to fight another day. With a sigh I sat down watching the two other men as the Cerberus operative sat up nursing his wound. His facial features were obscured by a helmet integrated gasmask that left only his eyes visible. His suit mostly made from heavy duty fabric made to resist the torture of the zone along with a rubber undersuit only visible at his neck protecting his body. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The Crusader operative helped himself to his feet quickly regardless of the formidable armor he wore. The zealous fury in his eyes shining through his helmet visor as he charged the Cerberus operative to strangle him. Bearing the assault rifle I ordered him to release the man firing a warning shot due to his non-compliance causing him to stumble back shouting.


    ¡°This man wants to spread the zone pioneer. Do not interfere with protection.¡± The Cerberus operative choked out a rebuttal while recovering.


    ¡°He would deny us the knowledge we stand to gain. We can better all of mankind.¡±


    Both of the men looked at me to take a shot. With the rifle lowered the Crusader grunted with frustration while the Cerberus operative shook his head disappointed with the lack of a decision. Their war had nothing to do with me or my friends. All I was concerned with at the moment was Flux and returning him back to the camp safely. Throwing him over my shoulders the Crusader eyed off the Cerberus operative in his wounded state. Without their weapons both men were surely doomed and leaving them behind would simply leave them to murder each other in cold blood.


    Raising the rifle once more with Flux over my shoulders I indicated for the two men to march. At least bringing them back to the pioneer camp would let them return to their bases respectively. Waving the rifle ahead they followed the direction I gave as they reluctantly walked with me until we made contact with Bishop and Strider. The two took immediate concern to Fluxs state slung limply over my shoulders but were put at ease as he stirred eventually regaining the strength to walk. The long walk back with our two captives brought a great fury from the barman once we arrived back at the camp. Livid with rage that we were simply attracting more attention to an already volatile area the situation was immediately defused by Noah who seemed overjoyed with their arrival.


    ¡°I will keep these two fed and sheltered. You four did good work today. Next week I¡¯ll have a real job for you all.¡±


    Noah left as quickly as he arrived to brief the two confused soldiers of opposing factions on his desire to reach his destination. Walking back to the sleeping quarters helping Flux down onto a mattress Strider broke the silence with a question.


    ¡°From what you said they were both willing to kill him. Why didn¡¯t you put them down?¡±


    ¡°First one I had to drop with my bare hands. The second got lucky when I shot him.¡±


    ¡°I mean after. Why didn¡¯t you just put them in the ground.¡± Looking up towards him there was fire in his eyes. Obviously annoyed with the fact I didn¡¯t immediately kill them for putting Flux¡¯s life at risk I gave him the simple motivation for my actions.


    ¡°One was trying to survive and the other was just fighting for what he believed in. Flux was simply put in the way by the situation. They didn¡¯t deserve to die if it could be helped.¡±


    ¡°So you risked his life and your own instead? What kind of decision is that? You¡¯d have put a shot in both of them as soon as you had the chance and be done with it usually. How is this different?¡± With a sigh I looked towards the ground averting his gaze.


    ¡°Cause I¡¯m tired of all the indiscriminate killing. Shot too many people in too many battles I couldn¡¯t care less about. I came here to fight for us. If anything tries to hurt any of us I¡¯ll kill it without hesitation don¡¯t worry about that. But if the situation doesn¡¯t demand it I¡¯d like to avoid any more bloodshed, even if it incurs a little more risk.¡± Strider stood over me fuming, furious with my confession of mercy though no rant followed, only Strider sitting down beside me.


    ¡°We all came here for something I guess. With everything we¡¯ve seen so far you must be pretty disappointed.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not the reason for all the death and that¡¯s good enough for me. Least you''re able to get away from all the bullshit. No more orders. Flux got what he wanted as well just by being here. He was like a man possessed planning to infiltrate the checkpoint.¡± Looking to Bishop who was happily distracted loading his magazines brought another question to Strider¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Now we¡¯re on the topic why the hell did you agree to join us? You seemed pretty content.¡±


    ¡°Eh, was bored.¡±


    ¡°Bored, that¡¯s it. Enough to risk court martial and prison, because you were bored.¡±


    ¡°Yep, bored. Watching the same pile of fucking sand day in day out to the point where you''re happy to be shot at just to shake things up. Coming here was definitely worth it.¡± Strider began running his hands up and down his face.


    ¡°For fucks sake¡­ Really? That¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we didn¡¯t even have internet, power or porn at most of our outposts. How weren¡¯t any of you going batshit insane? Goddamn a month in Iraq I traded out 3 days worth of quality rations for some eye candy-¡±


    ¡°Son of a bitch that was you? You left us to eat like shit for a week and didn¡¯t even share the profit?!¡± Strider and Bishop continued their argument over whether the rightful ownership of the magazine should have only been Bishop¡¯s or the entire squad earning some strange looks from pioneers in the room. Some already leaving Flux stirred again listening in on the conversation trying to verify the topic.


    ¡°Are they arguing over porn right now?¡±


    ¡°Yeeep. Some things never change.¡±

 12. Artur: Expeditionary force

    12. Artur: Expeditionary force


    I¡¯ve been here for a couple days but I still felt uneasy surrounded by the men who organized the contract to end our cooperation with the mercenaries. Granted I was glad to finally be done with them and even the men I worked with but I was also in their crosshairs now they didn¡¯t get their package. Even though the makeshift bunker of a building kept me safe that could change at any moment should the occupants find out who exactly I was.


    I thought that moment had come when I ran into the man who interrogated me but as he went for his pistol he saw the man I was walking with and returned to a docile if not confused posture once Noah had explained why he was sheltering and feeding me. If Noah hadn¡¯t found me stumbling through the forest while the blood still ran from my mouth I wouldn¡¯t have lasted another day. After a brief introduction by Noah on my part Flux went back out into the devastated land not having the time or care to question further. Sitting next to Noah in the bar as instructed a Crusader and Cerberus operative sat across the table from us.


    The Cerberus operative looked defeated with his situation while the Crusader began demanding when he¡¯d be given his rifle back. None of us were welcome here which was reinforced by the obvious stares of far too many pioneers noting our presence with agitation. Had we not been with Noah we probably would''ve already been forced out into the depths of the chaos outside ill equipped and unprepared to survive.


    As the silence continued amongst us the ambience of the bar became more and more maddening as our situation sunk in. We were at the absolute mercy of this man and none of us knew what he wanted. Jumping at the sound of a pair of hands slamming onto the table three more pioneers arrived, two claimed a stool as the owner who slammed her hands began to speak.


    ¡°(Noah! It¡¯s been too long. How have you been? Eating well? Drinking well? Shitting well? I¡¯d like to think so with the hauls we¡¯ve been bringing in. Some A grade meat from the recent hunt¡¯s wouldn¡¯t you agree?)¡±


    One was covered in body armor and tactical equipment while the other pioneer wore a suit patched with mutant hides, hunting gear clinking as he sat. The owner of the hands continued to stand wearing a sealed suit without the helmet revealing the womans wild eyes. An emergency field surgical kit strapped around her waist complemented by scientific equipment.


    The operator rested his head against his hand giving the rest of us a casual wave while the hunter ran his hands down his strained face.


    ¡°(Collette¡­ just once can you try make an effort not to scare the fuck out of the people we meet.)¡±


    The woman continued on mostly disregarding the hunter¡¯s plea. ¡°(Of course! Manners, was never one for keeping up appearances. My parents were like that and oh god it was unbearable every day in and out it was just-)¡± Interrupting with a smile the operator pointed to himself the hunter then the surgeon.


    ¡°(Benedict, Valentine, Collette. Pleasure to meet you three. Sorry bout her. Been up all night setting up bear traps to catch some fallen. Someone let her into something caffeinated to help work through the night.)¡±


    Collette shot a vicious look at Benedict frustrated with his rudeness which he simply responded to with a shrug. Noah returned the greeting continuing on with small talk for awhile as if the collection of characters we made up was nothing unordinary. Eventually though they brought their voices low as Noah began investigating his map again and brought to our attention the horizon radar station Duga as Benedict questioned Noah over his interest in the area.


    ¡°(So why the sudden interest? Last time we spoke you sounded interested in the center, not an old military installation.)¡±


    ¡°(I said I wanted to get to the heart of the zone. This is where we will find it.)¡± Collette looked up wide eyed and did her best to contain her excitement keeping her voice low.


    ¡°(So what¡¯s down there?)¡± Noah looked behind him and made sure no one around was eavesdropping then kept his voice barely above the ambient noise around us once sure no one was overhearing our conversation.


    ¡°(The pillar. The living breathing heart of the zone.)¡± Lewis immediately leant in recognizing the words even though he didn¡¯t speak Ukrainian interrupting Noah from continuing on.


    ¡°How do you know that old man? We¡¯ve been searching for years.¡± Tarasov was next to interrupt as Noah tried to continue again.


    ¡°(Why have you held back such valuable information? Do you know how many have died in this place? If you alerted us to it¡¯s location we could finally destroy this influence.)¡± Not being able to speak myself due to the injuries sustained from my interrogation I waited for Noah to explain why we intended to reach the focal point of this hell.


    ¡°(We need to learn what we can from what was left in there so we can kill it. Making it public knowledge would just have more fools feeding it trying to find or destroy it. We have the upper hand though in that I understand this thing and pulled some strings in getting some custom protection made to get us in.)¡± Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Lewis smiled gleefully at the chance to learn from the heart of darkness while Tarasov cracked his knuckles likely amused by the idea of being able to single handedly play a major part in bringing down the zone. The three other pioneers nodded in agreement that somehow it was in their best interests to follow through with Noah¡¯s plan. For myself though I had no reason to throw myself into the belly of the beast. Sensing my disgruntlement at the idea Noah offered me an irresistible opportunity.


    ¡°(Once I have what we need I''ll be leaving the zone. I know a way out without resistance and anyone is welcome to follow me afterwards.)¡±


    An opportunity to escape the zone and back to the freedom of the world. Thinking back I couldn¡¯t remember why I had come here. All I knew is that I had to make it in somehow so I could make a dream come true. It¡¯d been so long since I went to sleep without a pistol underneath whatever my head rested on, wasted a day without a care or enjoyed the company of my family. I almost forgot what the outside world even looked like. The tranquility over the fence was so tantalizing now Noah mentioned it. Benedict brought to light that we even forgot what was most precious to us as he spoke once more.


    ¡°(Goddamn I¡¯d even be able to see my son again. It¡¯s been 4 years¡­)¡±


    Raising his hand to his forehead he wasn¡¯t able to believe the words coming from his mouth himself. The rest of us questioned what this place was doing to our minds as Noah gave us a minute of silence to remember what we left behind before reinforcing his reasoning to get to the pillar. I remembered my sister sitting beside a window reminiscing over what could have been. She wanted to be a scientist but hadn¡¯t the money or health to study. Going back over the fence I could make all of that change.


    ¡°(This place corrupts everything it touches. If we stay here we¡¯ll all become apart of it. If we leave it¡¯ll eventually grow and find us anyway. It¡¯s do or die at this point.)¡±


    I looked down at the table concerned with our chances. We all wanted so desperately to leave and return to the lives promised by the world. Disheartened I looked to the others considering just leaving myself in trying to escape. Maybe after a few more raids or finding a few more artefacts. After I got some better equipment to assist my escape then I¡¯d attempt to leave. It would happen eventually. Where else did all the people go after so much time in the zone? They can¡¯t all have died. The Crusader broke my train of thought bringing his hand crashing down onto the table.


    ¡°(We swore to destroy this place regardless of the risk it ensured. If what you say is true I will fight with you as well as anyone on this last crusade.)¡± Lewis was the next to respond.


    ¡°This is a treasure trove of knowledge. Just by finding the origin of the zone we stand to advance humanity by leaps and bounds. Even if we have to destroy it what we will gain will be worth the loss.¡± Benedict stood up as well with a nod from Collette and Valentine.


    ¡°(If you''re so certain we can¡¯t escape then we have no choice. I will see my son again.)¡± Valentine went to speak but was interrupted by a buzzed Collette who appeared completely exhausted and ready to collapse explaining her current mania.


    ¡°(It¡¯s set then! One final expedition as brothers in arms. Look forward to working with the new guys.)¡± Extending her now apparently bloodsoaked gloved hand to shake mine, Tarasov¡¯s and Lewis¡¯s she was quickly intercepted by Benedict slapping her hand away.


    ¡°(No. Nope. No getting mutant on them. YOU need the sleep.)¡±


    ¡°(Science never sleeps!)¡± Launching from the table she quickly tripped up on her own feet landing on her side wincing as Benedict helped her up to take her to the bunks.


    ¡°(No but people need to sleep. How many days were you up this time? We need to have a serious talk about your ¡®endeavours for science¡¯...)¡± Supporting her down the hall she disappeared round the corner with Benedict. Her introduction left Lewis, Tarasov and myself obviously stunned as Valentine began to explain her mania.


    ¡°(She¡¯s usually no where near as full on. She spent the two nights before our operation up as well fine tuning her report on the jelly void we found recently. Looks like a stupid blue jellyfish floating in the air. Fun fact. Contains some of the deadliest neurotoxin known to man. Shooting it has it spray it thirty meters towards you as well. Saved a lot of lives already with her getting that report into the bestiary.)¡±


    Coming down from the shock of meeting Collette we went over what Noah wanted once more as Benedict returned. Nodding in final agreement with the rest of the men Noah began to lay out the plan. Running his hand down the map he pointed out a mercenary outpost that he intended to send 4 new pioneers as a test to see if they were an asset to us. Their mission would be to destroy desperately needed supplies so that the makeshift bridge behind the outpost could be accessed. Once clear we would march to the cemetery ships to prepare our raid. After all the details had been discussed and translated for Lewis Noah looked up addressing us all.


    ¡°(So it¡¯s established then. The success of the upcoming job performed by the new blood will determine how quickly we can get to the cemetery ships. Tomorrow for the first time in history, we fight back. We begin our attack on the singularity.)¡±


    For the first time in my life I felt inspired in something I was about to fight for. Even though I didn¡¯t know these men and couldn¡¯t even vocally express my support we still all shared the same sense of comradery. A table surrounded by friends, strangers and enemies finding themselves at a beacon of hope in the disparity of this place to be tied together by a common goal.


    Returning to our quarters we continued to run through the plan without Noah discussing the best methods of how to get to the cemetery ships while I did my best to communicate how to avoid hidden outlaws only I knew about in the region. We discussed the weaknesses of our groups and how to avoid them with complete mutual trust in eachother that the mission would come first.


    It was unsettling how willing we were to work with each other. It almost seemed unnatural but Noah had an aura of authority that begged for such loyalty. I had to admit it was impressive how the old man could get us all to work together in a single day. For any other man it would have probably been impossible to have such different ideologies working together.

 13. Bishop: Plan B

    13. Bishop: Plan B


    A scream tore through the night while we tried to rest. Not being able to sleep through the tortured screams the storms terror brought I left Flux, Strider and Hazard to lie in their bunks while I walked out into the bar to distract myself. Clumsily stumbling by panicked rookies grasping their weapons or huddled on the ground I met with Noah hunched over a map greeting him with a yawn. Bringing a stool up he began informing me on the second part of our job as the scream died down.


    Mentioning that the previous day was more of a test to see if we could handle ourselves against the mercenaries he brought to light an actual objective to deal with them. Through the reports of pioneers or outlaws being in the wrong place at the wrong time it was discovered that the mercenaries were being resupplied through air drops during the dead of night near by their encampments.


    With enough chutes spotted over time Noah developed a pattern and if he was right the next drop should arrive at a fortified checkpoint to a small bridge over the impassable river. After a quick discussion as to what the enemy strength would be and a general plan I quickly accepted the job upon his offer for its completion though out of curiosity I had to ask why he was offering such a payout.


    Simply replying with ¡®for the good of us all¡¯ he shut the conversation down and left. While there was truth in his words they were not sincere in the slightest. It seemed the man had other motivations for wanting the bridge checkpoint cleared but had no interest in sharing them. Taking a mental note but otherwise avoiding to pry I left Noah to his business to collect the equipment for the operation and waited for my comrades to arrive at the table one by one. Strider being the last to shuffle up to a seat with tired eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s this about Bishop, Noah have more for us?¡±


    ¡°Does he indeed. He¡¯s given us a real job to put a mercenary squad out of commission by destroying their supplies as they parachute down.¡± Hazard looked up from poking his shredded meal disappointed.


    ¡°Destroy? They¡¯d be getting some A grade equipment, and rations come to think of it. Why not take it for ourselves?¡±


    ¡°By the time the supply drop hits the ground we¡¯ll have ten exceptionally equipped mercenaries right on top of us. Destroying it is the only way to ensure they don¡¯t get it and we can get away.¡± Strider looked unimpressed with the plan as it stood.


    ¡°Right. So we shoot the supplies out of the sky. Then what. We wait to try light the thing on fire and hope to hold while it burns under an assault?¡± With a grin I reached into the backpack of equipment Noah provided.


    ¡°Relax man, we¡¯ll destroy it with these.¡±


    Tossing over an RPG rigged with electronics Strider caught it fumbling the IED out of shock as Flux launched back behind another table an onlooking pioneer had turned over the second he saw the device in mid air. Hazard simply sat there frozen as his eyes tracked the IED through the air displaying the chewed remnants of mutant pig in his wide open mouth only for his eyes to lock back onto his meal once Strider held the IED close to his chest trembling.


    ¡°That ruined piece of meat could¡¯ve been the last thing I ever enjoyed¡­¡±


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you?!¡±I couldn¡¯t reply right away to Strider through my bellowing laughter. Taking a moment to collect myself he gingerly placed the explosive on the table and as Flux rejoined us scowling I composed myself.


    ¡°Should have seen your face¡­ don¡¯t worry these things are just about as stable as C4. They aren¡¯t going off unless I press this.¡±


    Pulling out the rigged phone triumphantly saw all three of them as well as the pioneer take cover behind the table again while Strider drew a pistol. With him sick and tired of my antics I put the detonator and IED away before preparing for the long hike just past the scar to where the checkpoint was located as Flux bought a new shotgun.


    Walking along the river no engagements were spotted this time though the creatures of the zone seemed to be highly aggravated. More than usual. Trying to remain covert seemed to be increasingly difficult until it proved impossible as a bear burst from the trees towards us.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Roaring furiously barreling forward It¡¯s fur hardened into armor ablating as it collided with the trees it charged through. The obsidian mass of a creature covered a terrifying amount of ground in only a moment. A mechanical trap snapped apart as the bear triggered it crushing the trap rather than its leg as intended. Hazard, Strider and Flux fired wildly blasting off chunks of hardened matted fur and flesh that did little to slow it. Reaching into my pack ripping out an IED and priming it I threw the device as far as my arm would allow.


    ¡°NOPE.¡± Squeezing the call button on the phone the IED detonated with a shellshock inducing explosion sending rock like bloodied chunks over the cover we were taking. Looking over the fallen log displayed a small crater filled with the rear half of the bear still smoking while bleeding pieces fell from the sky. Catching my breath gently laughing in shock instilled by the pure display of force by the now deceased mutant bear Hazard looked over towards me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not complaining but don¡¯t we need those later?¡±


    ¡°Yeah but I¡¯ve got four more. These little bastards pack a punch should only need one of them to get the job done.¡±


    Marching onwards after reloading our weapons glad to still be alive we made more of an effort to avoid attention. Staying lower to the ground and using long over grown grass to remain mostly concealed we approached the edge of the forest where the outpost could barely be seen. The walled compound had two small buildings flanking the dirty road behind the gate. Setting up in concealment we waited for nightfall to watch for the parachute bringing the supplies. Strider watched the checkpoint counting ten men through his scope while the rest of us scanned the clear night sky for the payload.


    With the help of a full moon illuminating our target a chute was spotted. Setting up for our advance the mercenaries could be seen preparing out the front of their checkpoint behind sandbags. Calling out the parachute Flux and Hazard prepared to fire on it to bring it crashing down next to the forest we hid in. One hundred meters from the ground they fired. Buckshot ripped the parachute apart as planned and as the cache of supplies fell Strider fired pinning the mercenaries.


    Reloading with slugs Flux and Hazard fired from other positions to help suppress the enemy while I moved forward to where the crate was falling. Charging through the undergrowth and into the open rounds blew past like fire crackers in a wild burst. Diving into the ground waiting for the fire to pass to begin sprinting again the crate hit the ground bursting open destroying a portion of the supplies.


    Ducking yet again beneath the flying debris the gunfight intensified as the mercenaries established a base of fire. Crawling forward Flux dove beside me into the moist ground. Crawling forward behind the the wreckage priming 2 of the IED¡¯s Flux quickly stashed what he could into his backpack with complete disregard to his safety. Ripping him down a bullet grazed the grass next to me aimed at my exposed leg. The cut blades of grass drifted gracefully to the ground regardless of the chaos around them as the fire now began kicking up dirt around the sides of the cache.


    Utterly suppressed we retreated a few meters back from the cover afforded by the crushed cache until it became insufficient taking a shot in the backpack luckily absorbed by something that wasn¡¯t an IED. On the ground again Flux began to push himself into the dirt trying to avoid the fire as best he could. The situation getting desperate and fire so heavy it seemed like the best option was to simply to dig and hope we¡¯d be able to make a hole for ourselves.


    Gunshots started tearing down the cover offered by the cache beginning to form sightlines onto our position as Strider and Hazard desperately attempted to regain the weight of fire shooting wildly. The only way out was to try something stupid. Very stupid. With the alternative of certain death though if we did nothing I decided it was the only chance we had.


    Shielding Flux with my body as he tried to move I pressed the call button on the phone. The explosion could be felt at our heels as it deafened us. Debris flying through the air as the fireball formed. Screaming at Flux to get up not being able to hear myself he blinked completely dazed. Ripping him to his feet as the dirt showered around us we sprinted back to the safety of the trees while the smoke and fire provided us desperately needed cover. Running forward with hearing returning I noticed the distinct lack of gunfire in the air. Maybe they¡¯d already given up with the loss of their equipment. Taking a knee around the area we blew up the bear to catch our breath Strider opened up in disbelief.


    ¡°That went to shit faster than we expected. How¡¯d you know you were safe from those IED¡¯s?¡± Sheepishly facing him with a half smile I quietly murmured back.


    ¡°Might¡¯ve just hoped we were far enough¡­¡± Flux glared towards me looking ready to release a furious rant but stopped himself realizing that we would¡¯ve died without taking the chance. Simply sighing instead Hazard took point and began marching back to the pioneer camp.


    ¡°We should keep moving, just in case they really are pursuing. Keep an eye out for bear traps I saw one triggered by the bear we killed in the area.¡± Making sure to stare at me at the end of his statement and returning his remark by flipping him off we continued on our way.

 14. Marcus: An unexpected visit

    14. Marcus: An unexpected visit


    With the cache of supplies ruined in front of us it seemed any hope of escaping the area was extinguished. My men sought to the wounded or scavenged desperately through the remains for anything that survived the explosion for food, ammo or medicine yearning for something to keep them going but I knew it was futile to join them. Looking ahead into the forest one of my men approached disheartened awaiting for orders.


    ¡°Marcus, what do we do now?¡± Continuing to look into the the forest I unloaded my magazine inspecting how many rounds were left.


    ¡°We need to do something. We aren¡¯t going to survive another week with what''s left.¡±


    ¡°Get everyone back to the checkpoint.¡± Loading in a fresh magazine I began walking towards the forest from where our aggressors attacked. ¡°I¡¯m going out to find them. Line, you''re in command until I get back.¡±


    ¡°What point is there? We need to focus on leaving with what we have there''s nothing left for us here. Hunting them is just a waste of time.¡±


    ¡°I have a plan. If I¡¯m not back in 3 days make for the perimeter.¡±


    Entering the trees my subordinate returned to his duties. Now running hoping to catch up to our aggressors the Lee enfield bullpup assault rifle jostled against the armor on my side. With only the bare essentials of one day''s worth of food and six loaded magazines I was able to cover ground quickly if not discreetly. Running out of breath I could hear a loud mechanical metal snap as well as a cry of pain. Crouching down in the grass with rifle ready I steadied myself against a tree aiming down the scope of my rifle.


    Four men could be seen in the field ahead, our attackers no doubt. One was stuck in a bear trap furiously agitated yelling out something along the lines of ¡®not again¡¯ as a larger man approached him to open the trap effortlessly in an impressive display of strength. Surprisingly the man trapped only had a slight limp rather than crushed shin as expected. The trap must¡¯ve been faulty or worn. A significant stroke of luck for him.


    My finger hovering over the trigger it was so tempting to put a lethal shot into the wounded and large man. Burning to avenge the men they wounded and the hopes they crushed it was so tempting to take the shot. Lowering the weapon I observed them as they caught up with the other two in their group. Killing them would murder any chance of escape. Our last hope lay in a ridiculous gambit more likely to get me shot than to help.


    Stalking the group through the terrain from a safe distance they cleared out any resistance on their path leaving me to focus on staying concealed as they occasionally glanced behind them. Following for hours I found their base of operations. The pioneer camp Ilovniza village. Putting away my rifle slowly walking towards the camp cringing as I recalled the status reports from other mercenary groups. This was one of the main areas to destabilize and the job had been done sloppy. Indiscriminate killings put everyone on edge and at each other''s throats but also us in the cross hairs. Maybe that was the point. The contract seemed strange to begin with.


    At first it seemed someone was just desperate for operatives to act on their behalf in the zone. Reconnaissance and ecological reports and such were the original orders though it became much more than that. Orders came through that we were to set up at key points and defend them and any disobedience would leave us stranded without exit. Without any other escape we followed the orders without question trying to ward off anyone who attempted to enter the areas designated hoping for the promise of evacuation to come through once more as supplies dwindled.


    Next came the supply drops. While they were a godsend deep down it excavated a deep pit of despair that our employers had no intention of having us leave any time soon. Holding our ground the money continued to flow into our accounts. Most days at least one man could be heard going over all the cars, guns, mansions and women he¡¯d enjoy once we got home. Those conversations became rarer and rarer as time went on and home seemed more impossible to reach.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Finally came the kill orders. To murder anyone we came across. The other mercenary squad leaders under the same contract sounded ecstatic with the promised reward and positions they¡¯d receive. I couldn¡¯t share their enthusiasm. The contract was becoming shadier by the day and the promises kept coming to try keep us enthralled by the payout rather than what might really be going on.


    Worried for the safety of myself and my men I briefed them on the situation as to how I saw it and most agreed with my sentiment. So we planned to escape ourselves. Take the final supply drop and find a way through the perimeter. Even though capture seemed more likely than escape prison was a better alternative than being dead.


    So now found myself at the door of the pioneers my colleagues were so happily slaughtering hoping somehow I would be able to reason with them to barter some equipment in exchange for supplies. Placing my hand on the bulkhead handle I wondered if whether it was worth even bothering to try and just escape on empty stomachs without medical supplies. Any wounds sustained would mean anyone injured trying to leave would most likely perish and being unfed they wouldn¡¯t have the strength to press on. I was responsible for their suffering in accepting this contract and I owed it to try give them a better chance at facing the horrors of tomorrow.


    Sighing deeply expecting to be shot on opening the bulkhead I walked in. Taking a few steps and looking up I saw the four men who attacked us with two crates of medical equipment and rations respectively. Turning to my right five pioneers were drawing their weapons and cocking them ready to fire. Prepared for the end turning to face them they continued to stare at me as if waiting for an attack of some sort. A minute of silence passed as the pioneers theorized a purpose for my arrival until an old man inspecting the disturbance arrived.


    Recognizing him instantly his hand went trembling to his pistol. Not drawing it simply sitting on the handle should the need for it arise at any moment. The man known as Noah was as twitchy as described in the dossier. Maybe he even knew about the order against him. Regardless of that I sought out to acquire what I required for my men and broke the tense silence with confidence addressing Noah to hopefully begin negotiating with the pioneers.


    ¡°I know who you are old man.¡± His voice uneasy he eventually replied.


    ¡°I imagine you do. What does the Arbitrator want with us.¡±


    A name I¡¯d never heard though I assumed it to be our contractor who organized our movements. Turning over the name in my head while I honestly laid out the situation of myself and my men saw a few pioneers relax. Though it might have compromised all of us proving we were weak to being struck I had to trust them to show some kind of mercy and for them to believe we didn¡¯t take part in the attacks against them. Easing his hand off the pistol after a moment of processing all of what I said his voice became steady.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t had any attacks from that area so I¡¯m inclined to believe you. Don¡¯t think you''re safe though. The other mercenaries will most likely have received orders to attack you in that last drop.¡±


    ¡°We will prepare for that. To do that though we need the supplies stolen from us that the man is holding over there.¡± As the man was about to argue Noah interrupted him immediately.


    ¡°Agreed. The condition being you stay to face those mercenaries alongside us and accompany me on a raid.¡± Taken back by his sudden agreement and demands he left me at a loss for words for a moment. Noah continued on before I could collect myself to reply.


    ¡°We need to deal with this threat and you need these supplies but I need someone like yourself to reach what I¡¯m looking for. Agree to those terms and your men will be able to escape. That''s what you want isn¡¯t?¡±


    Standing to repel the other mercenaries would put my men in harm''s way but with the aid of the pioneers we might just be able to wipe them out and prevent them from hunting us down. His request for me to remain with him though was surprising and I had no intention of staying in the area. I¡¯d been fighting with my men for years and fire forged them into brothers. Leaving them seemed impossibly daunting. The only way to get them out though was to accept Noah¡¯s demand and that was more important than anything.


    Accepting his terms not knowing what he wanted with me he tore the supplies out of the man¡¯s hands leaving him outraged and handed them over to me following to brief the pioneers on the battle they were about to fight for their safety against the mercenaries with our help. It didn¡¯t take much convincing to prove this was the right moment to strike. They prepared for the morning''s march to our checkpoint much to the initial horror of the lookout posted at spotting the forty man troop of pioneers that had volunteered to fight the threat.


    Setting up in camps in the woodland surrounding the compound my men and Noah with four other pioneers, two unknown soldiers and outlaw occupied the compound ready to react to any alert from the surrounding pioneers who held their positions concealed. We waited patiently for the enemy as the sun passed through the sky. The tension in the air became as thick as the morning fog.

 15. Line: Favor for a friend in need

    15. Line: Favor for a friend in need


    Standing at our posts alongside the pioneers Noah had brought back with Marcus quickly broke down the tension between us. Somehow he had gained their help. On his briefing that we¡¯d be helping the pioneers stand against the other mercenaries attack we felt content in being able to help the people here. It was nice that for once things weren¡¯t so cut throat which gave morale a boost for our defence.


    Crouching behind a concrete barrier on the roof resting my M14 designated marksman rifle on my cover alongside two pioneers and another squadmate scanning the forest for anything the pioneers might¡¯ve missed I conversed with them as the dissipating fog faded away.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got proper stance about you. Guessing you were army or a contractor?¡± The man also scanning the forest with his scoped mosin nagant replied without hesitation.


    ¡°Army. That obvious huh?¡±


    ¡°Most guys who come here aren¡¯t well trained if at all.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough. How¡¯d you end up here?¡± With a smirk I brought the rifle to another sector to continue my vigil.


    ¡°Money, what else. Lead found us an exceptional job. With this I could¡¯ve bought some nice cars, a big house and have something worth impressing chicks with. Can¡¯t resist scars and cash you know?¡± With a sarcastic chuckle the pioneer with a shotgun spoke up.


    ¡°Yeah, I bet. Surprised you¡¯re fighting for shit like that.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t interest you? You like it in the ass or something?¡± Strider picked up the conversation once more with a flat tone as something took his interest down the scope.


    ¡°Trying to say something about that?¡±


    ¡°Nah just would¡¯ve expected a soldier to have more of a sex drive.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough. Not as bad as you think. Besides Flux¡¯s asexual he doesn¡¯t care for that shit.¡± Wincing taking my eye off the scope I looked towards Flux.


    ¡°Jesus you didn¡¯t have your dick shot off did ya?¡± Chuckling at my crudeness Strider provided an explanation while Flux continued scanning.


    ¡°Think it has something to do with being shot but it wasn¡¯t his dick relax. Him and another friend when we were kids were involved in a shooting. Poor bastard¡¯s were plugged in the chest. Heard he was resuscitated a few times in the op room. Other friend passed away unfortunately. Think it rattled him and he never took interest in anything. Hell it took him awhile to get basic emotion out again.¡± Flux piped up for a moment while still gazing over the field.


    ¡°Still don¡¯t remember being shot.¡± Returning to his scope Strider went on.


    ¡°Yeah well you were. Had the hole to prove it. Good mates we were though we stuck through it.¡± After I was sure he was finished I continued the conversation.


    ¡°You guys sound like you were a good group of friends. What made you risk it all getting into the army and ending up here?¡± Strider picked up where he left off.


    ¡°After the shooting we wanted to fight back against dickheads like the one that shot Flux and protect each other. Load of shit that turned out to be. Mission first, lives later. Got sick of it and ended up here.¡±


    ¡°Probably a terrible decision. Hope you find whatever you''re looking for.¡±


    ¡°Got a feeling I will.¡±


    The silence continued as we focused on the forest ahead. An hour later I could feel my lips being slightly cracked to realize how long it¡¯d been since I¡¯d drank anything. Reaching down to my canteen a shot cracked overhead accompanied by another ping sound. With searing pain from my head as the bullet ricocheted off the top of my helmet I readied my rifle shocked.


    ¡°Fuck! Contact east!¡± Strider took a shot then crouched for cover to bolt his rifle as Flux lept off the back of the roof.


    ¡°What the fuck were those pioneers doing in that forest.¡± Rising again to take a shot I saw a line of heavily armed men advancing over the fields under developing smoke cover. Shooting at one just barely grazing him saw a shot return blasting fragments of the concrete barrier into my face.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°Goddamn we¡¯re suppressed up here light ¡®em up!¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t see shit down here. Smoke¡¯s too dense!¡±


    Growling with frustration I crawled with Strider off the roof to set up positions facing the gate. Sandworm ran out to find a position only to have his shoulder shot out violently throwing him to the ground. Yeti desperately dragged Sandworm wailing back into cover yelling out a warning.


    ¡°Thermal! They¡¯ve got thermal shooting through the smoke! Hold back!¡±


    The clouds of smoke could be seen even over the walls that the enemy was no doubt advancing to unchallenged. It fell to the fight that would ensure in the compound then. Drawing my USP 45 I prepared for the breach. Gunfire continued outside the compound as pioneers to the west attempted to cover the entrance but it wasn¡¯t enough.


    Grenades flew over the walls detonating all around forcing us deep into cover. Shellshocked reeling from the barrage of explosives two other men and myself rose to see ten enemy mercenaries already in the compound taking a foothold clearing it out as another ten attempted to clear the gate.


    Firing at the men out of cover wounding two of them return fire forced me to turn back behind the wall, the sniper I was conversing with nowhere to be seen. Looking to my side the Crusader stood firing into the hoard of men until taking a flesh wound. The Cerberus operative utterly suppressed went to his aid as the outlaw cowered under fire while Noah could be heard shouting a room over trying to organize a counter attack as the situation became dire.


    Peeking out again through a lull in the fire I witnessed hope incarnate. The four pioneers Noah had brought worked as if their minds were one. The sniper picked off those in deep cover while the strongest amongst them found a machine gun from one of our own and fired relentless barrages regardless of the weapons weight or recoil. The man armed with an assault rifle ducked volley after volley moving with perfect timing in between attacks.


    Though it was Flux that caught the most attention. Seemingly useless at first until he followed the man with the assault rifle he dropped the shotgun on reaching cover. Not sure what he was planning the madman drew a knife as he entered the occupied building.


    Diving, juking and dashing past fire in the cramped spaces slashing wildly in between the plates of impenetrable armor flushing out those who remained entrenched in our compound that the rest of our force cut down with impunity as they fled. They continued on without hesitation pressing the advantage even against their fallback positions. A symphony of overwhelming coordination and tactics distorted by the absolute violence of action.


    Pushing the counter attack thirty more mercenaries could be seen out in the open trying to retreat as the smoke dissipated. Completely routed by the sudden dislodgement from our compound we continued firing into the fleeing mercenaries as a victorious cry went up from the pioneers in the forest that we ourselves joined. As more and more fell in the field a ranting could be heard from below that sounded almost demonic. Taking a moment to inspect the source Flux could be seen with his hands against his head shaking.


    ¡°Let their voices siiiiiiiiiiing¡­¡±


    He seemed completely lost in a trance. Jumping off the roof once more I moved to his immediate aid to try break him from whatever PTSD induced horror he was going through. I felt I owed him that much after he risked himself dislodging everyone from the building. Taking him by the shoulders I tried to shake some sense into him.


    ¡°Dude snap the fuck out of it. It¡¯s over. Relax.¡±


    ¡°Do you hear them? Doyouhearthemtoo?¡± His eyes were so wide it seemed his skin would peel over his face, pupils skittering and dilated.


    ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful. Do you want to hear them too?¡±


    Taking a step back he had his entire focus on me. Something was horribly wrong. Reaching slowly for my pistol he was on me. Gunshots rang out from outside. No one noticed us. Driving me into a wall his voice sounded broken.


    ¡°YOU CAN HeAR In It TOO. JOiN tHE SINGULARITy.¡±


    Throwing me down with incredible force he drew the knife. Bringing my pistol up I fired. A shot directed for his chest effortlessly sidestepped. He plunged down. Pushing him back with a leg and blocking the knife with both arms he still almost drove the knife through my eye.


    ¡°Flux what the fuck are you doing!? Stop!¡± He didn¡¯t reply but continued hacking the knife towards my eye.


    ¡°Someone!¡± Blocking his blows he wore through my defence with sheer force as he ripped out one of the armor plates in my vest with his spare hand.


    ¡°ANYONE!¡± The knife finally broke my guard crashing through my goggles just scraping my eye. Bringing the knife up one last time I threw my arms up terrified closing my eyes only emitting a broken scream.


    ¡°FUCKING HELP!¡±


    As the knife came down Flux was tackled off me. Scrambling to my feet wheezing and choking in panic falling back over to scramble backwards until I hit the wall. With my back to a wall through misty eyes I saw the large man wrestling the knife away as Flux continued to rant. More men entered the building to inspect the commotion as the large man desperately kept Flux pinned as he writhed in his grip.


    Noah pulled out a shot of morphine and gave Flux the shot. Without any sign of ceasing another shot was administered to achieve the desired effect. As he stopped writhing muttering something about the pillar and the singularity he went under. Looking through the broken goggles I reached to my eye to check it was still there. Still shaking I noticed the pioneer with the assault rifle pointing it towards Flux only for the sniper to push the gun away.


    The 3 pioneers stood in absolute shock unsure how to proceed with the psychotic episode Flux had just undergone. Noah however seemed to smile. Not sadistically or menacingly but a smile of hope. Ordering Flux be tied to a metal post in the building he recomposed himself letting the smile fade before anyone else noticed.


    Marcus helped me to my feet as I leant against the wall still shaken. Unsure to what had just possessed Flux and completely thrown by his attack all I knew for certain now was that we had to get the fuck out of this place before something like that took over one of us as well.

 16. Flux: Recovery

    16. Flux: Recovery


    An orchestra of the damned. They sung so magnificently. The dead fed to the mortal coil after they were parted from the flesh. Deep into the core. Channeled by the pillar. The sounds of sentience flowing freely. It grew in size today. Not much but it grew. The next scream would be louder if only barely. The orchestra began to fade as the world crumbled away. The sweet bliss of another plane of existence shattered as senses returned. A dark building with no one immediately around evident even through blurred vision. Hearing footsteps outside and listening for awhile I counted at least seven men. Trying to move was met with resistance to find my hands bound behind my back around a metal beam.


    My memory was an absolute haze. Remembering my own name and my friends first I followed the memories of yesterday as to how I ended up here. Leaving the camp to find the mercenaries then help them in the engagement and then that singing again. What happened during that singing. Suddenly memories flashed through my mind. A red haze and one of the mercenaries, hacking towards him with the knife ruthlessly. The songs were replaced by his screams for help as the knife came down for a final time interrupted by Hazard tackling and restrained me as I tried to murder him as well.


    My god I would¡¯ve killed them all just to let that voice continue. Eyes closed tight and biting into my lip not to cry out in panic as the reality of the situation hit me. Something took over to kill not only the mercenaries but also my friends. I was compromised by this place but I didn¡¯t have the slightest clue as to how. They didn¡¯t have the heart to dispose of me either and if that came over me again they might not get another chance. I was a threat plagued with madness that made me comparable any other corrupted human in the area. All I knew was that I had to remove myself from the others here it wasn¡¯t safe.


    Crippled with anxiety I still managed to run the rope binding me to the beam against a rusted edge slowly making work to escape captivity. Ten minutes of carefully listening for anyone approaching while hastily grinding the rope against the beam it finally broke free. Crouching low without wasting a moment I moved on instinct to escape the compound.


    Silently vaulting over a window to the back of the compound clambering onto the roof I saw a single wounded sentry armed with a UMP, perfect. Silently advancing pouncing forward locking the man into a headlock he quietly passed out after a slight struggle. Taking his weapon and magazines I still had the combat drugs to get me through an engagement should I be wounded.


    Letting myself off the side of the building landing without a noise I crawled through the long grass to the bridge avoiding any other sentries spotting my movements. Moving along the beams under the bridge and reaching the other side of the river I broke into a sprint. I wasn¡¯t sure where I¡¯d go or what I¡¯d do but being as far away from my friends was the best decision to make in my mind. This way I couldn¡¯t hurt anyone else even if it just meant I was running to my death.


    After twenty minutes of running emotion became overwhelming. Frustrated with the inability to control myself and blacking out letting out a stammering cry as the voices returned. They spoke in such hushed tones trying to sooth the soul but it just led to further grievance while I struck the ground to find myself speaking to it.


    ¡°God damn it¡­ what the fuck do you want from me?¡±


    The cold dead earth offered no reply as the indecipherable voices faded out once more. Head bowed on all fours I struggled to think of a reason to fight. A beast could be hunted, a person defeated and idea destroyed but with the enemy being my mind the only apparent solution would be to leave myself to die. To give up. If I died the voices would die with me


    I sat there for seconds, then minutes, then an hour. Staring into the abyss waiting for something claim me but nothing came. I couldn¡¯t fight alongside the people I cared about, protect them or even die for them and now I was trying to murder them. Curling up shivering in a ball memories came flashing back. I remembered waking up in the hospital after being supposably shot but anything before that just felt as if to be static like there was nothing. Why such memories came back in such a moment was a mystery but it raised questions that I decided to ask the cold unforgiving ground anyway.


    ¡°Who¡­ what am I?¡±


    The voices returned this time and their soothing voices seeped in once more. Though rather than being completely indecipherable the songs registered some sense in my mind. Suddenly those melodies spoke irrefutable facts that threw away the veil of mystery in my life. Sitting there stunned as the voices filled in the blanks I wasn¡¯t able to solve I was breathless in what it left me to ponder over.


    I wasn¡¯t who I thought I was and even though it didn¡¯t matter it felt to be a revolutionary fact. Looking back to my weapon listening to the voices in my mind they urged me to return and feed the abyss more lives. It didn¡¯t matter anymore now my identity had been shattered they coerced. I was just an appendage of a larger being destined for greatness.


    Slowly helping myself up I composed myself once more. Picking up the UMP I readied the weapon but instead of returning I marched in the opposite direction while ignoring the orchestra in my mind. The person this body belonged to might be dead but who ever I was now still drove it and the years after the shooting I spent with those people, my friends, was still genuine. With newly instilled vigor ignoring the orchestras attempts to drive me against them I marched on. I owed it to them to at least fight on and try to beat this madness no matter who or what I was.


    Walking through the darkness in the direction of the cemetery ships island where another pioneer camp was established I figured that would be distance enough to not ever have to worry about hunting my friends while I figured out what to do. The darkness became thicker as the cloud cover strangled the moon''s light until it became pitch black. Winds began to kick up and rain began to fall gently until it became an absolute downpour. The very zone seemed to be against my objective though I pressed on undeterred. I wanted to be given a chance even if I lost my life trying.


    Walking through the night surviving numerous run ins with the abhorrent mutants that the voices aspired me to work beside my determination was rewarded with the sight of a blood red sunrise. Taking a moment to appreciate it¡¯s glow under the clouds which was quickly choked out once more I walked on through the dense forest leading to the center. Movements became more frequent as the density of wildlife increased further in. Carefully proceeding forward an abomination could be seen tearing apart a cancerous growth from a tree trying to engulf it. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    The vines and tendrils that grasped it were ripped off with violent motions allowed by the massive muscular structure of the once human creature. Overwhelming the cancerous collective the abomination began to bring both fists down repeatedly upon it.


    Crushing it into nothing satisfied it¡¯s adversary was finished it began to feed on the remnants scooping the pulp into it¡¯s mouth vigorously. Confident the abomination was occupied I turned away from the display of violence to continue on without gaining its attention. Not long after more gunshots could be heard from within the forest.


    Usually just noting and avoiding them these gunshots were too close to run. Setting up next to a tree trunk branches could be heard being thrown to the side and the dead debris of the ground crunched, shifted and snapped at an impressive rate. Another few seconds and the figure emerged in front completely out of breath and shocked motionless on the other side of my gun.


    Unable to see the pioneers face under the tinted visor of the combat environment suit they kept their weapon at their side accepting their fate. Giving a hand signal for them to keep running however they stepped away cautiously before taking off again. Waiting for another few seconds the assailants revealed themselves. Three mercenaries giving chase, all with M4A1 carbines in heavy combat armor.


    The first mercenary fell immediately with his jaw shot out followed by a lethal tap to the head. The forty five calibre rounds crushed through bone and flesh as the other two mercenaries quickly spun around shocked by the sudden ambush. Turning into cover and running by the overgrown bushes the volley of fire fell well of my position. Popping up from another set of bushes saw two more shots delivered into the back of another mercenaries neck killing him instantly.


    The last man immediately started firing wildly at the origin of my shooting, reloading rapidly, firing with unwanted abandon again hoping to catch me with a lucky bullet. Rushing him once out of ammo the man fell backwards shocked with the ferocity of the assault. Going for his pistol a bullet worked it¡¯s way through his arm earning a cry of pain. Pushing himself back with his legs I walked towards him with knife drawn as he spat out what words he could muster.


    ¡°Who the fuck are you? This wasn¡¯t your problem fuckhead.¡±


    As he stopped crawling he looked up to me grunting in pain while trying to stem the bleeding from his arm. Twirling the knife in hand I thought out a method of interrogation. Moving towards him once more earned a new rush of panic that was terminated as quickly as it began. Shots from the side tore through the mercenary leaving him in a critical state stammering for breath. The pioneer with a smoking MP5 raised signalled for me to follow them.


    Ignoring the dying man I immediately complied now I had no reason to stick around. Charging through the trees avoiding the numerous tears that threatened to crush, burn, dissolve, asphyxiate or eat us alive we arrived at a small glade filled with large concrete debris. Taking a moment to recover the pioneer began to unseal their helmet as I took mouthfuls of water to sooth my fatigue from hiking through the night and now fighting during the morning. With the canteen empty I looked to the pioneer I protected and found myself surprised by her long flowing black hair. She returned a look of gratitude now she made proper eye contact while using the back of her hand to wipe watery eyes.


    ¡°(No idea why you helped out there but you saved my life. If you¡¯re wounded I can help I¡¯ve got medical supplies to spare. Hell you can have some as a reward.)¡± Shaking my head that no assistance was required I proceeded to make a request.


    ¡°(I¡¯m fine but I¡¯d appreciate some help making my way to the cemetery ships if you know a safe path.)¡±


    ¡°(I¡¯m heading there now, sure. You sure you don¡¯t want the supplies? It¡¯s the least I can do.)¡±


    ¡°(Don¡¯t worry about it, you¡¯ll need it more than-)¡±


    Sudden searing pain shot through my shoulder as I landed face first into cover. A round tore through the flesh as the women dove down to assist me. Throwing her arm away I went for the metal case of syringes I kept from the tunnels flipping it open, taking the disposable syringe and driving it into my healthy shoulder the artificial rush immediately took effect. Returning the metal case we ran from the concrete debris back into the forest for hundreds of meters as the mercenaries fell behind moving at a more cautious rate to avoid ambush or tears.


    Convinced the mercenaries were well behind us I began to stumble forward as the drug wore off while going for another syringe. Staring at the syringes wondering what the point was I tripped over a root on our path. The women went ahead to retrieve the case and removed one of the syringes to apply another dose. My blood soaked overcoat displayed the severity of the wound as my body began to go weak from blood loss. As she brought her hand down to administer the drug I palmed her arm away. Confused she tried again meeting the same result.


    ¡°(Don¡¯t be a stingy dickhead you¡¯ll die without it.)¡± The third time I clasped my hand around her wrist as breathing became more difficult.


    ¡°(Leave. I¡¯m dangerous¡­ besides I¡¯ll only slow you down.)¡± Breaking free of my grip she finally administered the drug.


    ¡°(You''re slowing me down by not letting me help so stop being a dramatic bitch. Put your arm around me.)¡±


    ¡°(You don¡¯t understand you could kill everyone by keeping me alive.)¡± Undeterred she pushed forward supporting me underneath my good arm towards the clearing ahead.


    ¡°(Sounds interesting. You can tell me all about it on the ships.)¡±


    ¡°(Why are you helping me.)¡±


    ¡°(Because you helped me? If anyone should be asking that it¡¯s me.)¡± Silence followed except for my pained grunts and wincing before I continued asking questions.


    ¡°(Why were they after you?)¡±


    ¡°(Someone either didn¡¯t like our research or mistook who we were. Whole team was killed in the attack.)¡± Another moment of silence followed as she kept forcing me forward regardless of me tripping up on my feet, voice getting weaker.


    ¡°(Sorry to hear.)¡± She took a deep breath dragging me forward.


    ¡°(Now isn¡¯t the time to grieve. I¡¯ve lost enough friends today and I don¡¯t want to lose another.)¡± Taking the metal case out once more she gave one last injection to give me a final burst of strength. Still requiring her aid I kept my footing as we pressed on.


    ¡°(That being said I still don¡¯t know your name. What do they call you?)¡±


    ¡°(Flux¡­ friends call me Flux.)¡±


    ¡°(Well Flux it¡¯s delightful to meet you. Don¡¯t be so rude as to die on me. Sparrow.)¡±


    Noting her name as best as I could the world began to go dark as my strength failed again. Still bleeding she refused to let me die regardless of my wound. Though inspiring the mercenaries were sure to catch up. If anyone was going to die it deserved to be me at least. Letting her assist me in moving forward I checked the UMP making sure it was ready in case I would have to buy her some time. Worst case scenario she should make it at least, I could take comfort in that before finally succumbing to my wounds.

 17. Sparrow: Contingency

    17. Sparrow: Contingency


    Coming to the edge of the forest with the city of Chernobyl in sight the endless conflict was reinvigorating. The city was plagued by war between Cerberus and Crusader forces day and night week after month after year of the factions founding. The decaying ships and island on the other side however remained a ceasefire zone due to the pioneer base leading both factions to centralize their command there in the dock graveyard.


    Ironically the constant proxy war of never ending conflict supported by outside parties made the it much safer. Forces immediately eliminated any mutants that wandered into the area. If they simply packed up and left the city would be the beating heart for pioneers of the zone, maybe even reclaimed by the government if the border could be erected up to this point. The war continued though with neither side achieving any major objective over the other. Usually the sounds and sight were a reminder of the failings of humanity but today it was sensory hope.


    ¡°(See? The ships are just ahead. We can chat when we get there. Flux?...)¡±


    With no response I looked down to see him barely standing losing consciousness catching him as he collapsed. Cursing I lifted him over my shoulders and began to run through the fields to the outskirts of the city. While I had the means to treat him we weren¡¯t safe until we were hidden amongst the conflict.


    The long run left me exhausted but we reached the outskirts of the city. Bringing him down as the firefight raged around I managed to stop the bleeding though it probably wouldn¡¯t be enough. He needed serious medical treatment to pull through. Doing what I could I looked at the last syringe in the metal case and wondered if he¡¯d be able to take another dose. Coming to the conclusion that he was less likely to survive without it I administered it as I did before.


    ¡°(I hope you¡¯re tougher than you look.)¡±


    Dragging him over my shoulders once more I ran through the devastation of the streets. Though the destruction was impressive most buildings still stood due to the lack of artillery or regular supply of explosives. Running through behind Crusader lines soldiers could be seen rapidly relocating to sudden flashpoints, running supplies or carrying stretchers laden with wounded still crying out or struggling for breath.


    Finding a team with an empty stretcher I waved them down getting their immediate attention. Quickly analysing him they agreed he wasn¡¯t long for this world and ran the stretcher towards the ships with me in tow. Getting to the boardwalk of the hospital ship Unity Flux was carried into the emergency section of the ship filled with other critical cases of mostly Cerberus and Crusader soldiers. As a Cerberus medic came in to assess Flux his assistant inquired about payment.


    ¡°(He looks absolutely shattered. I¡¯m not sure you¡¯ll be able to afford the treatment and if that¡¯s the case you¡¯ll both own service to whoever brought him in for-)¡±


    ¡°(I know how the system works. You¡¯ll be paid provided he survives.)¡±


    Irritated with being interrupted he proceeded with other duties aboard the ship. The medic quickly moved an IV stand into position to administer precious blood followed by saline. Treatment would probably cost a fortune but this man saved my life for no apparent reason so I could do the same. With the loss of my team I needed someone to fight alongside as well. The situation was dire and without help I''d most likely end up dead by the end of the month.


    Walking down the concrete pier on the other side of the river from the conflict the only people who dared to walk or more often at least jog risking to catch a stray round from the firefight were Cerberus or Crusader medics heading to the hospital. The wall of sandbags offered cover enough from any real risk though caution was still best practiced. Heading in between the buildings further in with the sounds of war still raging through the air the shouts of pioneers from stalls somewhat masked the chaos from the other shoreline.


    A grand bazaar had formed out of the warehouses in the middle of the island where pioneers looking to risk it all came to plan deep raids as the south was the most accessible route into the 10km exclusion zone where all the zones true horrors and treasures could be found. Pioneers arrived to buy high end equipment and supplies and sold precious artifacts never seen before if they returned. Buildings not occupied by markets or wares were repurposed into crude facilities such as barracks consisting simply of rooms with ruined mattresses thrown into them. One building was even repurposed as an almost luxurious restaurant serving food from outside the zone.


    If the zone had a beating heart for the people who lived here this island had seen more pioneers than any other location in this hellhole. Apart from the constant war echoing through the streets you could almost forget where you were in the world. Today though the safety of the streets offered no support, even with the bridges onto the island being guarded by heavy machine guns safety seemed to be incredibly fleeting. With the mission compromised still having to reach an extraction point regardless of my losses with only one other person to rely on for the moment anxiety was began to set in.


    Trudging through the door of an apartment complex housing the more permanent residents of the area I made my way to my apartment clomping slowly up the stairs as I removed my helmet. Unlocking and opening the door Fusion sprung up from his restless wait to greet me in the room with space only for a small mattress and desk.


    ¡°Sparrow! You were out for a day longer than you said you¡¯d be, had me worried sick.¡±


    ¡°What did I say about picking the lock on my door¡­¡±Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°Sorry. Was just here to leave you a surprise for when you got back.¡±


    Procuring some canned peaches he placed them on the desk, they would¡¯ve cost a small fortune. I looked towards the can with gratitude but a smile refused to form. Physically and emotionally exhausted I leant against the wall not wanting to spend energy on the conversation. Rolling my head over the wall saw Fusion with a look of concern.


    ¡°Something happened this time didn¡¯t.¡± Staring at the ground I summoned the strength to speak up.


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s dead Fusion. Fucking, everyone.¡± Knowing what that kind of loss felt like Fusion stayed silent as I continued staring at the ground with only a sniff breaking the silence. Eventually he walked over trying to offer a hug which found itself quickly rejected.


    ¡°Sorry I thought maybe¡­ you need some time to yourself. You know I¡¯m just down the hall. Come round if you need anything.¡±


    Leaving quickly and quietly shutting the door behind him I dropped my field pack next to the desk and eyed off the can of peaches. Stomach pains brought me to realize how long it¡¯d been since I¡¯d eaten anything and the sight of the can was mouth watering. It¡¯d been months since I¡¯d had peaches.


    As much as I loved them I could never validate buying such an expensive commodity so as a gift it was absolutely heart warming. Pulling out a knife I prepared to puncture and open the can interrupted by thinking of Fusion leaving. I didn¡¯t even thank him. With a sigh I put the knife away and carried the large can down the hall to Fusion¡¯s door knocking gently. Opening up I met him with a struggled half smile and held the can up to shoulder height. Moments later we both sat on the edge of the ruined mattress in his room sharing the can even though I was devouring most of it.


    ¡°If you''re still hungry I¡¯ve got a can of beef. Business was pretty good today so don¡¯t feel bad about taking what you need.¡± Waving a hand let him know the peaches were enough, I had my own stockpile.


    ¡°So¡­ I know it¡¯s not the best time to ask but what are you going to do now?¡± Taking a moment from the can of peaches with a sigh I let the plastic fork spin round in the can.


    ¡°Probably try to leave. Without the rest of the team it¡¯s suicide. I¡¯ll take my radio to the antenna to the west and try to get a signal out for extraction.¡±


    ¡°You know that¡¯s not going to work. Radio signals get scrambled to bits.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll work, trust me.¡± Looking down not to argue further Fusion let me have what he thought was false hope. Looking at the can and to him I went on.


    ¡°When I get it sorted you should leave with me. The outside world isn¡¯t as horrible as you think.¡± Fusion scoffed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you hate this place after watching everyone you cared for die. You should understand why I don¡¯t want to go back.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll die here as well though, you know that.¡±


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s better than living with what¡¯s out there.¡± Staring back down into the can tears began to well in my eyes again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me leave someone else then...¡± Fusion let out a slow sigh in response to my despair.


    ¡°...Please?¡±


    ¡°Fine I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll think about it. I don¡¯t think I¡¯d survive in that world though. I keep waking up to that¡­ shattered body and all the blood¡­¡± His head low I gave my friend a moment to dispel the overwhelming PTSD before he continued on.


    ¡°Every night I used to see that, but after coming here? All I worry about is staying alive.¡± Letting my head sink the realisation sunk with it that it was probably best to leave him behind away from his demons.


    ¡°So if I left too you better be there to get me through the day. If we can agree on that, hell maybe I can even go back to an ordinary life.¡± He turned with a smile as I wiped my eyes with relief that I could save him at least. Standing up he sat at his desk going over his repair logs while I drank the remaining juice in the can.


    ¡°Anyway enough of that depressing shit. How¡¯d you get back alive by yourself? The wildlands are pretty unforgiving.¡±


    ¡°A pioneer stepped in and saved my life believe it or not. At first I thought he was going to shoot me then he just waved me on and shot the bastards chasing me.¡± Fusions eyebrows raised in disbelief.


    ¡°The odds of that. Sounds like I need to buy this man a meal and a drink. Where can I find him?¡±


    ¡°He got shot on our way through. Don¡¯t worry he¡¯s alive receiving treatment at Unity hospital after I carried him out. I think he can help me get out as well, didn¡¯t seem to have any idea what he was doing.¡± Nodding Fusion went back over his repair logs.


    ¡°That¡¯s good he survived. Well at least you saved someone''s life today so that¡¯s something to feel good about¡­¡± Fusions voice trailed off for a moment as he smacked his forehead and reached into his backpack.


    ¡°Shit I almost forgot. This is what one of the pioneers paid me for fixing his shooter.¡± Fusion quickly rummaged around to procure a block of chocolate from the mess of tools inside.


    ¡°Holy shit is that actual chocolate? Why the hell did you accept that as payment?¡±


    ¡°Poor bastard was down to his last rubles and his gun was in tatters. Wasn¡¯t a hard fix so I agreed that this was payment enough. Have half, I don¡¯t need the whole thing and you need it way more than I do.¡±


    Breaking the block in half he handed it over to me as I stood up. Turning round in the chair to face the desk he reached into the cupboard pulling out a defective rifle and began to analyzing the weapon to catch up on his backlog of work. Thanking him for everything he waved away my gratitude and reminded me that his door was always open to me. Leaving him to his work I walked back down the corridor to get out of the sealed combat suit and perform much needed maintenance on it¡¯s filters.


    While the past days had been incredibly testing the end was in sight, even without my colleagues. There would be time to mourn once I was safe. Trying to avoid the thought of what the consequences were for failing the operation I thought rather of being able to at least enjoy a few days of safety and comfort once out of the zone. Once done with the suit I went over a quick check of my MP5 to find the SMG in perfect working order.


    Giving it a quick clean I placed it in a corner of the room with the rest of my combat gear. Collapsing onto the mattress wearing only the undersuit clothes that hadn¡¯t been washed in months I slowly ate the block of chocolate. Once finished I found a comfortable position on the lumpy mattress and spent a few minutes staring out a gap in the barricaded window into the overcast sky periodically lighting up with forks of lightning. Deeply satisfied with the comfort foods I was given I slowly drifted off to sleep without worry at least for today even with the sounds of the conflict still raging in the distance.

 18. Baron: Search and rescue

    18. Baron: Search and rescue


    The day after the attack we found Sandworm unconscious on the roof and his weapon missing. With the addition of Flux missing Noah began reforming his plan as the three other pioneers from Flux''s group demanded we search for their friend regardless of his actions. Noah quickly agreed without argument taking Marcus aside to speak with him while Line was inspecting his shattered goggles still shaken by the sudden attack.


    ¡°Hey, heeeeeeeey.¡± Line continued to stare at the goggles lost in thought. Clapping next to his head as loud as I could he jumped back tripping over.


    ¡°HEY.¡±


    ¡°Jesus fuck bucket!¡± Line sat on the ground for a moment looking up confused by my intrusion. ¡°...Did you need something?¡±


    Smiling I simply waved. ¡°Hi.¡±


    Irritated Line brought himself back to his feet cursing throwing as many creative insults as he could manage while putting the goggles away. Convinced I¡¯d dispelled any horror he was reminiscing over we made our way over to Marcus now Noah was done speaking to him. Once assembled I asked what the plan was before Marcus could start.


    ¡°What''s the next move sarge, we bailing?¡± Looking over all of us with a sigh he proceeded with the plan.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been given a second opportunity to escape. The pioneer who organized the defence has asked for me to accompany him deep into the zone for one last raid. He¡¯s also looking for more bodies and promises to extract everyone who assists him.¡± Silence carried over for a moment as we all digested what he was saying before Havoc spoke up.


    ¡°So we just have to risk life and limb rather than prison. Is the employer at least reputable?¡±


    ¡°The employer is Noah, one of our previous targets.¡± Murmuring between us we wondered if we could trust the man we were ordered to kill. Cohesion wasn¡¯t returned until Fledger provided another alternative in a hushed tone.


    ¡°What if we went through with the job. Killing him, we might be offered an extraction.¡± The notion was quickly dismissed by Marcus.


    ¡°They¡¯ve abandoned us that''s for certain. Killing him might see a drop of supplies but the pioneer community would be out for our blood. Besides the other mercenaries have already tried to kill us so another supply drop arriving is incredibly optimistic.¡± Standing silent for the moment Marcus summarized our options once more.


    ¡°Going for the border you¡¯ll end up in a cell at best. Your more likely to be shot on sight though. With Noah it¡¯ll be dangerous but we can trust he knows a method of escape. Choice is all yours.¡± Weighing up the value of our freedom and lives Skippy asked the final question


    ¡°So basically he¡¯s asking for a favour to escape.¡± With Marcus nodding Skippy continued.


    ¡°Fuck it. Might as well help him out if he can extract us. For the boys right?¡±


    Disheartened chuckles came from a few in our group while agreeing with the notion that our best chance of escape laid in Noah¡¯s promise. Marcus then gave us our first objective. The 3 pioneers with Flux demanded they find their friend before moving on which Noah agreed to which we all found surprising, Line and Sandworm immediately protested reasoning that he was a psychopath. Regardless Noah made it clear that Flux was somehow critical to the plan without divulging why. Reluctantly we split into groups, myself walking west searching for any sign of Flux with Line, Sandworm, Duke and Havoc.


    ¡°Why are we searching for this crazy fuck. Did everyone already forget he almost cut my face off?¡± Sandworm followed Line¡¯s displeased notion.


    ¡°Son of a bitch put me out as well and took my gun. I already miss that gun¡­ never failed me.¡± Duke was doing notably worse regardless of not being confronted by Flux as he brought his rifle round to any sound emitted by the forest.


    ¡°This has to be an elaborate plan to wipe us out. Probably thought we¡¯d be wiped out in the confusion I bet.¡± Line slapped him over the back of the head.


    ¡°We¡¯d already be dead if that was the case. I almost had the dickhead finger painting with my brains and I¡¯m less on edge than you.¡±


    ¡°Oh sorry having a psycho turn on you seemingly at random isn¡¯t cause for alarm, my bad. Must¡¯ve been a fetish you wanted explore with him trying to stab you in the face after getting so chummy- why the fuck aren¡¯t you on edge?!¡± Havoc threw his head back making a painfully obvious groan.


    ¡°Thank god he attacked Line and not you Shic.¡± Stopping to face him Duke went red with frustration.


    ¡°Firstly that was your fault, secondly it was one time. 25% of veterans admit to- gah!¡± Two gunshots interrupted the conversation as Havoc fired past Duke¡¯s head into one of the fallen stalking us ready to pounce. Gasping Duke stood back the blood now drained from his face.


    ¡°Your welcome.¡± Duke however just stood there for a moment groaning as I went to cover my nose.


    ¡°Ugh did you literally shoot the shit out of it? Smells disgusting.¡± Inspecting the body with a kick Line confirmed otherwise.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Blew it¡¯s chest out, whatever it is it¡¯s not the corpse.¡± Looking back Duke¡¯s mouth had developed an exaggerated frown as he shook his head before Havoc burst out laughing throwing his hands behind his head letting the shotgun rest on the sling.


    ¡°Nah. You didn¡¯t.¡± With Duke walking into the bushes Havoc collapsed as I burst out laughing while Line ran his hands down his face. Celebrating Havoc stood up strafing about swinging his arm round.


    ¡°That¡¯s two for two baby! Oh holy shit the spooky dooky strikes again!¡± Gasping for air as Duke screamed obscenities while cleaning himself up even Sandworm started snickering as Line just let his arms rest at his side.


    ¡°Surrounded¡­ by idiots¡­¡±


    Looking up to meet a disappointed gaze I shrugged wiping my watery eyes as Duke returned pushing a giggling Havoc into a tree. Marching on we continued our search now we were focussed again, for the most part at least. Moving through the forest we ran into numerous pioneers though none of them even knew the name Flux or had seen a man carrying the equipment he had stolen. Going throughout the afternoon searching we came to the conclusion he¡¯d disappeared without a trace or been killed. At our final observation point I gave a shrug and we returned to the outpost.


    Arriving before the other search parties we watched the sun set while setting up a guard. Enjoying one of the last cigarettes Havoc joined my sentry asking for a lighter. Leaning against the wall next to the entrance we began to reminisce over the previous contracts we had, all the good times that fell in between them as well.


    Chuckling over Duke¡¯s predicament in the woods brought back memories of the original incident earning an irritated shout from the other side of the wall leaving us in a fit of laughter. Finishing the cigarette admiring the orange expanse of light over the grass listing lazily in the field we noticed some sheep with chromatic wool coming out from the forest taking me by surprise.


    ¡°What the fuck is that¡­¡± Havoc didn¡¯t waste a moment grabbing at my rifle.


    ¡°Don¡¯t know exactly but I love mutton, let me borrow that for a sec.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be sorely disappointed then.¡±


    Jumping away from the sudden source of the voice a woman stood next to us leaning forward slightly with a grin. Opening her mouth she was pulled back by the hunter of the group who just muttered not today as the man covered in ballistic armor approached pointing to himself then the other two.


    ¡°Benedict, Valentine, Collette. We¡¯re with Noah. You guys find any trace of the man they lost?¡± Shaking my head saw him give out a sigh before Havoc asked Collette some important questions.


    ¡°Why would I be disappointed? Is it toxic or something?¡±


    ¡°What? Oh the sheep. No we don¡¯t think it is. Though they have a nasty habit of¡­ detonating.¡± Both of us together went wide eyed speaking at the same time.


    ¡°No shit.¡± ¡°That¡¯s incredible.¡±


    Chuckling Benedict turned to the other two pioneers. ¡°See? Told you it wasn¡¯t just me.¡±


    In the distance another search party could be seen returning comprised of Marcus, Dragonfly, Yeti, Fledger and Skippy. Finding out they hadn¡¯t found a trace of Flux either they entered the compound to eat and rest while we waited for the final group with Noah and other pioneers to return. Benedict stood guard beside us while Collette sat on the ground whistling bored out of her mind and Valentine went through his notebook filled with sketches of nightmares.


    ¡°Christ. What goes on in your head man?¡± Looking up to face me Valentine scoffed before explaining what the book was.


    ¡°Only if it was. This is the culmination of our efforts. A book filled with horrors, you¡¯ll find most of the public bestiary was done by us in your PDA¡¯s.¡± Sharing a look with Havoc we looked back to the pioneer without any idea as to what he was talking about.


    ¡°The bestiary? You guys have never seen the bestiary. Don¡¯t you update your PDA¡¯s?¡± Confused Havoc continued the conversation.


    ¡°Why the fuck would I be carrying a PDA in a survival situation or combat zone.¡± Benedict continued to fill us in.


    ¡°Pioneers have built up a network using whatever device that could be classed as a personal data assistant. The shared knowledge has saved more lives than we care to mention, also allows us to maintain some form of society. Hell you¡¯ll see the result when we get to the cemetery docks at Chernobyl. That center would never have been formed without the coordination the network allowed.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s where Noah plans to begin the raid?¡± Collette picked up the conversation from this point on.


    ¡°Yep! Then it¡¯s deep into the 10km exclusion zone. Just think of all the creatures we¡¯ll discover in there! The never seen before atrocities to be documented-¡± Placing his hand on Collette¡¯s shoulder Valentine interrupted her before she continued on ranting.


    ¡°And once we¡¯re past them it¡¯s out of the zone with Noah.¡± Looking directly at Collette he went on. ¡°And that will be all we do.¡±


    Going to argue but reluctantly agreeing Collette collected herself bobbing her head about with her eyes closed returning to sanity before getting up as Benedict went in to get some rest followed by Valentine. She paused and dug out an electrical device and tossed it at us.


    ¡°Just go to the bestiary tab. Better study hard kids, failing the zones test will see you as an observation under whatever kills you.¡±


    With a solemn smile she walked round the corner calling out to her friends to wait up. Alone again the final group of pioneers with Noah, the Cerberus operative, Crusader and outlaw were spotted returning as we took a tone of grave seriousness going through the pages of documents describing countless horrifying creatures.


    ¡°I thought we saw some shit¡­ look at that! A whole forest of trees that eat you.¡±


    ¡°What about this one. Just a floating blob¡­ a jellyfish I guess? Fatal toxins, spurts out to 30 meters when you shoot it too. Crazy.¡±


    Studying the reliquary of knowledge it only dawned on us now how unprepared we were for the zones horrors and how disposable our previous employer considered us with such ill preparation. Flicking further and further through the bestiary saw more and more of a break in between jokes as the last group walked through the entrance. Having seen enough we walked in disheartened with our chances after seeing so many previously unknown threats on the device. On our way back to return Collette¡¯s PDA Skippy approached Duke who was sulking in the corner.


    ¡°You right mate? You look shitty.¡±


    With a grunt of frustration Duke threw a punch straight into his stomach leaving Skippy winded and cursing before yelling back at him. Myself and Havoc found ourselves in another fit of laughter as we filled Skippy in on the day''s events seeing him join in as well amused by his poor choice of words. Even knowing the threats that awaited us a hope burned if only dimly that we¡¯d be able to escape with our minds intact. With friends like these, you couldn¡¯t ever extinguish that flame no matter what tried to douse it.

 19. Benedict: Encroaching forward

    19. Benedict: Encroaching forward


    With the days passing by as everyone searched for Flux on Noah¡¯s orders the group became more and more divided over time. With a week passing and no sign of him everyone except Flux¡¯s friends decided to begin marching towards the cemetery ships island through the wildlands to regroup in the area.


    First the Outlaw, Crusader and Cerberus operative left in surprising cohesion consumed with their objective to reach the pillar. The next group to leave were the mercenaries looking for work followed by ourselves while Noah, Strider, Hazard and Bishop remained for one last day searching desperately for their friend.


    Advancing through the wildlands with rifle raised the only sound being emitted being my breath under the dust mask and ground crunching quietly beneath my feet as I scanned the forest. With smooth slow movements the iron sights of the battle rifle sweeped over the open areas through the gaps in the trees. Behind Valentine took a more relaxed stance slowly walking forward with his weapon held low while Collette brought up the rear quietly humming to herself.


    A shimmering in the air just ahead. Taking a knee picking up a handful of debris from ground and throwing it in front saw the leaves and dirt shredded to bits as they floated through the field. Turning to Valentine he already had a notebook prepared for Collette¡¯s comments after she quickly began observing the tear.


    Coming to the conclusion it was most likely strands of intense gravity distorted to slice anything entering the field an example of it¡¯s power was witnessed further ahead. Collette flicked her scalpel out to quickly examine the remaining torso of the unfortunate pioneer.


    After stripping away the armor she begin dissecting the arm without hesitation eagerly diving deeper into the corpses innards. Looking onto her back as still fresh blood spilt onto the ground there was a feeling of nausea in the air. While she always appreciated a good sample her curiosity seemed to be getting out of hand. I didn¡¯t see what could be gained from a corpse that had fallen to the tear of razor blades and looking over to Valentine who put away the notebook he didn¡¯t seem to either.


    ¡°[How much longer do you think she¡¯ll last¡­]¡± Valentine looked distraught waiting for my response.


    ¡°[Long enough. We¡¯ve gone four years and she¡¯s only become a worry over the past month. One last job and we¡¯ll get her help if she needs it. I wouldn¡¯t worry she¡¯s built tough.]¡± Another pool of blood began to form as she became more reckless in her dissection through the arm following up to the chest cavity of the corpse. Disgruntled Valentine went on.


    ¡°[She might be tough but the cracks are starting to form. She isn¡¯t sleeping, she isn¡¯t eating properly, she can¡¯t even contain herself most of the time. She¡¯s degrading, fast.]¡±


    ¡°[Well what can we do? We could try make her wait at the cemetery ships to relax but you know she¡¯ll just go stir crazy and go out on her own while we aren¡¯t there.]¡± Looking for a solution Valentine found none disappointed with himself in not being able to help his friend. Placing a hand on his shoulder I tried to offer some comfort.


    ¡°[Look we¡¯ll only be here a couple more days at most. Won¡¯t be hard watching over her for that long. Afterwards we can focus on readjusting her to an ordinary life and things will go back to how they were. Just a few more.. days¡­]¡± Slowly trailing off looking past him Valentine raised his head.


    ¡°[What? Something the matter?]¡±


    ¡°[Why has she gone still¡­]¡± Following my eyes Valentine went into a slight panic.


    ¡°[Shit I¡¯ve seen that before. Hey Collette. COLLETTE.]¡± Shaking her by the shoulder vigorously she released her grip on the tissues in the body. Taking a deep breath now returned to reality she sat on her knees shaking.


    ¡°[The organs. Oh god the organs¡­]¡± Taking a knee next to them and looking into her eyes she looked shaken to the core. Still holding the scalpel staring at her arm she thrusted it towards herself which I barely managed to intercept.


    ¡°[What the fuck are you doing?!]¡±


    ¡°[I have to check. I have to check all of us. It¡¯s a receiver. Oh god oh god oh god¡­]¡±


    ¡°[Valentine what is she on about?]¡±


    ¡°[No idea. First time I¡¯m hearing it.]¡± Holding her arm back she calmed down enough to drop the bloodied surgical tool while bringing her hands to the front of her visor hyperventilating trying to take it off.


    ¡°[I can¡¯t breath¡­ someone-]¡± Navigating underneath her trembling hands I disconnected the helmet while Valentine procured a dust mask to prevent her breathing in the irradiated particles falling from the trees like snow as the wind picked up. Holding her close the ashen material continued to coat us as she choked for a moment before gently crying.


    ¡°[The organs, do you see them too? Do you see them in the body?]¡± Looking over to the corpse and nodding my head she relaxed if only slightly holding back tears to look up again.


    ¡°[They¡¯re receivers. They killed him. They made him do it.]¡± Confused I simply held her while something sparked in Valentines mind as he took her arm and ran his hands along it pressing in trying to feel for something while comforting her.


    ¡°[No one has those mutations. They only form in corrupted creatures and you¡¯re very much still human.]¡± Finishing his check at her shoulder he placed his hands on his knees.


    ¡°[See? Not even as much as a bump. Just ordinary flesh and bone. You''re just paranoid.]¡± Looking down to her arm again tensing it and moving it around slightly she calmed down. Still leaning against me the fallout continued to be displaced by the wind as we looked up and Collette spoke.


    ¡°[Beautiful, isn¡¯t?]¡± Quickly sharing a look with Valentine I responded using the moment to try get her mind of whatever was terrifying her.


    ¡°[It really is, kind of reminds you of Everest yeah?]¡± Sighing with tired eyes she took in her surroundings as if she was about to part ways from this world. Shaking her she looked up irritated. With a slight chuckle I was confident she¡¯d be alright if she still had it in her to be annoyed. Letting her rest with her back against the tree still staring at the body Valentine and myself stood a few meters away to give her some space and speak to each other.


    ¡°[See what I mean? That was bad enough. What if she truly breaks?]¡± Taking a cigarette out of a hardcase cylinder I brought it to my mouth only to jam it against the dust mask forgetting it was there. Disappointed I wouldn¡¯t be able to enjoy the scenery with a smoke I went back to the conversation.


    ¡°[The zone is getting into her head. I¡¯ve heard of cases like that, sufferers usually end up apart of the collective. Doubt she¡¯ll run off to that cult though.]¡±


    ¡°[It¡¯s not a stretch of the imagination she¡¯d go to them for answers though.]¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    ¡°[We¡¯ll have to keep an eye on her then. She¡¯ll make it. If anyone will it¡¯ll definitely be her.]¡± Sighing Valentine walked back over to check on Collette.


    ¡°[Just a few more days right?...]¡±


    Kneeling down he helped her to her feet as well as reconnecting the helmet to the suit. In a minute we were cautiously hiking through the forest again through the fallout. The advantage of taking such an irradiated path filled with tears was that we wouldn¡¯t be ambushed by man or even mutant due to the risk involved in traversing the area. Looking down the weapon sights as I moved and Valentine watching the rear Collette marched in between us clutching her P90 which seemed to be comforting her.


    The sun traveled through the sky above us and as it fell over the horizon at the end of our slow hike through the minefields of tears we saw Chernobyl lighting up with numerous muzzle flashes in the darkness. Admiring the battlefield for only a moment we continued on through the field in between the forest and city as the sounds of battle became louder and louder. Walking through the ruined streets well behind the frontlines saw cries and screams being carried down the alleyways as night time ambushes claimed lives silenced by a burst of fire. A fire took hold in one of the buildings becoming a glowing beacon in the night as the pillar of smoke rose into the sky.


    Crossing the bridge into the warehouse district to find a makeshift hotel with a room available Valentine spent the evening cleaning his equipment with a watchful eye following Collette''s every move who eventual collapsed into a corner still shaken by her breakdown. Making my excuses I left the room leaving them with each other to venture into the market place looking for something decent to make a meal out of. With a good dinner it would hopefully see them both finding a good night''s rest as well.


    Leaving my weapons and gear in the room with them I walked around only in my battle dress uniform. Looking at it properly now everything wasn¡¯t ontop of it I noticed that I¡¯d probably have to purchase another with all the wear it had taken. It wasn¡¯t often I was able to strip out all the armor or even take off the vest so the walk through the pleasant evening was highly appreciated.


    Bustling past other pioneers cramping up the thin paths in between the warehouses and stalls all concluding their business for the evening and rounding a corner I ran straight into another pioneer sending them to the ground. Immediately going to help them up I began apologizing to the woman.


    ¡°(Shit¡­ my bad¡­)¡± Waving my apology away she collected herself before continuing on. Looking around I could hear a chuckling from somewhere in the street. Scanning the busy walkway I eventually spotted two of the mercenaries from the camp, Havoc and Baron. Waving me down I joined them at a table out the front of one of the bars in the area as they shouted a round. Keeping a watchful eye out for any vengeful pioneers out for mercenary blood the two sat there enjoying a hard earned drink.


    ¡°After what your friends got up to I thought you all would¡¯ve been more cautious surrounded by pioneers.¡± Bringing the bottle down with a smile Baron blew off the concern.


    ¡°Naaaah they know what¡¯s what. With the amount of mercenaries fighting just over the river as well we¡¯re a pretty common sight anyway.¡± Smiling he went back to his drink as Havoc paused from his.


    ¡°So how¡¯d you all fair through the forests?¡±


    Tasting the alcohol placed in front of me I immediately felt the same enthusiasm for the drink as the two mercenaries did. The liquid in the bottle was actually real beer, decent quality as well. Taking the bottle away from my lips shocked by the delightful surprise I tried to resist the urge to ignore the question and imbibe alongside them.


    ¡°Arrived mostly without issue.¡± Raising my hand again to enjoy the cool beverage with extraordinary enthusiasm Havoc began to pry.


    ¡°Mostly, what happened leastly then?¡±


    Baron chimed in immediately chuckling. ¡°Least of all you mean. Illiterate fuckhead...¡±


    ¡°Piss off. So? What happened?¡± Taking a moment to run through the events of the day and process Collette¡¯s break down I filled them in trying to be as brief as possible.


    ¡°One of us was just worn down. Had a bit of a moment.¡±


    With a nod of respect Havoc returned to his drink. ¡°This place has a habit of doing that. Only been here a few months and you can see the damage in some of us. Hell Duke even shit himself again.¡± With a grin he went back to his drink before the grin faded away. ¡°Poor kid doesn¡¯t know what he¡¯s doing with himself.¡±


    ¡°He looked young, how old is he?¡±


    ¡°Eighteen. Joined up with us when he was sixteen. Didn¡¯t have anywhere else to go so we took him in.¡± Looking back towards us Baron went on to explain how he tried to join the army to escape his family, got kicked out when they figured out how old he really was and tried to find wet work by himself.


    ¡°Luckily we found him out before someone else did. Probably would¡¯ve seen himself thrown into human trafficking the stupid son of a bitch.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like your an interesting group.¡±


    ¡°Nah not really. Marcus was in the business the longest trying to make a team over the years. Yeti used to be called papa bear but almost broke my face in response. Line was a wanna be hitman who¡¯s a bunch of fun to irritate. Sandworm, Fledger and Dragonfly were solid soldiers and Skippy a right mate. Not much to it.¡±


    Nodding in response the two turned their questions to me.


    ¡°So how did your bunch get together? How long you been here.¡±


    Blowing air up my face looking towards the ceiling I recalled the long years that had passed since I arrived. ¡°We were all good friends looking for a challenge. Been here three... four years just about.¡± The two mercenaries winced at the length of time I¡¯d spent in this hellhole with Baron emitting an impressed whistle.


    ¡°Not many stay out of the ground for that long. Came here for a challenge? What made you think that was a good idea?¡± With a sad smile I gazed across the room into the abyss.


    ¡°We were idiot kids.¡± Confused he studied my face.


    ¡°Kids¡­ how old are you?¡±


    ¡°Twenty eight.¡± Stunned he intensified his stare.


    ¡°Jesus you look forty five. What the fuck have you seen in this place.¡±


    Palming the bottle around in my hand I watched the liquid graciously roll along the sides of the glass. Reminiscing over everything we¡¯d seen from those fateful first days to the tears in reality that we catalogued. The atrocities we observed and the horror we¡¯d witnessed and now Collette¡¯s break down brought me to consider how close to that point I was as well. Thinking back over everything now it was mentioned it was incredible we had survived for so long, even from the start. Remaining silent for slightly longer than a standard pause I turned back to the two mercenaries blankly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen the end of the world. I¡¯ve helped catalogue it¡¯s madness and witnessed it¡¯s corruption. Words can¡¯t describe the depth of what I¡¯ve seen.¡±


    Taking a moment of silence the two mercenaries didn¡¯t know how to respond. We just sat and finished our drinks until one of them brought up how excited they were to finally leave this place. The two continued on while I simply enjoyed their company until they spotted their friend Line ordering a drink and quickly looked to each other with Baron uttering a number that Havoc responded to with another.


    ¡°Ten?¡±


    ¡°I reckon five.¡± Turning around Baron took a deep breath before shouting out.


    ¡°Oi!¡± Startled Line threw his head around so his back was to the counter in one panicked motion. Seeing his squad mates sitting at the table irritation immediately set in but before he could hurl a string of insults Baron stood offering a conundrum for him to solve.


    ¡°How much could a snipsnoo snoo if a snipsnoo snip could snoo?¡± Line stood there baffled.


    ¡°Fucking what?¡­ um¡­ ten?¡±


    Baron immediately turned with his mouth wide open to a disappointed Havoc finishing his drink as Baron threw his arms into the arm triumphantly. Claiming the next round was on Havoc Line still stood there not knowing what to feel, conflicted by his obnoxious friend urging violence though content with the prospect of a free drink. He decided on violence as Baron pulled out a kazoo swatting it out of his hand before the tool threatened to instil a tumor.


    ¡°Where do you get these things? Why are you like this!?¡±


    Standing up offering my seat to Line who wasn¡¯t paying attention I thanked Havoc for the drink as he went to purchase another round. Baron¡¯s laughter echoed through the bar over Line¡¯s frustrated rant as I left. Smiling at the pure idiocy of the moment combined with the calmness of the night regardless of the firefight in the distance for the first time in years I felt like I was home.


    Wandering the streets I wore a smile that shone so irregularly amongst the sea of tired faces etched with tales of horror. Some must have thought I had finally broken but the truth was that my mind was at peace. Acquiring the ingredients I needed for a wholesome meal I sat on a ruined bench and looked up at the stars as pioneers walked by unsure about what I was doing. Soaking in the sight of the galaxy spiralling off into the void I savoured that feeling of absolute bliss not having a care in the world.

 20. Lewis: Scientific community

    20. Lewis: Scientific community


    Walking into the building turned barracks I found myself knocking on the door of where the three veteran pioneers were staying. Creaking open Valentine peaked through the door to see who it was then opened it wide letting me in. Looking around the ruined room I saw the scientist Collette sitting with her head in her hands on the edge of the ruined mattress. Valentine asked me to keep her company while he searched for their friend in the market place leaving quickly before I could agree. Sitting next to Collette she rolled her head to the side with a tired smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re the Cerberus operative, aren¡¯t you? Where¡¯s your Crusader and outlaw friends? You all seemed to be getting on so well.¡±


    ¡°Artur is with the mercenaries, Tarasov''s out looking for Flux. We heard he was on a job right now and he went along to find him. Should be back in the morning. I came here to talk about your work if you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Nodding she faced me with her back against the wall prepared for a long conversation. Questioning me how I found out about her I revealed Noah informed me about her after we initially met. I¡¯d been dying to meet such a prestigious scientist of the zone to talk about the theories I had been forming. She simply giggled once I was done inspiring a rush of irritation before she cut me off.


    ¡°You think this place operates with any form of reason? Displays some pattern? This place is true chaos my friend. It operates on a level beyond our understanding.¡± Talking to who I idolised was proving to be highly disappointing.


    ¡°How can you say that? You¡¯re one of the most veteran field scientists in the area. I would¡¯ve thought you of all people would see that any phenomena can be understood.¡±


    ¡°That just goes to show how little you know. Tell me what exactly have you researched?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve studied the tears mainly, noting their effects, locations where they appear, frequency and lifespan.¡± Shaking her head she looked up as if I were a child.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been studying a symptom. Your information is still invaluable. In fact I¡¯ve seen your name appear on numerous reports on tears. You¡¯ve saved a lot of lives but you aren¡¯t anywhere near solving this mystery.¡± Forcing back frustration I pushed further for something useful.


    ¡°Well you must¡¯ve noticed something of note surely.¡±


    Sighing she searched her mind for a moment which quickly saw her eyes shoot around wildly. Trying to question what was wrong she reached into her surgical pack searching for something asking how many dissections I¡¯d performed. Replying that I hadn¡¯t performed any earned a scowl quickly shaken away as she drove the handle of a scalpel into my palm to pull up her sleeve presenting her arm to me.


    ¡°The organs. I have to know. You need to show me.¡± Shocked I put the scalpel down and braced myself for any sudden action. She just sat there looking at the scalpel on the ground as her face fell apart in despair. The wild grin being replaced with the agony of ignorance over the contents in her arm.


    ¡°Please¡­ I have to know¡­¡± Looking into her eyes displayed a mind ripped apart by forbidden knowledge. Gently taking hold of her shoulders I tried to delve for that information without breaking her psyche.


    ¡°Know what? What about the organs?¡±


    Trying to collect herself she finally went through her own theories. She told me in gruesome detail the number of autopsies she¡¯d performed on countless horrors mentioning the organs present in every single sample. Revealing her ideas suggested they were antenna for receiving the psionic forces native to the zone. That it was some form of network. She wasn¡¯t sure how it functioned but she went on to describe the horror it had all inflicted on her mind.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    It all began as morbid curiosity. The overwhelming desire to learn from an unknown mutated leg reaching her slab that she cut through with such enthusiasm discovering such incredible structures. Finding the unrecognisable leg to be human drove her ambitions forward alongside an insatiable wanderlust. Entering the zone immediately proved to be a mistake almost perishing within the first week if it wasn¡¯t for the kindness of an old man with nothing better to do.


    Given a second chance by Noah the friends saw themselves constantly elbow deep in the zone¡¯s mystery and terror. Trying to make it a safer place by removing threats or spreading knowledge of the madness within it¡¯s borders was all channeled through Collette¡¯s bright mind.


    Such knowledge was never meant to be understood by mankind she stressed. Over the years she¡¯d been here she commented on how her studies began to fail in quenching her curiosity and no matter how grand the sample or theory she went long into the night staring into the abyss of her samples. It was the organs that saw her satisfied though.


    Every creature she opened had the same structure within them no matter the form or size. The seemingly stringy grossly enlarged nervous system that radiated with corruption. They were everywhere in everything corrupted even the husks which had just lost the spark of life their vessel once carried. Every time she did as little as stare into the abyss the organs displayed she felt her mind slip a little more every day. Every connection brought her closer to enlightenment.


    ¡°That¡¯s why this place is beyond our understanding. To understand it we have to give in to it¡¯s corruption and when we do we lose ourselves and the ability to understand entirely.¡± Taking in everything she had said she put out her arm again.


    ¡°I feel so close. So close to understanding. It¡¯s going to take me away I know it. It¡¯ll take me once I know. I can¡¯t know but I have to. Do you understand how that feels? That your only purpose will see you destroyed? Do you?¡±


    With her body begining to shiver I placed my arm around her letting her head rest against my shoulder. All the curiosity had been bled from me after she went through her discovers and the effect they had on her. She seemed to have nothing left but to die but she pressed on. For what I wasn¡¯t sure, basic survival instinct or something more, it was a mystery but here she was.


    My mind went back to what I left behind. A man I loved who I promised to return to after a year. A year had passed not long ago and there was no hope of returning before I met Noah. Apart of me understood the horror Collette was experiencing. The absolute despair that all I had left was what I studied but now she didn¡¯t even have that, in fact it was the thing that would see her killed by her own hand. Beginning to calm down she tried asking questions to distract herself.


    ¡°So why did you come here?¡± Sheepishly I looked around the room. While noble at first my reasoning was about as impulsive as her¡¯s.


    ¡°I wanted to drive forward human rights so I could marry the man I love. I thought by coming here I¡¯d secure a respected position in the scientific community when I got out to have some power behind my voice. Didn¡¯t have an exit plan though.¡± Collette chuckled unevenly.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be lucky to ever see him again. I guess we can both relate as impulsive idiots.¡± We sat in silence for awhile as despair settled in for both of us before she spoke up again.


    ¡°I hope you see him again. Try forget what you learnt here and enjoy what you have. It¡¯s not too late for you.¡± Looking down I saw a hopeful smile that someone might make it and to her that was enough right now. Replying I tried to instil same hope into her as well.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find something to go on once we all get out.¡±


    ¡°I hope I do. Oh god I hope I do.¡±


    Looking at her arm again she let it hang loosely from her side exhausted. As she fell asleep I left to where Noah was staying. Walking down the road I found Benedict and Valentine sitting on a bench watching three drunk mercenaries on the ground stargazing or bumbling around. Smiling Benedict offered a seat as Line had the bright idea to try climb one of the trees growing from the concrete for a better view of the area.


    Enjoying the calm of the night now that most pioneers had concluded their business it would¡¯ve been perfect if not for the never ceasing firefight. Watching the mercenary fall from the tree earned a laugh from everyone who had congregated to the area. Such innocence inspired hope that things could go back to normal once we left, even for Collette. One day I felt that we¡¯d all share a drink over the stories of this place without the horror often accompanied with them.

 21. Tarasov: Heart of darkness

    21. Tarasov: Heart of darkness


    Marching through the darkness beside Robinc, another man who accepted the contract, we cautiously advanced to the rendezvous where Flux was rumored to be found. Overhearing he¡¯d joined forces with a few pioneers to destroy a collective outpost I immediately took the job to get Noah¡¯s plan back on track. I had no idea why the man wanted Flux so badly but if returning him meant we could go back to the task at hand there seemed to be no other objective for the moment.


    Robinc remained silent for most of the hike only replying with basic confirmations or exhaling hushed alerts. His face seemed weathered by a lifetime of warfare but not once did he mention his experience along the way. Speaking of my experiences in the Chechen wars and disillusionment only seemed to irritate him as if I was truly ignorant to what I was talking about. Pushing the matter saw him go silent from there on even after we made contact with the rest of the men on the mission.


    Scanning the group Flux was indeed apart of the men here to fight the threat though he didn¡¯t notice me. Come to think of it he never knew who I was. He never saw me in my capture and I would¡¯ve been just another face amongst the pioneers defending the compound. Concluding it was probably for the best not to reveal my intentions based on how he left the group I would have to bear him down after the job was done. With luck he¡¯d see reason and come back to us. Taking our attention the lead began to quietly go through the plan.


    ¡°Alright boys, outpost is just ahead. Creepy fuckers have turned an old complex into an altar outside the ten kilometer exclusion zone. We move up, kill everyone and burn it down. Simple as that.¡±


    Nodding we went over our assault tactics and made for the large concrete building. The sentries stood eerily still each looking out in separate directions with weapons in hand. Observing them for minutes they continued to stand unmoved even by the beastial screams coming from the forest beside them. Marching out the door a cultist wearing an ethereal tattered cape went to return into the center of the zone as our marksman lined up the shot. A gentle breeze brushed through the grass as he steadied his breathing while his finger went for the trigger.


    The target ripped around as the gunshot broke our concealment, the round ripping through the fabric over his arm rather than planting itself in his chest. Like men possessed the cultists immediately reacted to our position bringing the marksman''s head down under a flurry of fire.


    Charging around through the zones flora Flux, Robinc and myself made steady ground as bullets pelted the trees around us. Pulling his knife with the rifle resting on the sling Flux did so as well without question. Confused with what they planned to do at a distance with the blades the vines whipped down from above.


    Slashing wildly the armor did little to protect as the chest plate was torn off. The next vine dived for my chest which was only narrowly evaded as the swarm of carnivorous plants converged rapidly. Desperately maintaining my footing I charged through running from the swarm behind as Flux and Robinc cut a path through the madness.


    The cultists continued to fire in unison ignoring the suppression from our initial position with a round finally made its mark across my leg. Being just enough to throw my footing I fell to see the darkness of the vines converging into a unified formation threatening to swallow me whole.


    Overhead a grenade flew into the belly of the beast creating a tremendous fire leaving it recoiling from the damage falling apart as it tried to maintain its formation. Pulling me up without words Robinc continued on as Flux cut through to the edge of our flank to fire on the cultists who were now occupied by the rest of the assault team. Firing into them they fought through insurmountable wounds before their bodies finally gave in to the damage. With the outside threats dealt with the others threw molotovs into the building.


    While burning well the fire¡¯s failed to take hold inside. Without the promise of the flames consuming the building the men steeled themselves preparing for a breach. With rifles up watching the door waiting for someone to make a move some took the time to cross themselves, others doing a final check on their weapons stalling for time and a few trying to keep their breathing steady. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    I stood amongst them with undying zeal to destroy the horrors of this place but even that was proving inefficient to resist the unsettling effect of the unholy communion inside the building. Behind the closed door the hum of a hymn came from the remaining collective inside locked in a battle trance. Undeterred Robinc walked forward forcing us all into action as he battered down the door with the butt of his rifle.


    The hymn immediately turned demonic as our flashlights penetrated the darkness within. Fire erupted from both sides as the night air became filled with the sound of violence. Gunshots and screams fell into the symphony of the battle trance the collective fought under becoming apart of the hymn rather than disrupting it.


    Rushing through the small ruined complex in the chaotic breach atrocities snatched away a few of us into the darkest corners of the building with no remnants of whoever was lost. Room by room our wounds mounted and resolve crumbled. The coordinated attack degraded to a pack of animals fighting desperately for survival as we split into three groups of three to cover the entire complex.


    Ripping the next door open another man was thrown back into the wall with cry quickly silenced from the impact. Raising his semi automatic shotgun stunned he fired wildly into the abomination¡¯s sickly muscular structure leaving it¡¯s once human face horrifically elongated and fractured. Charging onto the man as he ran out of ammo it¡¯s fists came down in an absolute rush of blows. Agonized screams filled the hallway as we fired into the beast crushing and tearing apart the pioneer alive with every strike.


    Running our magazines empty the beast slumped to the side exposing the dying pioneer on the ground with only his torso left. Taking only a moment to put the man out of his misery it left only myself and Flux in our group. Gunfire still erupted from the compound so at least one other team was combat effective. Approaching the final door I remembered the importance of keeping Flux alive. Without him Noah might deem the operation doomed.


    Why he was so important seemed nothing more than irrational obsession but after his display at fighting through this heart of darkness maybe he wanted him to carve through what waited for us at the pillar. Snapping back to the situation at hand regardless of the reason for wanting Flux for the attack on the pillar it would be delayed without him. This fight had to be concluded so the zone could be ended. Steeling myself with the zeal inspired by the only war I saw worth fighting I kicked in the door stumbling with exhaustion to see five more cultists.


    Expecting to immediately be cut down the cultists ceased their hymn allowing for a moment silence devoid of screams or gunfire. Their eyes all tracked over to Flux which saw them clawing over the barricades swarming him with deranged incoherent screams as their unified movement fell to individual rampage.


    Cutting one down charging Flux another tackled me to the side and another piled on top as they both began clawing my suit with their bare hands. Trying to push the madmen off saw them find an opportunity to tear sections of my suit away to expose flesh which they immediately began to rend. Teeth bared pushing through the blind pain the knife finally came loose in the collective cultists vest which I used to devastating effect quickly dispatching both.


    Throwing the bodies off and dragging myself up to learn against the wall I saw Flux expertly cutting down each of the cultists that desperately attempted to capture him. Dealing lethal blows that not even the disrupted collective could fight through he wore down their numbers moving like a fluid until the last one fell.


    Regardless of the lull in combat he immediately took his UMP to rip out the magazine sending it skittering over the floor. Letting my head fall as the adrenaline left me my feet revealed a trail of blood. Looking up patting my vest for a bandage and about to ask for Flux¡¯s assistance he slid his hand over the bolt cocking the gun driving the UMP forward sighting the weapon with convulsing eyes.


    Illuminating me with a muzzle flash the first round tore through my sternum burying itself in the back plate of armor. The second made it¡¯s mark as blood began to flood my lungs. The third tore through just the same as the fourth and the fifth and the sixth while the gun rattled in his hands dispersing shots throughout my chest. Falling to a slouch unable to breath Flux ripped the magazine out again to jam in another sprinting back the way we came on the prowl for more victims.


    As pain took my mind I felt the despair of failure. In that moment I saw how to destroy the zone and complete my objective. He halted his plan waiting on Flux. That poor deluded fool. The delay alone threatened to leave the world corrupted. My final thoughts rested with the hope Noah would find the true enemy as one of the mortal coils came to claim me. Sending my mind deep down into the depths along the glowing tendril towards the darkness from which nothing escaped.

 22. Flux: Influence

    22. Flux: Influence


    Another, another and another. The floor was slick with gore. Together you fall. Let them sing. Let them sing! Energy flowed from so many vessels, falling like so many dominoes. Some fought desperately, some went to capture me, some offered themselves to me.


    The voices came together in such harmony as the smg screamed and the halls lit up sporadically. The last of them all panting, both of us panting. The collective lost itself in the ecstasy of the moment as did I. Bringing the knife down our pulses became slower. Slower now with him ebbing away into the singularity, released from the safety his vessel provided him.


    The empty body now resting in my hands I felt nothing but content for the moment, then confusion and then absolute terror. With a cry I pushed it away hands sliding desperately over the wet floor. Blood, there was so much blood. Bringing my hands to my head rocking I didn¡¯t remember yet but I knew what happened. The voices drove me forward to offer a sacrifice of untold proportion. The blood became slightly diluted by tears that fell


    ¡°What¡­ what do you possibly have to gain?...¡± The walls offered no response as neither did the orchestra in my head. Standing up throwing my arms in frustration spinning round looking for some form of avatar or creature with the answers I craved.


    ¡°What was it for?! What purpose does this serve?!¡± The singing got louder but continued on incoherently driving absolute madness through my mind pacing around the room like a cornered animal. Eventually I found myself over one of the bodies holding it by the head shaking it demanding some revelation.


    ¡°Tell me!!¡±


    Like the walls and floor the cold dead eyes of the corpse offered no respite. Breaking down into manic sobbing with hands over my ears the singing concluded for the moment leaving me alone in the dark. That loss of control was the breaking point. The final display that I¡¯d lost any sense of ownership over my own body and mind. There was no hope. I would be the death of so many in this place and ravage what remained. Everyone would die and there would be no stopping it while I drew breath.


    Looking down to my UMP I checked the chamber forming a shattered smile to see it was still loaded. With a broken giggle my hand wrapped around the handle trying to draw the gun closer while the other pushed it away. Regardless of how decimated my mind was it still fought on refusing death. Threatening to damage the weapon I threw it away with another howl falling onto my back accepting the desolation I was yet to experience as the singularity tore at my mind. Looking over to the gun on the floor saw the futility of my efforts overwhelm me.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t even¡­ I¡­¡±


    Panicked shallow breaths were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. Not another, I can¡¯t see another die. The singing came back as I pleaded it not to drive me to harvest more for its ambition. Curled up in a ball quietly rambling I couldn¡¯t do it again the lone pioneer stood over me crouching down without fear or concern for the scene. Pulling together enough strength to look up to the man I saw Robinc inspecting me with calm eyes as if he were looting a body.


    ¡°Please¡­ you have to kill me it can¡¯t happen again¡­¡± Robinc ignored the plea and continued evaluating my state jamming a probe into my arm as well as inspecting my eyes. With a beep from his PDA I heard him speak for the first time.


    ¡°My god¡­ there is a way after all.¡± Quickly containing his shock he reached for his backpack and began searching for something.


    ¡°...What¡­ what are you doing?¡± Pulling out a small strong box he opened it up displaying a vial and syringe.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to give you a blessing pioneer. You''ll be freed from this memory and prepared for assimilation. This will have never happened.¡± Drawing the fluid and preparing the syringe his words registered setting off complete hysteria.


    ¡°No! I can¡¯t forget! They¡¯ll come back! The voices! They won¡¯t stop until everyone is dead!¡±


    Pinning my flailing arms with his legs he used his free hand to drive my head into the ground exposing the side of my neck. Struggling free for a moment swinging at the syringe saw him slam my head into the ground dazing me. Pinning my arms again maintaining his blank expression a slight pain could be felt in the side of my neck as he stood up returning the syringe to the strong box while I layed there distraught.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Taking a knee his face maintained the same blank expression.


    ¡°This final effort will see through the greater good. We will save the world.¡± He went on rambling an oath as the world became dark.


    ¡°Though the burden we bear condemns us to darkness we will preserve the light. With our sacrifice the flame with never be smothered¡­¡± His words began to fade out as they lulled the memories to be locked away. Content I was no longer conscious I felt him throw me over his shoulders hiking back as the lone survivor of the assault while I felt my very being disintegrate as the gentle rumbling in the air characteristic before a scream soothed an eternal sleep.

 23. Noah: Reunion

    23. Noah: Reunion


    Marching through the fields a groan could be heard in the air. Cringing I hoped my senses were simply playing tricks on me even though accustomed ears wouldn¡¯t miss such a terrifying sound. Hazard looked around quickly alerting everyone to the potential scream coming our way as Bishop tried to shut him up not to jinx it. Another rumble through the air confirmed our suspicions leaving Bishop cursing as we scanned the forest for somewhere to hide. Charging off ahead saw Bishop, Hazard and Strider join me in my desperate search for cover.


    Clearing another grove of trees there was nothing, not even a boulder to hide under. Desperately looking around the rest fanned out beginning to panic as lightning split the sky apart releasing an orange ooze in the sky. Minds warming swiping desperately through the foliage they began to embrace the stoic acceptance of death as the pain began to build with no hope in sight. Looking over their distraught faces I began running again which they followed without question.


    Running over the field in between trees a concrete manhole could barely be seen buried for the most part in the ground. Reaching it Hazard and Bishop dragged off the metal plate and slid down the ladder as Strider noticed my hesitation while he started climbing down. Even with the pain I desperately thought of any other alternative to this hole. The darkness quickly swallowed the other two as I looked down onto Strider ordering me to follow. Seeing no alternative I descended into the depths with them reaching the bottom just before the scream hit in full force sealing the exit with a tremendous crash. Shining his light towards the crushed ladder Bishop fell to a knee.


    ¡°Shit. Was that our only way out? I can¡¯t die in a hole like this.¡± Strider looked to him irritated.


    ¡°We¡¯re not going to die dickhead. We¡¯re on a railway, has to be an exit somewhere. Don¡¯t be a claustrophobic bitch.¡±


    ¡°What? No I don¡¯t care about that. If I die in a hole I lose a bet.¡±


    ¡°...Why the fuck does that matter right now? If you die in here you lose everything idiot.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the principal of the matter. I can¡¯t give someone the satisfaction of victory.¡±


    Rubbing his eyes with one hand he tried to argue with him further but failed to form a compelling argument. Leaving the two to their squabbling Hazard secured the area while I ran my hand over the wall. Looking back to it revealed it covered in white powder as dust was displaced from the roof with another shockwave flowing over us. The reinforced concrete was degrading far too quickly for it to be natural. Brushing the concrete powder off my hands against my leg I peered deep into the darkness that my flashlight failed to penetrate.


    The tunnel of nightmares still held a chilling effect from long ago. The gravel crunched beneath my feet while I walked forward following the wall to find a section painted with dried blood. It looked to be months old, not old enough. Signalling the others to follow me I recollected the maze of tunnels in my mind as we ventured forward. If memory served correctly there should be another manhole further up so we could leave this cursed place.


    Taking deep focussed breaths while forcing back the memories of what could be lurking in these tunnels I held my rifle tight. The AK-74 wouldn¡¯t offer much protection from what stalked these depths though it did make me feel slightly better. If I had the time or resources I could have analysed the dried blood to at least figure out how much danger we were truly in. Coming to a crossroads in the train tracks with a railway turntable a terrible gurgling growl that rumbled through our chests came from one of the many entries to which I immediately froze. Hazard tried to scan the darkness hopelessly.


    ¡°What the fuck was that¡­ Noah?¡±


    Ignoring him I threw my backpack to the ground and desperately rummaged through it. Throwing out anything on top of what I searched for as not to waste a moment I eventually dug my way down to a clamped strongbox. Ripping it open I searched through the fragments of artifacts which burned exposed skin. Digging through the crystals, stones and gems I found what I was looking for. Grasping the palm sized crystal in my hand with a singe I held the artifact up pointing it at the different entrances.


    Scanning them with the artifact I waited for some response by it. Any colour emitted would give some guide as to what we were dealing with. Patiently I waited for the detector to pick up some faint presence of any threat while the others stood in formation scanning every approach. Some colours would offer some hope, others promised a hard fight ahead and a few select colours would inspire overwhelming dread. The silence after the growl was maddening as I waited until the crystal shone weakly. Blue. It was blue.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Oh god it was blue.


    Throwing my fist up and holding my breath the crystal¡¯s light quickly increased in intensity until another light source entered the room. With disgusting sloshing a ball of terror propelled itself forward with three massive tentacles leading up to a body of ruinous flesh of pure darkness. It emitted the same blue aura from numerous spherical growths of bioluminescent sacks barely visible through a hedge of tendrils producing a rapid clattering as hundreds of tiny chitinous scythes clipped together irregularly. Continuing to slosh through past us it entered another tunnel on its hunt for wayward souls.


    Bringing my trembling fist down we stepped forward so slowly as not to disturb the treacherous gravel. Shining the artifacts newly absorbed light into the tunnel ahead saw the same tendrils rise slowly through the gaps in the small stones like flowers reaching for the sun. Taking absolute care not to disturb the feelers thriving in the tunnel we crept forward while my mind went back to what other horrors we could possibly encounter.


    The fact that this creature had survived to this point was terrifying in itself but it brought to question what other experiments could have survived as well to this day. The singularity created a range of terrifying atrocities but nothing compared to what escaped the labs. They were visions of nightmares that no pioneer had ever seen or lived to tell others of. All I could hope was that they remained trapped in the tunnels. I couldn¡¯t bare the thought of what could have been unleashed on the world.


    Holding back emotion walking forward the feelers around became agitated. Our time seemed to be running out. The ground being disturbed was enough for them to sense something had wandered their way. Looking over all the corruption through the tunnel as the walls displayed such tales of madness and destruction only saw my resolve strengthened. While mankind created such threats we had to fight back and rid the world of this cancer. I owed it that much at least.


    Treading forward again saw another crunch being emitted unlike the last. Instead of the simple shifting of the gravel a pool of black liquid spread underneath my foot next to a chitin scythe. The other tendrils breaking through the gravel immediately began such irate floundering emitting a unified gluttonous squeal. Slashing wildly we ran over the knife wielding tentacles cautiously until a grotesque howl pierced our minds from behind. A wild sloshing echoed through as the tendrils on the ground went to entangle and trap us.


    Crying out to the others pointing at a vent we saw to make our escape through the ventilation. If I was right an exit should be above. Climbing into the shaft escape was so close that the light trickled down from the moon promising such security. Crawling forward the sloshing below became immensely loud as ethereal blue light saturated the shaft while it slid to a halt underneath the vent seeing us all stop lying as still as dead men. Observing the creature it continued its gurgling growl sitting below us. The tendrils from the ground seeked to make some form of unification with it and as soon as they were assimilated into the beast a metallic crash came from behind.


    Sending its tendrils into the vents it began to elevate itself to bring the entire section of vents down. Desperately scrambling forward I made it first to the ladder climbing onto a large metal platform in a ventilation unit with dilapidated vents letting in the moon''s glorious assurance the end was near. Tying a rope around my rifle throwing it upward it made itself useful as makeshift grappling hook. With Hazard coming up last he took hold of the rope shimmying up as quickly as possible. Reaching the top he ripped off a section of the vents to allow our exit.


    The screeching of metal and flesh could be heard from below. The metal platform groaning underneath us Bishop took the rope next as Hazard waited up top to pull him out. Another section of the vent below sheared off as bioluminescent blue light began to flood the chamber. With Strider taking hold of the rope the floor gave way falling into the depths of the darkness as scythes pierced the remaining floor I stood on. Swinging away shocked Strider stretched out his hand desperately for me to take hold as Hazard began hauling him up.


    One look at the rope was enough to see it wouldn¡¯t support us both. Looking down the creature gurgled eagerly towards me. The end was near. In all the years I survived I would finally fall to one of the monstrosities I sought to destroy. Looking back to Strider as he was hoisted to safety my mind rushed over the critical information that had to be passed on. Condensing as much as I could as quickly as my mind would allow I just began shouting.


    ¡°Get to the lab! Flux will know how entity has shown him! Find control room three and consult Frenchenko! Save Pie-!¡±


    With the floor giving way I fell from the moonlight''s embrace detailing Striders face laced with horror into the darkness and blue glow as my arms flailed trying to take hold of the light to claw my way out of certain death. Landing on the tangle of lethal scythed tentacles the creature let me roll off in front of it onto the ground to be ensnared by the feelers. Without putting up a fight I stared at the beast growling gently taking interest in the artifact now at my side glowing brighter than ever.


    Taking one of its limbs to propel itself it took the artifact and crushed it with terrifying strength seeing the artifacts and the beasts light go out in an instant. Blind in the dark I could sense it¡¯s presence getting closer as one last appendage began to glow a bright blue as it maneuvered towards me. Sliding around my forehead I began chuckling nervously at the prospect of being killing by this thing in particular.


    ¡°Honestly hoped I''d never have to see you again outside the tank.¡±


    With the chuckle degrading into maniacal laughter the tendrils covered my body as the appendage around my head began to hum before producing a brilliant blue flash. Then nothing.

 24. Artur: Regrouped

    24. Artur: Regrouped


    Waking up in the morning with a yawn I rolled off the side of the mattress onto the concrete forgetting the bed was laid on the ground. Picking myself up with a grunt stretching towards the roof I scratched at the stubble on my face. Being young had it¡¯s disadvantages in the zone in that very few people took you seriously, the lack of a substantial amount of facial hair didn¡¯t help my situation. Rubbing my knee noticing the bruise from hitting the floor I thought back to the dream I was having before waking up.


    The old bed I was on in the dream, had I been sleeping in that I would¡¯ve sprung out without issue accounting for it¡¯s elevation. Looking at my face in the mirror I recollected the crumbling dusty house I walked through. With two bedrooms upstairs a mother and father resided in one while an older brother and sister shared the other with me. The parents always apologized for our circumstances in having to share but we always responded being grateful to have a roof over our heads and food on the table.


    It was such a pleasant dream. Though meals were basic they were warm and healthy. Even though we hadn¡¯t a car running to school was so carefree. The lessons taught felt so meaningless but offered a future rather than what had to learned here in order just to survive. Leaving to see tired faces every night they still beamed with happiness. It was a simple life, a beautiful life.


    With no risk of injury, disease or death I often found myself relaxing in the shared bedroom spending time with the sister while the brother helped support the family. She¡¯d throw me pencil¡¯s to draw and even buy sweets to keep me out of trouble. Whenever I¡¯d come home with scuffs and scrapes she was there to tend to whatever injuries I managed to inflict on myself from wild antics or fights with local bullies. While she was tending to me I finally managed to catch a glance of her face as I sat on the stool.


    My expression fell in the mirror. Head down with hand against the wall supporting me I looked up again at my own face. Trembling hands went for various letters, notes and small packages I so desperately put together all with the same address. Going through each one saw more and more memories surface as I pieced together everything again as the realization hit drowning my heart in confusion and despair. Desperately I closed my eyes trying to recollect as much as I could from the dreams.


    It was a poor family, not well off in any regard but got by without serious issue. They were happy regardless of our situation and we managed to get by regardless of what came our way. Eventually the brother joined the army but the pay was only enough for him. Entangled by a required period of service the family fell into a precarious state. Worried for their well being the boy whos eyes I saw through went in search of the criminal underworld.


    With an almost lethal encounter saved if only by the innocence of young age a man offered a job. No one suspected children and they made perfect smugglers if taught well. With a brief stint of training after school I found my meals to be improving if not laced with concern. That run to school more arduous than carefree to drop small packages out of sight along my way. The lessons from school promised less of a future than what I was offered. Returning home to see tired faces, concerned faces, questions arose asking why I was out for so long but the procurement of much needed money silenced any reprimanding action.


    With whatever spare time I had left I¡¯d spend planning in the shared room next to my sister who watched like a hawk. She threw pencils whenever I broke one drawing out a route and even bought sweets for the amount of effort I put in for the family. Whenever I came home with cuts or bruises from whatever injuries I¡¯d gained on more treacherous areas of my route or fights with the other gang children she tended to me without question with the same look on her face from more innocent times. Catching another glance of her face my eyes snapped open.


    These were no dreams. They were memories. The same forgotten memories I pieced together so many times before. I kept forgetting only to remember to forget again and again. The packages. Fumbling with the packages again I let open the flood gates of my mind trying to remember every bittersweet detail.


    In my teenage years my work with the syndicate became more and more involved. The man who threw me a rope treated me like a relative. Work got dirty occasionally, even deadly at times as the rare but eventual gunfight broke out. In a moment of absolute adrenaline I remembered the trail of my own blood and his cold dead eyes, the first time I was forced to kill. Patched up and consoled by my boss I returned home to find my sister deathly ill.


    I stared at the address on the packages as shouting from down the hall disrupted my thoughts. My life became fuzzy once more as it fell into the mist of amnesia. Why did I have these packages. Why did I always carry them round, why was I noting phenomena and catching every mutated insect I came across. I wasn¡¯t a scientist, if anything I was a criminal. I abandoned everything even though I made enough to save her life and support my family. Could it have been as simple as greed? Even then my findings were incredibly meager.


    Wracking my mind saw no result. Letting my head sink again I looked back to the package and read the front again. The address. I sent all the packages there. No matter how much I forgot I knew I would find why at that location. No matter what this place did to me it couldn¡¯t affect me outside of it, surely. While I drew breath and still possessed these packages there was still hope and that hope burnt well and alive within Noah.


    Hearing feet dragging through the corridor I looked up to find Duke rounding the corner distraught. With a gentle smile as I steeled myself from my own inner turmoil he slumped against the wall at the sight of me. With the wounds in my throat mostly healed I tried to recall all the english I could to inquire what was wrong.


    ¡°Something the matter?¡±


    He looked up just barely showing his watery eyes from folded arms over his knees. Though I was only nineteen Duke looked to be younger still. Why the mercenaries had him tag along was unknown but the stresses of this place were taking a toll on his underdone mind. Shuffling over towards him I sat beside him as he kept his head down. Rummaging through my backpack I found a book to lend him to try get his mind off whatever was tormenting him later on. Looking for a moment he scoffed at the offer before raising his head properly to disclose what had him so distressed.


    ¡°Noah¡¯s dead. It¡¯s all over¡­¡±


    That hope that burned just a moment ago became smothered in an instant as a heated argument continued on echoing into the corridor. Taking in what he just said saw my heart drown once again as the idea of escape became impossible. I still had the address though, no matter how impossible it seemed I had a destination to reach. Shaking loose the urge to fall apart alongside him I tried to strike a conversation with Duke.


    ¡°Why are you with them?¡± Looking up confirming that I was talking about the mercenaries he took the opportunity to distract himself.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    ¡°Nowhere else to go. A shit family with a shit education and shit opportunities, I took what I could get. Treat me like a kid and push me round but they keep me safe. It¡¯s better than things were.¡±


    He went on to describe the combat he¡¯d seen and how he built himself to be more than he was. Listening to him it was obvious no matter how hard he tried he wasn¡¯t proud of himself nor content with his position. He spoke ill of his comrades but you could see he respected every single one of them. Analyzing him as he went on he was simply a child who wasn¡¯t given the environment needed to grow as a man. Looking past him saw Yeti with a smile listening in on the unsuspecting Duke as I asked another question.


    ¡°How did you end up being called Duke?¡± Duke face flushed red as he went to answer the question with a stutter interrupted with Yeti¡¯s chuckle filling in for him.


    ¡°First engagement he shat himself. Duke sat better than shit himself in combat.¡± Furious Duke stood up yelling at Yeti for divulging such sensitive information.


    ¡°Why do you treat me like such a joke? Even veterans do that! I¡¯ll show you one day I¡¯ll be better than all of you I¡¯ll-¡± Pushing him back with his hand in Duke''s face he whipped him round down the corridor.


    ¡°Sure, one day. If the zone proves something it¡¯s that anything''s possible.¡± Looking towards Duke with a sarcastic smile saw him storm down the hall muttering to himself. Turning over back to me he extended his hand helping me off the ground.


    ¡°Stupid bastard just want¡¯s to play soldier all day every day. C¡¯mon, we¡¯re having a meeting over what to do now Noah¡¯s gone. Everyone should be apart of it.¡±


    Walking into the room where everyone had gathered Strider shook Flux trying to dispel his grogginess while Bishop and Hazard looked towards Flux concerned. Marcus sat still absorbing the news of Noah¡¯s death now he¡¯d calmed down and stopped abusing Strider and the others for losing him. A new man who introduced himself as Robinc said little more than that and waited to listen to our argument unfold.


    Lewis came over to inform me that Tarasov was lost while Benedict sat alone without the company of Valentine or Collette. Finally another new woman and man stood by Flux inspecting his condition who went by Sparrow and Fusion respectively. With all of us assembled the argument began once again. Marcus immediately brought his focus to trying to escape which the rest of the mercenaries, Benedict, Lewis and myself agreed to. Flux, Strider, Hazard and Bishop stood undecided while Sparrow was highly opposed to which Marcus immediately disregarded.


    ¡°We don¡¯t even know who you are girl. Why should we listen to any reason you have for us to stay.¡± Collecting herself Sparrow attempted to persuade Marcus otherwise.


    ¡°Look he was obsessed with reaching the pillar. There must be a reason for that. A reason more important than any of us.¡±


    ¡°That obsession or reason saw him killed. We¡¯ve seen enough of this place to know it¡¯ll be the death of us. We¡¯re making for the border to try find a breach. Anyone is welcome to follow.¡± Disheartened Sparrow continued her desperate plea.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand the gravity of the situation. A pioneer of his renown wouldn¡¯t of blindly followed obsession to his death.¡± Growling under his breath Marcus offered his final words to Sparrow.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care as to how important his purpose for reaching the pillar was. I will not risk my men further in this hell if it doesn¡¯t mean escape. Either way if it could break Noah then what chance would we have, tell me.¡± Trying to find some foothold on the argument Fusion placed a hand on her shoulder trying to get across that it was a lost fight before Robinc spoke up properly for the first time.


    ¡°If he was trying to reach the pillar the only reason would be that it offered some form of escape. Ask Flux, he knows.¡± All heads turned to Flux as Marcus pressed on over how ridiculous the statement was until he too looked into Flux¡¯s fractured eyes.


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with him¡­¡±


    ¡°He know¡¯s things he shouldn¡¯t. The pillar is fighting back against him. It doesn¡¯t want him to leave. He can get you out.¡± Staying quiet for a moment Flux opened his mouth trying to speak as Strider gave him some space.


    ¡°The complex¡­ it goes for miles¡­ underground tunnels that lead outside the zone. I see them¡­ I see it all¡­¡± Beginning to mutter to himself Strider sat him down trying to get him to drink from a canteen while Marcus looked unimpressed.


    ¡°You¡¯re asking us to go on the word of a broken man. What kind of promise is that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s better than what you had. If you go to the border you¡¯ll be shot dead. If you try survive here you¡¯ll go mad. Noah promised escape by going to the pillar first. You¡¯d think you were smart enough to see the objective was connected to escape.¡± Looking up towards Robinc Marcus took a deep breath trying to analyse all of their options.


    ¡°And if we can¡¯t escape through there what then.¡±


    ¡°Then we die. This way is just a little faster.¡± Looking deep into Robinc¡¯s eyes for any deceit he found none leaving him to emit a sigh as Sparrow drove the deal home.


    ¡°Look this way you have three more veteran pioneers to help that know the area. We can get you there mostly unharmed. This is the best chance we all have at leaving, we don¡¯t have a reason to lie to you.¡±


    Looking up to the side shaking his head Marcus looked disgusted with himself at putting his men through more danger. Putting himself at ease he looked around to see the rest of the mercenaries nodding and went on.


    ¡°Right. Fine. One last raid as requested by Noah. Plan goes on as before without him. When do we march?¡±


    Sparrow immediately stepped forward to provide a briefing. She brought to light the equipment we would require from the scientists in the area to protect from the intense psi emissions present at the pillars location assigning Fusion and Benedict''s group to the job. Going over our weaponry she noted a vast upgrade was required. Robinc brought to light a dangerous but lucrative opportunity for some wet work had just come up that he¡¯d been running a plan for to acquire the necessary funds.


    Explaining it would require a team to hold an entry point while another infiltrated to kill a high value target the mercenaries and Robinc agreed to form a front line while Flux''s group went in for the kill. Leaving myself and Lewis she asked we assist her with planning and reconnaissance as Valentine burst through the door alerting Benedict with a panicked statement.


    ¡°She¡¯s gone.¡±


    Benedict''s eyes went wide for a moment digesting the weight of what Valentine just said.


    ¡°What do you mean she''s gone where did she go?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t fucking know do I she¡¯s gone! She just left a note about her arm.¡± Looking over Robinc added a tidbit of seemingly useless information.


    ¡°We recently wiped out a collective outpost.¡± Both Benedict and Valentine went pale looking towards Robinc in unison.


    ¡°Where.¡±


    Giving the location the two immediately ran out of the building leaving the rest of us as Sparrow groaned with the disappearance of the two pioneers.


    ¡°Fusion are you fine reaching the scientists yourself?¡± With a shrug he returned a smile.


    ¡°This old bird is tougher than he looks. It¡¯s not far anyway. Worst case scenario I make two trips.¡± Nodding Sparrow went back to address all of us again.


    ¡°Alright it¡¯s settled. We all have our objectives. Get plenty of rest. Tomorrow we begin working towards our claim history as the first to reach the pillar.¡±


    Uninterested with everything except the idea of escaping most disregarded her attempt at inspiring the group. Though derailed it seemed Noah¡¯s plan was still going into effect. Looking down at one of the envelopes I carried I tried to burn the address into my mind so I would never forget. If there was any hope of escape near the pillar it was at least worth trying to reclaim the past I lost no matter the danger. I kept saying it to myself over and over throughout the day so I might not forget again so this nightmare might finally end.

 25. Collette: Unholy communion

    25. Collette: Unholy communion


    Stumbling through the long grass something was calling out. Looking back the rusting ships and warehouses disappeared in the distance as I struggled to peer through the foggy visor generated by heavy breathing due to a mixture of exhaustion and terror. The answers were laid out over the hills I knew it. I could feel it. The answers to the singularity. How it began. What it was doing and what was going to happen. Looking at my hand the contents unknown it would show me that as well. I¡¯d experience at least a moment of understanding in losing myself.


    Pressing on not quite sure what I was doing in the middle of the wastes by myself approaching the ever dangerous ten kilometer exclusion zone border I noted the lack of mutants and took a defensive stance to scan my surroundings. Looking around the forest was teeming with life. All of it deadly and completely aware of my presence but they went about their business passively. Standing in their territory evoked no reaction when these creatures should have been at my throat already.


    Continuing to march lowering my weapon my mind scrambled with possibilities as to why I was left intact regardless of my careless advance towards the focal point. Turning round to every crunch emitted by various creatures I spun around seeing hundreds of eyes gazing over me. Some were once human ranging from the fallen whose bladed arms rested relaxed against themselves to an abomination whose massive muscle mass bulged and flexed irregularly as it stood still. More creatures looked over compiling of common animals with simple mutations to others I¡¯d never catalogued before.


    Trembling accepting the end tripping on a root and finding my back against a tree the creatures made no move in response. Holding my breath waiting for the end to eventually gasp for air as nothing came. Finding a pen and paper I documented the unknown creatures among the group as well as the anomaly in their behaviour.


    Had I stumbled into a tear that broke the bond between them and this place? Was that linked to their aggression? Maybe this place was where I was being drawn to. I had no idea what was causing the effect until I looked up above to see a man in a spine chilling uniform and ethereal tattered cape sitting calmly on a branch watching me.


    Going for the gun bounding forward from the tree onto my back the sights zeroed on him in an instant. Holding my breath again not to compromise my aim the collective cultist continued to watch relaxed regardless of me lining my sights with his head. Jumping down from the tree the gun followed him down as he landed without any disruption to his form and began walking towards me. Kicking the ground I propelled myself back trying to squeeze the trigger as my body refused to comply.


    My arm. My arm refused. It denied every impulse to trigger a reaction in my muscles. With a cry of frustration and quickly swapping my hands between the grip and trigger my other arm felt more agreeable. Raising the gun again pointing it up baring my teeth I saw the cultist offering his hand. Holding the gun up my mind raced with the possibilities of what this could mean before he tore away the veil of mystery as he spoke in a grainy decaying voice under the gasmask which wide eyes could be seen through the lens.


    ¡°[We mean no harm. We only wish to help those seeking the singularity.]¡±


    Finding no deceit in his voice I tossed over what help from the collectives point of view actually meant. Every fibre in my body screamed to take the shot but the academic possibilities were enormous. No one knew the collective even communicated to pioneers outside of the cult. Not just the academic possibilities but the answers to the mystery of this place. The answers rested with him I could feel it. This hell could all be over soon and he would be the one to end it. The ways this place ravaged my mind wouldn¡¯t be in vain. I could finally understand. It wouldn¡¯t all be for nothing.


    With my once defiant arm I reached up and took his hand. Gently bringing me to my feet the creatures dissipated throughout the forest once more returning to their business or duties rather. The collective were connected to the mutations. He must be apart of the network. The organs. He must have the organs. I could kill him. A shot to the back of the head and his body would be mine to decipher I could know for sure but I would lose the answers he carried as well. I absolutely distrusted him but here he was leading me by the hand slowly through the forest.


    Looking around the trees became more and more warped by tears and mutations which he navigated without issue or care. Theories that kept me up for more than a year came together just by being in the presence of this man as the creatures avoided him. It all made sense now as to why the collective survived for so long, why the creatures fought with such aggression and even rare unison. It was in control of them but what was the it? I was so close but it still evaded me. Hesitating turning posible answers over in my head brought him to spin around and take both my hands while peering into my soul.


    ¡°[All will be obvious soon child. You are no different to the other seekers and like the many before you your reward is within grasp in assimilation.]¡±


    Turning again and slowly walking the cape gently blew in the wind while he tenderly pulled me forward as I choked out questions.


    ¡°[What are you going to do to me?]¡±


    ¡°[Enlighten you, assimilate you.]¡±


    ¡°[What does that mean exactly? Assimilate me into what?]¡±


    ¡°[You will share the knowledge of all who have crossed over the event horizon. You will be given the right to enter ouroboros.]¡±


    ¡°[Who are you?]¡±


    ¡°[We are collective. We have no name, though the first called it Entity.]¡±


    ¡°[What are you then?]¡±


    Taking a moment he walked forward with a scorched building visible through the trees in a clearing over a hill. Gazing into the sky above he seemed to search his memory or more accurately the memory of everything that made up the collective. Looking down once more he turned while still walking forward speaking in the same monotone grating voice.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°[Singularity. Consciousness. Two sides of the same coin.]¡±


    Confused I tried to push for more information. We continued on reaching the doors of the scorched building which the man threw open displaying an altar of violence and sacrifice throughout the building. Bodies were strewn over the floor in various states and the tiles were painted with a thick coat of congealing blood. With a scream I tried to break his grip. I was a fool. He didn¡¯t have the answers. This place was simply trying to stop my investigation. Kicking the man saw no effect as he grasped both my arms but simply held them raising one arm in particular.


    ¡°[You chose to come here. The answers are indoors. The massacre was necessary. The souls offer a channel as they flow through the infinite horizon. The answers lay indoors seeker.]¡±


    Shaking my arm once more he released his grip to let me stand a few meters away from him. He was letting me escape why wasn¡¯t I running. Fear was replaced by curiosity. I was curious. Why was I curious. The answer was to run over the hills and back to the ships if only to lose my mind at least then it would still be mine. I walked forward. Why was I walking forward? My mind screamed at my body to flee but it pushed on as that curiosity became overwhelming.


    I felt it. Echoing over the walls. I couldn¡¯t hear it but I knew it was calling. The abyss went deeper than anything theoretically possible and it¡¯s depths held incomprehensible darkness. Walking into another room I saw Tarasov¡¯s body lined with wounds. Turning away from the body the man placed his arm around my shoulder and sat me next to a counter placing my arm on top of it. Taking off his gasmask revealed a skeletal structure with only remnants of muscle fibres running over his face in wild fashion.


    ¡°[It¡¯s almost over seeker. You will know everything over eternity. Let me see your arm.]¡±


    Rolling up the rubber sleeve my arm appeared as normal as ever which the man produced no reaction to. It¡¯s contents were still such a mystery and it remained the final one to be revealed. Regardless of what happened now I had to know if I was apart of this place. Pulling out an intimidating knife he spoke one last time before preparing for the dissection.


    ¡°[We will determine your connection. You must recognize it yourself. If so you will become a vessel of us. You will spread the knowledge as we have. The flesh is weak, we are eternal.]¡±


    Unafraid I saw the knife twirl in the darkness. Running his other skeletal hand over my arm he tried to find some point to begin for some time questioning whether I was appropriate for this form of assimilation or not. Feeling control return to my body as he questioned my suitability I saw a canister fly through the door and clang on the ground. Instinctively shutting my eyes tight a massive crash echoed through the room accompanied by a brilliant emittance of light visible even through closed eyes.


    Ears ringing looking back to the door retracting my arm saw Valentine with his revolver braced and Benedict behind him with battle rifle swinging round to the cultist. Irregular muzzle flashes lit up the room as round after round tore through the ethereal man bounding through the room trying to dodge the fire until he fell splashing into the blood I was picking myself out of. Grabbed by my shoulder I looked up blinking to see Valentine screaming something inches away from my face. Still stunned I couldn¡¯t make out his words as he shook me. Eyes refocusing as well hearing quickly returning he screamed at me again.


    ¡°[Get up! Get up!]¡±


    Chaotic screams filled the complex as Benedict fired down the corridor they came through. Shaking the stress from my body and reaching for my P90 regardless of how shaken I was mentally Benedict turned into cover as Valentine finished setting a breach charge on the wall.


    ¡°[Motherfuckers are swarming blow it now!]¡±


    Clicking the detonator the breach charge gave us entry to another room to escape through as the collective roared from behind. Running through the complex a cultist rounded the corner without a weapon sprinting towards us. Quickly dispatched by Valentine the rounds from the compact revolver tore through his body leaving him crawling towards us rasping.


    ¡°(The vessels! They have the vessels! Brothers sisters the vessels!)¡±


    Ignoring their cries and breaching another room the hoard closed in behind as another group sprinted towards us from the front. Unloading the magazine saw another five bodies join the corpses on the ground as more screams came through. Reaching another room gunfire began to erupt from the cultists as we vaulted a counter. Cornered Benedict barred his teeth with a grim look as he loaded his rifle once more with no obvious exit.


    ¡°[Valentine! How many more explosions have you got?]¡±


    ¡°[Last one.]¡±


    Benedict sighed and fired back at the cultists preparing to breach. Firing at the opposite corner of the door Benedict fired at Valentine quickly set the charge. Hitting the detonator again the explosion rang out behind us. Quickly looking back while reloading with Benedict we saw a massive fissure in the solid concrete. The destruction impressive but not enough to offer an escape.


    ¡°[Fuck¡­]¡± Aggressively cocking the gun Benedict turned out once more to fire on another group of unarmed cultists charging.


    ¡°[Nice knowing you guys.]¡±


    Holding off the hoard Valentine took his rifle and began slamming it against the concrete dislodging a few chunks at a time. The vent crashed down from above as a body flailed to the floor being riddled with bullets. Ripping out another magazine throwing it rather than putting it back in the webbing to save time I loaded another magazine firing relentlessly trying to thin the hoard just enough to give us a chance.


    Another magazine burned through and the barrel smoking I patted my chest rig for another magazine finding only two left. Loading the second last one I turned out as Benedict ran out of ammunition to see a shaft of light shine over the counter from behind.


    ¡°[It¡¯s clear! Move!]¡±


    Letting Benedict leave first I emptied the magazine before entering the fractured crevice the explosion caused. Sliding in sideways shuffling through as quickly as I could the light became brighter and brighter as I put distance in between me and the singularity. My mind became more liberated with every step returning to the outside world. Ready to take in the sweet embrace of sunlight a hand clutched my suit, then two, then three.


    ¡°(The vessel cannot escape bring it back bring it BACK BRING IT BACK!)¡± Desperately clutching the exterior wall outside the crevice I cried out to the other two as my grip failed.


    ¡°[Benedict! Valentine! They¡¯ve got me!]¡±


    Dashing to me grasping my arms just as my grip faltered they pulled with all their strength threatening to pull my arms from their sockets as the collective slowly dragged me back into the depths. My body disappearing into the darkness Valentine and Benedict propped their feet against the wall putting in even more effort.


    Kicking furiously as more hands tried to take hold dislodging one I flew out of the hole landing on top of both Benedict and Valentine. Quickly getting to our feet a mess of arms flailed out of the hole as the collective crammed in trapping themselves wailing horrifically watching my escape.


    Without wasting a moment we ran back towards the cemetery ships only stopping for a moment to catch our breath. Looking up at the other two their eyes burned furiously with my actions as mine filled with sorrow. No words were needed. I succumbed to the madness of this place and it almost cost us all our lives.


    The experience was unforgettable though. Somehow I knew no matter whether I was dead or alive that knowledge would always be with me. The pieces all stuck together now and the mystery of this place was on the fringe of being uncovered. Looking at my arm reinforced all that was left to do was discern whether I was a part of it.

 26. Sparrow: Sitrep

    26. Sparrow: Sitrep


    Hiking through the fields by myself was a welcome change from being surrounded by pioneers on the island but ended up only reminding me of my isolation. Everyone I worked with was missing or dead. Some days it was hard to find a reason to simply get up in the morning. We all worked so hard to complete our mission and now I seemed to be all that was left. Regardless I still had my objectives to complete though it was hard not just to run or give up. If a whole team couldn¡¯t accomplish it what chance did I have.


    A snap. Swinging my head round MP5 readied the iron sights scanned the trees. Crouching with only the sound of my breath against the visor I stood up slowly. Looking down a broken twig rested underneath my foot. With an unsteady sigh closing my eyes the MP5 rested against my stomach. What chance did any of us have. A whole team. Some dedicating their lives to this. All wiped out in a single ambush.


    I knew some of those people for years. Even the new ones felt like close friends already. Now they all laid dead in the middle of a forest that nobody knew of and if I died nobody would ever know. There were those who would want it that way. To see us just written up as another lost expedition but that wasn¡¯t the case. We were hunted with extreme prejudice by someone who held all the cards. A rustling. Quickly turning a branch gently drifted in the wind. The loneliness, it was maddening.


    Taking a moment to rest hidden away from the world I looked up the small hill to a decrepit antenna rigged to amplify transmissions. It seemed hopeless that a transmission would get out. Interruption from psionic forces saw to that but I had no other alternative but to try. Taking off the sealed helmet to inspect the antenna better and unpacking a compact high power radio system I connected it to the amplifier.


    Gunfire. Throwing myself down to the ground a conflict broke out in the distance. A Crusader squad wiped out a Cerberus expedition. Rummaging through their packs they found two artifacts that they immediately set out to destroy. Seeing little result for minutes one of the Crusaders managed to shatter an orb seeing it engulf him in flames. Running mad under the rush of pain and fear his squadmates eventually beared him down smothering the flame and hurriedly carried him back to the cemetery ships island for treatment.


    Ignorance. That¡¯s all it was. It was the leading cause of death in this place. Nothing could be left to chance and everything accounted for. I was well prepared for the threats my mission would bring but by myself it would only be so long until I slipped up. Taking another moment to breathe I put despair to the back of my mind as I counted the trees around me. A simple coping technique taught to us in trying to fend off the entity¡¯s influence. Looking back to the connectors and double checking everything was in place I flipped a switch bringing the radio to life with static.


    Playing with the dials I scanned for any signal, anything at all, something from my comrades or a simple radio station outside the zone. Nothing. Disheartened I pressed on boosting the power slightly to avoid discharging the battery in only an hour. Still nothing. The static continued on grating through the speaker as if trying to prove a point. Looking over the settings I saw the re-transmit toggle. If there was a friendly aircraft in the air it¡¯d relay the message if the message even reached the aircraft which most likely wasn¡¯t there. With nothing to lose toggling the switch to re-transmit boosting the power again and picking up the microphone I made one last attempt to contact someone. Anyone.


    ¡°Hamilton, this is Sparrow, come in Hamilton.¡±


    Nothing. The line remained dead with only static.


    ¡°Hamilton this is Sparrow. Come in.¡±


    The static jittered a bit as if it were mocking my attempts. Slapping it in frustration with a metallic thud the static jumped and dipped until it resonated with what sounded like broken english.


    ¡°......re¡­ble¡­¡± Picking up the microphone again cranking up the power settings without any thought to battery life I replied immediately.


    ¡°Hamilton Hamilton! This is Sparrow come in Hamilton come in!¡±


    The static returned as I fine tuned the radio. The voice began repeating itself waiting for a reply as it came through bursts of static while I tried to find the perfect settings. Eventually a garbled voice came through that was just decipherable.


    ¡°... repeat. Readable but with difficulty, repeat. Readable but with difficulty, rep-¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Hamilton! This is Sparrow!¡±


    Static returned for a moment. Had I just lost them? Sitting sick with anxiety the voice acknowledged my hails.


    ¡°Confirmed, retransmitting to HQ. Sit tight.¡±


    I almost started crying through the laughter of relief. Somehow I managed to get a signal out, I wasn¡¯t alone not completely at least. With this orders could be updated and an extraction organized. There was hope. For the first time in weeks there was hope. I wouldn¡¯t have to bet everything on my original objective there was a way out after all. Calming myself as the radio came to life again an operator requested my report.


    Going through all the details I¡¯d learnt even though they weren¡¯t of importance I finished it with confirming the dead. Hearing my team had been wiped out the operator simply went silent. No promise of evacuation came through or any information of any kind. Picking up the microphone again I prompted him for more.


    ¡°Hamilton, this is Sparrow, operator¡¯s status.¡±


    ¡°90% of operators assumed missing or killed in operation, 5% compromised, 5% operational.¡±


    Everyone. Everyone was dead and they knew. I was all that was left and they knew. The operator sat silent on the other end as if it was normal. Distraught I questioned the objectives still laid out for us.


    ¡°Hamilton. This is Sparrow. Operation sitrep.¡± Buzzing to life once more the operator complied.


    ¡°Operation god eater mission analysis remains unchanged. Goals and objectives are paramount however end state is threatened. Numerous assets lost and operation extension threaten success due to unsustainable attrition.¡±


    Stunned with his response I spat back at him.


    ¡°Unsustain¡­ no fucking shit unsustainable attrition. What do you mean analysis unchanged? We¡¯re at 5% combat effectiveness how doesn¡¯t that change anything?¡±


    ¡°Mission objective is paramount. This was made aware to you in the briefing.¡± Ignoring his response I went on furiously.


    ¡°What good are we dead? We don¡¯t stand a chance. One hundred men over years of raids couldn¡¯t accomplish success what do you expect from one? From me?¡±


    The operator began to shout something about operation zeal only to be cut off to recognize a superior. Waiting for a response shuffling could be heard as someone took his seat. Eventually the grating voice of an old woman came through the speaker.


    ¡°Sparrow this is Chairman. Your situation is noted and you know I understand how dire your situation is. An evac is arranged to arrive in a week at point fifty six. That is not up for debate. It is the only way to make sure an exfiltration attempt isn¡¯t compromised. You are still expected to complete your objectives.¡±


    Her words filled me with dread. Point fifty six, Pripyat, the dead city. Anyone who made it past the red forest never came back after venturing into those streets. We had no information or even rumors on the area. My objectives still stood as well. I experienced so much horror up to this point and all of it would pale in comparison to what awaited. I couldn¡¯t do this, hell even back when my team stood beside me we couldn¡¯t do this. Lambs to the slaughter. That¡¯s all it was. It all meant nothing.


    ¡°Sparrow. You know what¡¯s on the line. You can make for extraction directly and enjoy some comfort before the end of all of us or you can save the world.¡±


    Picking up the radio with trembling hands I tried to respond with an uneven reply.


    ¡°How. I¡¯m all that¡¯s left. I¡¯m not a commando I¡¯m a scientist. I couldn¡¯t save them¡­¡±


    ¡°No. You couldn¡¯t, but you are the only who has any leads as to where the pillar is. Organize a local force using the cover that you''re planning a raid to find a true treasure trove. A team is inbound to extract compromised operative VG. They¡¯ll meet you at point one hundred and thirty two to establish cover with your help once they have the operative.¡±


    At least they were sending someone. Mentioning using the local forces brought back to mind all of the pioneers that agreed to assault the pillar with me. With a few more elite hands there was a chance at least some of us could make it home. Looking over into the distance the sun broke through the clouds for a moment. Just one more week and I¡¯d be able to walk outside without having to worry about being torn apart or flayed alive. I was becoming more and more afraid of death with each passing day but one more week and I would never have to be afraid again.


    ¡°This is the line in the sand Sparrow. We do this and we save the future.¡±


    ¡°Copy Chairman. Sparrow out.¡±


    Quickly packing up the equipment I returned to the cemetery ships to buy some pioneer crafted suits from different vendors not to arouse suspicion. Initially the squad could charge in wearing cutting edge equipment and armor but afterwards it would have to be ditched. Wearing such advanced gear would only see them compromised by what killed my team. His eyes and ears were everywhere. Very few places were safe. The nemesis had far more clandestine support and easily rivaled our strength.


    If everything went to plan though and the operation ended in success we¡¯d finally see ourselves with an advantage. It''s grand design would begin to topple even if we hadn¡¯t the slightest clue as to exactly what it planned. All we knew was that this pillar was central to it''s efforts and if we saw victory in this ruined land we stood a chance. Swallowing my fear hiking to the rendezvous and waiting for my new team I truly believed we stood a chance in escaping with our lives to enjoy the world as it was. After today we¡¯d be one step closer to ensuring a brighter tomorrow in ripping the Arbitrator from the shadows.

 27. Yeti: Wet work

    27. Yeti: Wet work


    Moving through the ruins of Chernobyl the air was thick with dread as the firefight continued. It was another day at work, most of us had seen years of combat myself a decade but we all felt that same dread as our mortality dawned on us. Trying to shake the feeling saw no effect. It¡¯d reached the point where it sat at the back of our minds constantly. Even Baron and Havoc were quiet without any smart remarks or insults being thrown. Catching a glimpse of their tired faces I tried to offer them a warm smile earning a nod from both returning to their duties.


    Anxiety was a constant in combat but it could be maintained or suppressed. When we first came here though that constant was diminished regardless of intensity. We fought with complete focus without interruption. It wasn¡¯t until we stopped following the air dropped orders that it began to creep back in. It was unnoticeable at first growing at a marginal rate to the point where it felt like an old acquaintance had returned and nothing more. Something was different now though.


    Quickly ducking and charging across a street just behind the Crusader front line to avoid a stray shot we kept up our pace towards a compound held by outlaws holding our target hostage. A grenade detonating saw pebbles of rubble fall from above leading to a panic of action to avoid being crushed alive. Looking up the building stood undisturbed. Shaking the dread free we continued on.


    This wasn¡¯t the anxiety of combat. This was different. This was the pure fear of death creeping forward every day. The fear of dying in itself. Something about this place made the thought of dying so perverse. Something called for us in the night and whispered during the day leaving no respite for weary souls. A few veterans of the zone documented it as the madness on the wind after being here for a certain amount of time. Some people lasted years, others only weeks.


    With everything we¡¯d learned it seemed time wasn¡¯t the variable but rather what we knew. Having light shed about the pillar and the chance to find it¡¯s location we all felt a sudden degradation in our mental state. The fear of death became ever so present with such sudden force. It was as if the zone itself no longer favoured us. Approaching our insertion point to began reconnaissance and formulate an attack we split into groups.


    Alongside Baron, Line, Havoc and Duke we found a building to nest in while observing the countless outlaws guarding their compound. Buried deep within the building we left our field of vision to only what was necessary. Line setting up his M14 DMR Baron and Havoc set up with binoculars as Duke sat next to a window visible to the other teams waiting to give a signal on my command.


    Continuing to formulate a plan Duke sat next to the window clasping his M4A1 carbine with knuckles white taking deep breaths. His eyes burned with the ferocity in being eager to prove himself but that dread sat deep within him as it did all of us. We had the advantage of experience to quell our fears but he was still a child only seeing first combat a year ago at the raw age of sixteen. His mind still wasn¡¯t forged by the fires of battle or able to divert the stresses that came with the fight.


    ¡°How you holding up.¡± Turning he quickly responded.


    ¡°Fine. Stop asking.¡±


    ¡°I only asked once.¡± Looking to argue with me another explosion resonated through the streets seeing Duke turn quickly to the source only to go back to clasping his rifle.


    ¡°We¡¯re all shitting it, you¡¯re not the only one.¡± Baron looked around with a half smile.


    ¡°Well metaphorically at least, he might take that literally.¡± Furious Duke went red faced about to unleashed a rant as I cut him off.


    ¡°Brave words coming from you, still remember your exploit in Afghanistan.¡± Spinning round Havoc looked to Baron and Baron to me as Duke took interest which Line took the honor of enlightening him.


    ¡°He jumped over a wall landing on a dud IED. Grenade went off the street over and he shit himself.¡±


    A massive frown grew over Baron¡¯s face as Havoc started wheezing.


    ¡°You told me the smell was goat shit. That¡¯s incredible.¡±


    Looking to the ground disappointed that the light had finally been shed over his mishap Duke saw himself with an amused smile which broke allowing a chuckle to escape. Nodding slowly Baron returned to his vigil as Havoc calmed himself and Line sighed. Smiling for a moment the seriousness of the situation quickly returned as we stood watch on our vigil until Line brought up his hand.


    ¡°We have an opening, three hundred and forty seven degrees. Yeti you see it?¡±


    Quickly strafing over to a vantage point to observe the area I saw a gap in the outlaws defence. Calling out to Duke he gave out a signal to another building we occupied. Seeing Sandworm give a confirmation signal Flux¡¯s team moved into position. Taking barricade positions we sat ready at the sides of the windows ready to fire as Line kept a constant vigil down his scope.Stolen novel; please report.


    ¡°They¡¯re getting agitated. Open fire?¡±


    ¡°Not yet, let them get closer.¡±


    Watching Flux and his team scuttle forward they evaded detection expertly in the rubble leading up to the compound. With Strider and Hazard holding back to provide cover fire Bishop and Flux went for the breach standing only meters from the gate with sentries on the side of the compound. Looking towards us from two hundred meters away they gave us a direct nod to begin. Complying the order went out.


    ¡°Fire.¡±


    Line was the first to shoot. One of the outlaws at the front gate fell with a burst of blood emitted from his back as the other stumbled to the side shocked. Firing another shot he caught the surprised outlaw before he could react, his shots blending in with the surrounding fire fight. The outlaws went into full alert desperately scanning for the origin of the shot. Using the confusion and disarray Flux and Bishop slipped in without confrontation.


    ¡°Like clockwork.¡± Line took another shot before cursing and quickly leaning to the side.


    ¡°Missed that dickhead, we¡¯re compromised.¡±


    ¡°Weapons free boys let it rain.¡±


    Rifles resting on the side of the windows Havoc and Baron unleashed bursts in quick succession as the outlaws ran for cover unaware of our strength. Taking part in the barrage my sights found themselves dancing over the target rich environment. A shot to each man, if it didn¡¯t hit it still instilled an overwhelming panic. Holding the weight of fire the other building we occupied only created further confusion. Reloading looking to my side Duke stood in the exact center of the window lining up a target. Pulling him down just in time as shots tore through where he stood he looked back shocked as I reprimanded him.


    ¡°Silhouette to a minimum. Remember what we taught you fuckhead. Want to be a soldier don¡¯t you? Then stay alive.¡± Amongst shocked breathing he managed a reply before manning his firing port again.


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Taking a more appropriate stance Duke pushed the balance of fire further in our favour without endangering himself more than he had to. A shot cracked dangerously close to Line as he tried to steady his rifle sending him down again to reposition. More outlaws poured from the compound taking positions in the ruins advancing towards us in inches.


    Every bit of ground they advanced was earned in blood but earned regardless. Creeping forward their advance saw progress as a red mist shot out from Baron with a cry of pain. Turning to assist he went right back to firing on the enemy emptying his magazine.


    ¡°Flesh wound, I¡¯m good.¡± Line peaked up again this time managing to squeeze off a few rounds before bringing his head down again under a barrage.


    ¡°We¡¯re losing fire superiority. They¡¯ll start flooding over any minute now!¡±


    ¡°Focus on getting fire out, we only need to buy time.¡±


    Loosening their fire saw less casualties inflicted but more outlaws suppressed. The balance of fire steadied itself once more if only for a moment. Every now and again an outlaw tried to brave our fire only to catch a shot from Line. The diversion was going well. At this rate we¡¯d be able to hold for minutes. Plenty of time for Flux and Bishop to complete their objective. It seemed we held the advantage until Line cried out.


    ¡°Rpg rpg get dow-!¡±


    Turning into cover the rocket slammed into the upper floor sending the wall above toppling out in front of us. Frantically we turned out from cover trying to maintain suppression while scanning desperately for the rocketeer.


    ¡°The fuck did that come from?! Eyes! Get eyes on!¡± Baron cried out next


    ¡°Seventeen degrees tower! I see ¡®em!¡± Line braced his rifle ignoring his lack of good cover for a shot.


    ¡°Got a line.¡± Pulling the trigger saw him whoop for a moment before gasping. Another rocket flew from the now dead man¡¯s launcher into the building occupied by Marcus and the others.


    ¡°Oh shit they got them! They-¡± Snapping him out of his panic I commanded the team to focus on the situation at hand.


    ¡°Eye¡¯s front! Keep them down or we¡¯re next!¡±


    Keeping up the our efforts fire once again erupted from Marcus¡¯s building even if it was disrupted. Lucky bastards must¡¯ve avoided death by inches. Emptying our magazines we quickly found ourselves beginning to run our reserves dry. Catching a glimpse of muzzle flashes in the corner of my eye Hazard and Strider fought furiously to keep their friends extraction route open. We could hold but if another rocket managed to find it¡¯s mark our diversion would quickly fall apart.


    Something else seemed to attract the outlaws attention though. Their offensive grinded to a halt as they held their ground trying to analyse the situation. Now the situation had calmed if only slightly we became aware to gunfire erupting from the dockside of the compound periodically. There was no chance it could be Flux and Bishop at that position already. Another party was taking advantage of our diversion. Unsure how to interpret the intrusion we continued firing holding the outlaws in position as they tried to retreat and respond to the new threat.


    Though our efforts were valiant it wasn¡¯t enough. A decent portion of the outlaws we locked down made it back into the compound towards where Bishop and Flux would be infiltrating through. My thoughts stood with them for a second hoping they were ready for the wave of contact they had coming their way before returning to the fight. Reloading again I looked over to Duke who sat breathing heavily bleeding from his shoulder.


    Inspecting him quickly found it only to be a flesh wound. Quickly bandaging him up he stood once more to take part in the fight. Looking to the others they continued to fire deep within cover. Everyone did their part. All we could hope for now was that it earned enough time for Flux and Bishop.

 28. Bishop: Tubular assault

    28. Bishop: Tubular assault


    Pushing through the compound Flux held his Mossberg 500 compact shotgun close clearing corners throughout the maze of shipping containers with lethal focus. Following behind with a G36C we breached each fatal funnel maintaining a heightened pace in perfect cohesion. The metal walls rose high enough denying any deviation from our claustrophobic path choking out any hope of escape or evading fire. A close quarters hell. We were in our element.


    Pushing without fear slipping by most of the outlaws responding to the firefight out the front they ran carelessly down the paths laid out by the rusting containers. Halting only to let outlaws charge on by unaware to our presence we continued on to the warehouse towards the center. With flawless movement we entered a compound filled with wooden crates, some only knee heigh and others stacked towering over the shipping containers.


    Shortly after entering the compound an outlaw ran in front of Flux. Unloading a shell without hesitation the outlaw fell patting at the gaping wound Flux left in his chest. Voices began to yell all around closing in on the sudden gunfire. Maintaining our pace weaving in and out of the crates another appeared in front with rifle ready. He fell like the last as Flux ejected another shell, two left in the tube. Seconds later clearing a corner my sights ran up an outlaws body over the muzzle flash leading to his head as Flux whispered after firing in the opposite direction dropping another target.


    ¡°Reloading¡­¡±


    His shotgun clicked as the shells were jammed in barely audible over the disarray the outlaws were in trying to track us down. Moving forward cries of pain could be heard over calls of friendly fire. Pushed over the edge the outlaws fought amongst themselves terrified any hesitation would leave them like the bodies of their comrades they found throughout the complex.


    Coming up to the warehouse back in the maze of shipping containers rounding another corner two outlaws waitied in ambush in deep cover. Panicked they fired immediately at the sight of movement. The first shot missing me entirely I pushed the momentum as the other outlaws head was peppered by buckshot from Flux. Clipping the outlaw in the shoulder he turned back in immediately. Firing short bursts kept his head down while slowly walking forward. Regaining the courage to turn out again saw him staring down the barrel of Flux¡¯s shotgun.


    With the next contingent down the outlaws ahead in the warehouse would surely know we were coming. Leaning round the final corner one stood behind a metal barricade out the front and another peeking past the door. Firing as soon as my rifle came round the corner taking a barricade position Flux pushed the position as I focussed fire towards the door. In seconds the man at the barricade was dead and the other behind the door heavily wounded as I fired through the wall.


    Rounding the door a single shot put him out of his misery. Looking up an office door saw another outlaw lining us up. Firing the first shot he narrowly missed me as Flux opened up. Forcing him down with the last shell I took over suppressing him as Flux slapped a shell into the ejection port rushing the door. Getting an angle Flux¡¯s shotgun produced a brilliant flash as another body fell.


    Setting up behind him taking out my pistol as he loaded his shotgun my hand on his shoulder signalling I was ready to go. Flux went left through the door, myself right. The last outlaw held a man hostage. Leaning right against the wall his shot cracked past earning a grunt of pain from Flux as I fired. The first shot ripped through coming out the back of his neck just below his skull. The second shot made sure he was dead. The outlaw fell to the ground lifeless. Turning round to Flux he was already moving to the hostage.


    ¡°You right?¡±


    ¡°Hit the plate. Hold the door.¡± The hostages face was wiped clean of relief as Flux shouted him down.


    ¡°(Name! Now!)¡± Peaking out the door two outlaws rushed in to be cut down by a burst of fire as Flux continued unfazed slapping the shocked hostage over the head.


    ¡°(What¡¯s your name?!)¡± Looking up in shock the hostage put together a rushed response.


    ¡°(Vasily Gregor. We don¡¯t have time for this the Arbitrator knows of the operation he is coming.)¡± Intrigued Flux decided to dig for information quickly before terminating the man.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°(How does he know?)¡±


    ¡°(How should I know? It doesn¡¯t matter right now he knows about Shadowfall operations that alone should tell you we need to go now! Where is the extraction-)¡± Cutting himself off the hostage looked up wide eyed.


    ¡°(You aren¡¯t SF. The world is at stake we can offer you compensation and safety there isn¡¯t time-)¡±


    Flux fired the shotgun into his chest convinced he wasn¡¯t getting anymore information. Cartilage, blood and bone erupted from his back leaving him on the ground almost instantly losing consciousness quickly followed by death. With a nod we left the room and began clearing our way back to our entry point. Leaving the warehouse it seemed like the outlaws had shifted their attention to the river side of the compound and were fighting another front.


    Taking advantage of the confusion we pressed on uncontested through the shipping containers approaching the courtyard of crates again. Walking quickly with weapons ready a metallic clanking was heard in the open shipping container beside us. Quickly breaching round looking past the door saw a man wearing a gasmask with blue lens and chest rig covered in specialist equipment.


    Firing at the man he darted back returning dangerously accurate fire. Stepping back myself the fire continued through the fatal funnel to prevent us catching them out in the open as they fell back into the courtyard of crates. Moving around finding a new entry to avoid walking into overwatch fire I briefed Flux in a hushed tone along the way.


    ¡°Two men. Specialist gear. Well trained. First contacts who¡¯ve made a smart move, be careful.¡±


    Finding another entry we breached into the courtyard once more. Scanning every point we searched for the intruders throughout the mess of corridors and intersections the crates made. Splitting up to establish more effective crossfire the courtyard was silent apart from the raging battle outside. Neither us nor them made a sound as we took deathly caution in every movement. Any sound emitted could be the last in this arena of rust, dust, guts and blood.


    The corridors of crates were filled with numerous outcropping objects. Each one initially looked to be our adversary. They screamed out to be shot purely to instil a sense of security that it wasn¡¯t a threat but any misfire would see us compromised. Even though each potential target had to be analysed any hesitation would see us killed. Coming up to another corner rounding it quickly I saw a shotgun pointed my way. Lowering my rifle slightly shaking my head at Flux indicated no contact had been made yet. Nodding he returned to his own hunt.


    Crouching under low crates to maintain concealment we slowly made our way towards our entry point while maintaining our vigil for the enemy. The search could last minutes, hours even but the fight would be over in seconds. Hearing the firefight die down around our entry point we doubled our efforts towards escape. Moving forward I caught the brief outline of a leg just barely jutting out from behind a crate only for half a second.


    Sighting the target saw a burst of fire launched in it¡¯s direction. The leg quickly retracted suffering a flesh wound. Standing almost running forward clearing corners rapidly gun up we tightened the noose. Flux could be heard running as well ahead towards my target. Turning another corner the other operative brought down a hail of fire. With a stroke of luck ducking into cover feeling a round graze against me Flux provided cover fire standing over a crate scoring some light hits. The fire stopped and I continued pushing forward.


    Charging forwards to our escape the first operative wounded caught me in his sights. Reacting immedately firing with absolute precision the rounds slammed into his chest and through the top of his shoulder as he dived back into cover suppressed by the absolute violence of action. Flux immediately went to suppressing the other operative who desperately covered his friend earning a decent wound sending him down as quickly as he rose from a crate.


    Convinced an appropriate amount of damage had been inflicted to allow escape we dashed for our entry point as the firefight continued to die down. We were running out of time. The teams outside were losing the weight of fire slowly but surely. Dashing through the complex of shipping containers we found the gate once more as outlaws made leaps and bounds through the rubble towards our fireteams.


    Running around the side of the compound we fought our way through an outlaw squad. Our fire blended in with theirs leaving them all completely unaware their comrades fell one by one as Strider and Hazard linked up with us. Reaching the last man in the section he turned inspecting the lack of fire only to find myself and Flux already firing on him.


    As the final outlaws blood caked the concrete rubble we made our final push through the buildings to link up with the mercenaries. Reaching one of the occupied buildings Marcus brought Sandworm limping down the stairs.


    ¡°How many casualties?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s the only one. Robinc went off to find a better position. He¡¯ll regroup when he figures out we¡¯ve pulled back.¡±


    Assisting Sandworm putting my arm around him we began to retreat. Pulling out from the building running into the distance saw no further pursuit. In the clear stopping only to find our payment stashed in another section of rubble away from the fighting we took both suitcases checking them for the promised payout. Seeing them stashed to the brim with rubles we continued onward to plan our next move.

 29. Robinc: The old war

    29. Robinc: The old war


    After dropping off the money as requested from orders years ago should such a plan be activated I dashed to my next position. Clambering over ruined buildings rather than running through the streets to save time I found myself navigating the treacherous rooves. There wasn¡¯t time to waste. Any fault in my movement could cause irrecoverable injury if I fell but I continued to soar in between the buildings as the sun began to set. With momentous effort and exertion the warm feeling of my body pleading to stop was so reminiscent from days of old.


    Watching the ground pass far below again in between rooftops struck a chord in me that I hadn¡¯t felt in a decade of survival. Purpose flowed anew with every stride. The thrill of the hunt pounding in my chest all fueled by the zeal in fighting for a righteous cause. A decade after being thrown away I was given purpose anew by the same power that left me to rot. A chance at redemption or revenge. For the moment it mattered not as the sensation of life coursed through me at last.


    It had been so long since I felt the air whip past my face with such enthusiasm as I fell from the building into a cushioned bin. That same sensation from the pod. Careering down to earth as ablative plasma sliced through the air allowing decent at a truly miraculous rate towards an ultimate objective. With airbrakes tearing off at the appropriate moment the jarring impact threw me into the zone to secure my area as I awaited orders however the headset simply spat out static.


    Checking for damage I found nothing wrong. Our technology was absolute. Our planning flawless. The radio should have crackled to life issuing a new stream of orders but that day it sat streaming nothing but interference. Nothing could jam it and nothing should interfere with the masterstroke in our plan. I was cut off.


    That moment alone left sickening realization. I was alone, discarded, disbanded. Looking to the pod the signal booster offered no respite quickly disintegrating minutes later. The only trace of the organisations presence gone with the wind. Looking around the wastes waiting for the radio to crackle to life to provide me with anything saw no respite.


    My life spent training with them after being taken away. The only memory before the organisation being carted out of the house watching her crying eyes track me and my brother go after father failed to find a way past the Berlin wall. The old facility we lived in was well hidden from the world. After examinations my brother was found more suited for an academic role while I was thrown into combat programs.


    From the very first day I faced opponents who fought with years of skill and practice. Every day was met with rolling out of bed, an education limited to only what was useful to combat and savage beatings labeled as training. Battered, bruised, bleeding with broken bones I continued to fight. Some gave up taking solace in the ceremonial knife in our rooms left to remind us what failure would bring but I got up every day to continue the fight regardless of the stresses it would bring.


    Just one day at a time. Each beating became less severe as I fought and my understanding of this world became simpler by the day. We lived to survive and that was all. It left a deep pit of longing for something more but in the circumstance surrounded by elite soldiers who witnessed the program with callous vigil survival was all we had. The only real light at the end of the month was sitting in an advanced medical station being patched up to see my brother.


    Sitting together huddled we¡¯d briefly mention the ordeals we were surviving to simply sit there in each other''s company before it was time to leave. Though it was tense and brought to mind what else we could lose we welcomed the feeling reminding us we were still human. Still able to feel. When the time came to return to our programs we left without words or emotion. Just another day. Just one more day.


    The program went for years but even it had it¡¯s end. With it coming to a close came the announcement of enlightenment. Even though we only knew each other in combat most of the trainees were excited to see what they¡¯re reward would be for enduring the program. That night I sat in my secured room where the door was left open for once. The whole point of this ordeal was to survive and with the door wide open there was an opportunity to escape to somewhere safer.


    Without wasting a moment leaping from the bed and peering from the door I ran down the twisting corridors. We¡¯d been allowed outside only a few times under heavy guard so I knew this place well enough. The first route I took however saw me dive deeper into the facility towards the academic section. All I could think of was my brother and the torment he would be enduring. Reaching the secured door trying to pry it open sounded a warning. Ignorant to its threats a silent turret ended my efforts leaving me crippled on the floor. Legs shot to bits.


    Coming to back in my room with recent medical treatment miraculously regenerating the sections lost to gunfire a note sat on the table. Written down it mentioned one final test. I¡¯d shown my willpower but it requested to see my skill. Looking out the door again the note instructed me to run. Turning in the opposite direction from the door I followed the order. Slipping by men who looked as if to have weathered countless battles I found myself standing outside in the world by myself for the first time in twelve years.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Soaking in the sun''s glorious rays out in the field beside the long dirt road the long green grass brushed gently against my legs. The breeze offered newfound purpose to life as the threat no longer seemed to be present. Though only just meters from my prison the world was a beautiful spectacle. The moment however was shattered by three guards approaching from the trees ahead with their rifles rested low as they paced towards me. Expecting to be carried back in and locked away one of the soldiers simply nodded and asked me to accompany them.


    Going back into the facility we found ourselves looking over a dark room it¡¯s occupants unknown. Light shot through the mirror as lights were quickly switched on to display every other candidate sitting at a desk with only a syringe on the table. A speaker entered the room congratulating them on surviving and offered enlightenment. He offered a reason for their skills and reason to live. All they had to do was use the syringe to make them realise their true potential.


    Without hesitation the trainees administered the syringes desperate for the relief of some form of purpose. They fell just as quickly. One by one they collapsed until the room was filled with still bodies. The speaker ordered in other soldiers to assist them as another explained to me what had just happened.


    Looking over room he simply said they were enlightened in that they were free from the duties they were expected to perform not being deemed suited for the cause. They gave in and took life as it was in the facility in the promise for an answer so in the end they provided them with one. The serum would wipe the last fifteen years from their minds and leave their bodies crippled amongst the ordinary.


    Though the soldiers were kneeling in respect that I was worthy to join their ranks I watched as the bodies were carried out. Every single candidate I had received such punishment from every day for twelve years had everything taken away in a moment. I was the last left among them. The strongest in the cadre of lifelong warriors.


    Being absorbed into the ranks my life became one of constant warfare. Accustomed to body breaking beatings and soul crushing sessions alongside my new comrades we became the deadliest warriors unknown to the world. Our technology surged forward going well past anything known to the outside world and advances in understanding the human condition brought as closer to our objective every day. Upon hearing my brother had escaped as well and managed to be placed in a blacksite there was no distraction to my efforts for the cause.


    Then came this fateful operation. After so much dedication and trust to be thrown away like the rest deemed unsuitable. As the mutants came to investigate the commotion the drop pod had caused I fought simply to survive. The next day was the same. As was the next. Without orders or purpose I obeyed basic instinct. Everything ended up just like it had before. All that wasted time.


    Mind flying back to the present as I was scaling a building brought back that oh so familiar feeling of seeing all the candidates fall. With these next few days the end of this torment and the start of a brighter future was in sight. A light at the end of a long and arduous tunnel but it shone through the shroud that had enveloped me over these long years.


    Today like so long ago the Arbitrators will shall be served. With Flux producing the first sparks of hope that it''s objective might be completed today only confirmed I would be the one to finish the fight. One last raid to see the service of so many before me wasn¡¯t in vein. The light will be preserved through the sacrifice of many.


    Reaching the top of the building I shouldered the high powered sniper rifle hidden away till it was required. The L115A3/AWM sat snuggly in my hands after being parted from my grip for so long. Looking over the area of the firefight towards the river saw my heart pounding with joy.


    Shadowfall operatives. Seeking to bring us down ignorant to the sheer importance of our efforts they saw us as their nemesis. The task force was an infant in comparison to ours. We stretched throughout time before the modern era while they only caught a glimpse of what was through the shroud we generated a mere fifty years ago. Sighting in my first target aiming for the distinctive blue lense they wore I watched the man fight for a moment.


    Dancing from cover to cover firing into the mass of outlaws defending their compound he held the beachhead without issue alongside his comrades. Fighting vigorously without fault for what he believed to be right. It wouldn¡¯t matter for long. Finger wrapped around the trigger squeezing effortlessly produced a significant kick from the gun. Shattering the blue lensed gasmask the man fell instantly.


    Bolting another round the squad reacted diving for cover with another shot ringing out. Another hit the ground dead leaving two left behind heavy rubble. Firing at the cover another was taking saw him fall to the side in the open with a fractured skull leaving one last man skittering to safety. Waiting patiently his surroundings offered no escape. Seeing a grenade roll and a cloud of smoke generate I waited. Watching the cloud produce for a few seconds I took the final shot.


    Waiting awhile longer the smoke blew away revealing the last man dying in the kill zone. Their interests in the zone would be stalled for a little longer. Long enough to fulfill the Arbitrators will by recovering the long lost data from what started all of this madness. With it this age old war would come to an end allowing the human race to become one.

 30. Karte: Reinforcement

    30. Karte: Reinforcement


    Helping up my squadmate after treating his wounds we pushed on the best we could through the compound of wooden crates. Waiting patiently trying to find the two men who wounded us for a few minutes revealed they were probably long gone. Pulling out the remaining blue shards of the shattered lens in the gasmask we pushed through our wounds as bandages staunched the bleeding.


    With Terra suffering a considerable wound to his shoulder he followed close behind as a rear guard while I breached the compound. Rounding a corner to the warehouse visible over the shipping containers we found the bodies of outlaws recently killed. Carefully breaching the building expecting the worst we found our target in the office with a gaping wound in his chest. With a snarl Terra went to confirm his identity.


    ¡°Fuck¡­ it¡¯s definitely VG. They got him first.¡±


    Watching the door Terra searched the body for any information the operative might have kept on him. Finding nothing stopping only to pick up his PDA he braced himself against the door ready to go on my mark. Pushing through we made our way to the original entry point stepping over the bodies of those who held their positions till death.


    Avoiding another group returning to the compound after the desperate defence we found our entry point but it wasn¡¯t relief we felt. Throwing an arm out before Terra crossed over from the safety of the wall we stood there wide eyed. Barely holding him in place Terra went to rush forward trying to shake my grasp.


    ¡°What are you doing they need help they¡¯re dying!¡±


    Looking over the bodies one of the men had half of his face blown off as the remaining sections of his gas mask collected a reservoir of blood under the blue lens. Looking to the others they were all the same, a single shot tearing through something vital. The wounds were tell tale of a death from afar. Terra realizing the same stopped resisting my grasp as I let him go.


    ¡°They¡¯re dead man. Nothing we can do.¡±


    A sudden gasp. Struggling but obvious. Movement on the ground. Fingers twitching. The wounded man rolled his head with a gentle stuttering pained wail. The both of us watched him lift his arm slightly trying to signal for help. Another minute went by with him slowly writhing in disconcerted agony. Peaking around with binoculars and giving the all clear Terra ran forward taking hold of the man¡¯s hand looking into his eyes to confirm his identity.


    ¡°Bisso. It¡¯s Bisso. Give me a hand.¡±


    Running forward we picked Bisso up to move him into a more concealed set of rubble to immediately assess his state. Ripping out his armor and inspecting his torn uniform displayed a terrible wound on the side of his rib cage. Further inspection displayed a completely destroyed rib and the adjacent ones fractured. Giving him a shot of pain relief and observing him after applying a foam bandage quickly stemming the bleeding proved his vitals to be stable as I chuckled letting down his hand after monitoring his pulse.


    ¡°Your one lucky motherfucker Bisso. Give me your arm it¡¯s not safe here.¡±


    With a pained grunt Bisso rose to his feet assisted by myself on his good side. Terra went out a few meters ahead with rifle up scanning our route as we made our way to the secondary objective. Hobbling forward Bisso started to regain some strength growing used to the pain from the wound.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t we headed to extraction. We¡¯re compromised that shooter knew our entry point.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly why, secondary extraction point. Just have one last thing to do here before that though.¡± Carrying Bisso as he became more coherent with his movement he began to ramble through grunts of effort with every struggled step forward.


    ¡°This is fucked. First we get scrambled on last minute intel then on the flight over we get a secondary objective without cover for our operation on insertion. It¡¯s no wonder we keep losing out to arbitrator forces.¡± Terra entered a building finding it clear and lowered his rifle to bring a chair to Bisso.


    ¡°Outgunned and outmatched. What''s new.¡±


    We sat in wait while tending to Bisso¡¯s wound the best we could. Discarding the blue lensed gas masks we immediately felt the influence native to the zone. Already it pushed such discreet indoctrination into our minds that training made us aware to. Just gentle influences like the urge to continue on to the cemetery ships island and find an escape on our own. We stuck with our plan and waited for an operative to establish a cover for us.


    The operative coming to our aid wasn¡¯t a complete novice though hardly a veteran. With no other operatives in the region they would have to do. With a year in the zone however we could at least trust they had what it took to survive and that would be enough to give us a chance. Terra brought his rifle up in an instant as an individual walked in front of the building with a large rucksack. Slowly taking off her helmet she went to giving out the suits and armor it contained.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Thank god. I thought I was on my own in this.¡± Terra walked forward grabbing a suit.


    ¡°Not anymore Sparrow. Command has us on this adventure of bullshit as well now.¡±


    Quickly taking off the webbing and removing any of the advanced equipment strapped to it I undressed as a new suit was handed to me. Jumping into the makeshift brown hazmat suit I strapped the webbing over it once more before taking a standard heavy duty gas mask from the bag. Connecting it to an impromptu oxygen supply I went to Bisso¡¯s aid in getting his webbing back on as Sparrow noticed his wound.


    ¡°What happened to the rest of your squad?¡± Terra maintained his watch while filling her in.


    ¡°Wiped. Sniper knew our insertion point.¡± Turning to him her shoulders sunk.


    ¡°Just like that. No firefight with him?¡± Bisso now set and ready painfully rose to his feet again.


    ¡°Was like a fucking ghost. Didn¡¯t even see a muzzle flash.¡± Raising a hand to her mouth Sparrow looked around the ruined building.


    ¡°Similar thing with my team. Ambushed. If your squad didn¡¯t stand a chance then what do we. God we¡¯re just marching into the depths to die aren¡¯t we.¡± With a chuckle inspecting my rifle a hand ran down the bolt to check if a round was chambered.


    ¡°Dead anyway if we don¡¯t. If this thing gets out we¡¯re all fucked.¡± Looking up I properly analyzed her expression. Standing up and placing a hand on her shoulder she broke herself from her despair for a moment.


    ¡°Just one more op. We¡¯ll get it done.¡±


    Nodding she reattached the helmet to her suit before we made our way cautiously to the island. Crossing the bridge with wooden planks clanking beneath our feet. Bisso now on his own two feet limped forward attracting only the attention of pity looking to be another pioneer whose luck ran out for a moment. Our cover held up with no one suspecting we were anything more than pioneers here to find something more, like all the other tired faces that walked the streets.


    It was strange watching them walk by. Their faces looked as if they were all about to collapse to the stresses of the zone but their expressions held firm and confident in what the day might bring. The stresses would break most of us but the people that bustled through the islands many tight pathways carried on as if going to and from work. The promise of a better tomorrow kept them going even though they didn¡¯t know where that promise originated from.


    The crowd continued to flow by us preparing for the next job they had in store for themselves. Some set up for raids most likely never to return being assimilated by the influence of the zone. In a way we were just as ill prepared as they were. We knew of the influence but didn¡¯t even have a name for it. Soon though we would be the ones to make that change. Trailblazing into the depths of hell to give tomorrow a better chance.


    Reaching an apartment complex and finding Sparrow¡¯s room we took the time to properly treat Bisso. With a makeshift IV setup and a steady supply of saline and antibiotics from Sparrows emergency stash we went through Sparrow¡¯s plan to infiltrate the pillars location. Upon her revealing we were effectively being led there by a madman Terra scoffed interrupting her briefing.


    ¡°That¡¯s it? No better leads? We should head directly to extraction that¡¯ll be tough enough.¡±


    ¡°A veteran pioneer claimed to know a way out of the zone evading the border. He was intent on going to the pillar so his escape was likely associated with that as well. Best chance we have.¡±


    ¡°Best chance¡­ what¡¯s worse than the heart of the zone?¡±


    ¡°Pripyat is. Extraction point is in Pripyat.¡± Terra¡¯s mouth dropped for a moment.


    ¡°They want to get helicopters into Pripyat.¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡± With a frown letting his eyes drift around the room Terra stood up to begin pacing.


    ¡°So they¡¯re that desperate¡­¡±


    ¡°The Chairman wants this objective bad. Honestly I think it¡¯s all or nothing at this point. If this operation fails we might all go down with it.¡± Standing quietly for a moment Sparrow spoke up again quivering slightly.


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be so bad right? We¡¯d get to enjoy our lives if only for a few years. Wouldn¡¯t have to go through this repetitious hell any longer.¡± Standing up moving to the door leaving my equipment in the room gained the attention of both Sparrow and Terra while Bisso slowly drifted off to recover.


    ¡°The operation remains as it stands. If we don¡¯t do this we end up dead and a part of it anyway. Dying while it¡¯s alive is far worse than anything either of you will see down there.¡±


    Collecting herself Sparrow brought herself to realize the weight of the situation while Terra simply sighed.


    ¡°We¡¯re fighting in the dark but this might offer some illumination. One more fight. It¡¯s always one more fight.¡± Gently throwing his head back looking towards the ceiling he stood up with me to leave the building as well.


    ¡°Fuck it. Nothing else to do I guess. Let¡¯s try kill a god.¡±


    Leaving Sparrow to monitor Bisso we went out to find the other pioneers and mercenaries she spoke of in her briefing. With so many more bodies assisting us maybe this wouldn¡¯t be so hopeless. Mustering my courage I had to stand tall beside my comrades. Terra held an unbreakable will though his inexperience still showed. Bisso was a veteran who had fought these forces for years though even he was beginning to wear down losing the will to fight. Sparrow wasn¡¯t ready for the forces of this place due to inexperience and her knowledge as a scientist brought an absolute fear of death while the influence existed.


    If we failed the world would be left to an unrelenting singularity gouging itself on consciousness. Chances are it wouldn¡¯t stop here either. As a species we unleashed a terrifying predator on the universe and now it was left up to us few to fight who would try manipulate the forces it wreaked havoc on. Us brave few, ignorant to what we were trying to fight. Each day being earned in blood or a faltering grip on reality. Marching past the pioneers in the streets once more just reinforced the bedlam of this place quietly occurring.


    Such tired faces all wearing the same lie. That everything was fine. That this was normal. Fighting for our lives for no other reason than to survive even though the decision was their own to come here. Death and madness were the normal as were horrific mutant beasts and tears. These people accepted the cancer of this world as their own, driving our will to set out and excise it. We would be the cure even if it killed us. The flame of our souls would be kept alive and free. Just one more fight.

 31. Fusion: Fragment

    31. Fusion: Fragment


    Walking through the wildlands after being sent from the scientist bunker left me with plenty of time to relax. While they refused to initially give me Noah¡¯s equipment they agreed on handing it over after doing a job for them. Just to recover a sensor. Child''s play surely. The sun hang low as it began to set painting the desecrated ground in a delightfully warm orange tone so rare in the zone through a clear sky.


    The sunlight drew me back to thinking of what to call myself upon entering the area. Just looking up at the explosion in the void Fusion seemed appropriate. Chuckling quietly slightly amused by the simplicity behind the name my mind wandered further throughout it¡¯s history written in the back of my mind.


    I remembered the first time I fixed a pioneers weapon. Jury rigging it back together recovering the scrap metal the name Fusion stuck with me as I built a reputation for my prowess as a gunsmith. It wasn¡¯t long before I picked up on the fact there weren¡¯t many mechanics in the area and quickly found myself starting a repair service.


    My small shop boomed with business as customers returned satisfied with my work not being killed by a faulty shooter. Originally I thought it would leave too much time in my head to think alone in a workshop. To my surprise it turned out to be exactly what I needed being consumed by the challenge of unfucking the horrors pioneers inflicted on their weapons. Every day was a new mechanical puzzle to solve keeping memories at bay.


    Gaining the skills years ago serving my country was a great honour though my mind wasn¡¯t ready for the stresses of combat. It didn¡¯t take long to begin to spiral into a pit of despair overwhelmed by the firefights that never ended in my mind. Good men were lost and friends decimated in the glorious cause for the country. Being placed as an armourer only left me more time to think.


    There was that one day though. That one day an idiot managed to main himself on the bolt of his rifle on the range and wound a few others bringing the gun round in shock. Treating the wounded a nurse came to assist as well. Her white uniform only illuminated her further on the range as we traded quick comments over the privates mishap almost severely wounding two other men.


    Long dark days slowly became replaced with enjoying each others company on break which always ended too soon for either of our liking. Occasionally we¡¯d share a drink with hearty laughs and good food. The days seemed a little less dim at work though the terrors always came to life at home.


    A car backfiring. A glass shattering. A door in the wind. It all became so much as sleep became non existent and meals less regular. With another bottle of alcohol joining another and the house falling into disrepair the light through the window seemed dimmer and dimmer as I sat watching fan blades turning slowly waiting for the next panic in my mind.


    Missing one day of work turned to two and then four. Therapy failing drugs relenting the spark of life continued to fade. Every morning a fight to get up and every night a raging battle until that fateful knock on my door. Opening it up revealing my lethargic face that would scare off even a close friend she stood there unafraid or unfretted by my state.


    Walking in uninvited sitting me down a warm meal and coffee was soon placed in front of me. She sat there drinking as she did on our breaks as if nothing was the matter making some wise remarks testing my mood before diving into the hard questions. What was wrong why was it wrong what makes it wrong. I found myself going through the events that terrified me most and shivering with shock towards the end she still sat there finishing her coffee like it was a usual conversation.


    Without words she smiled. A simple smile. Nothing out of the ordinary or noteworthy in anyway but the sun seemed to shine a little brighter through the window that day. The next day she went to effort of driving round to pick me up making my mornings that little bit easier. At night teaching me to cook to pass the time while the atmosphere became a little brighter.


    Slowly the house became cleaner and the sound of clinking bottles rarer. My resolve became stronger to return her efforts to delve into my mind bearing fruit from her labours. My mood rose alongside her in the morning and mind settled serving a dinner she chose. It wasn¡¯t long before I found myself asking the ultimate question on one knee.


    Will you marry me?


    Scribbling down my thoughts onto a notepad I jammed it deep into one of my pouches in my webbing as not to be found even if I was a corpse being frisked by another pioneer for supplies. I would rather die a thousand deaths than anyone finding my weird ass poetry. With a frown patting the pouch making sure it couldn¡¯t be felt in a frisk I walked on as my mind continued to turn over the past.


    Responding with a resounding yes any influence of mental illness left me. We enjoyed happy lives in the base working our respective jobs enjoying our time together during whatever free time we had. Looking to go for the notepad again my hand faltered. I couldn¡¯t think of how to describe that feeling of being truly loved. That someone would go the distance just to make sure you slept well content with the day.


    Her presence was a reason to live in itself. A reason so irreplaceable by anything in this world. Another day at work with her taking the day off the phone rang promising a busy day of work. The phone quickly returned to its holster as I drew my jacket and helmet from the locker. Running down the halls into the parking lot and bringing the motorcycle roaring to life without latching the helmet properly.


    Speeding down those winding roads so that the wind pushed the helmet against my face pulling it back I pressed on. A knee against the ground through whatever corners I could afford to follow the best line on. Time was of the absolute essence. Not a moment could be wasted. Not a single interruption afforded.


    Reaching the hospital jumping off the bike letting it fall ripping off the helmet I ran through the hospital I knew so well. Through the emergency ward past shocked security personal and throwing open the doors to the emergency room.


    That¡¯s where her body laid. The sheet drawn over her body soaked with blood from wounds that refused to clot. A hand dangling from their efforts to revive her but ultimately futile. In that instant the screams returned even if they sang a different tune unrelated to what plagued me before her. A new terror imprinted itself in my mind as security escorted me out.


    Shattering glass backfiring cars or a door slamming in the wind provoked no reaction. In fact it provoked nothing at all. The fan blades kept turning but my mind stopped. The light disappeared and the world turned to grey scale. Every day spent sitting in my chair was more unbearable than before her. Before I felt the terror of being alive, now nothing at all. Being alive was a fight every day and now it was simply existing knowing I wouldn¡¯t feel a thing. I was already dead.


    The zone¡¯s call could be heard on the wind. It¡¯s horrors promised emotion. Even if this hellscape only invoked terror it was better than the void of this world. So I saw myself at the perimeter fence. Breaking in lost and afraid but alive. I couldn¡¯t feel my arms or legs properly as adrenaline coursed through me and I felt so alive.


    The world would never be the same and the horror of seeing her body would always burn in my mind but after meeting a sweet young girl by the name of Sparrow who fought for a better tomorrow for a friend the light started to shine once more if only slightly. Gazing into the sun bleached horizon I brought myself back to reality out of my mind.


    Akilina, with you the world was quiet, I was at peace.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Standing still bringing a hand to my face I tried to dispel the memories as best I could as a gut wrenching feeling took over. Going back into the outside world would be the death of me surely. Here I was in a place intent on killing me in the most horrible ways imaginable and still those memories surfaced. If they surfaced here then they would surely surface in the void of ordinary life. Watching the sun pass through the sky from a lounge every day having no purpose.


    Here at least it offered some escape. There were always new atrocities interested in ripping me apart. They would make fine distractions. The absolute fear of combat that I came to love. It would be enough in providing me peace in leaving this world at the very least if it came to it. Death was available around every corner.


    Looking over the sky as I walked I thought about how long it would be before we had another day like this. Weeks? Months even? I seriously doubted I would see another day like this ever again. It was so tranquil though and there were no threats around. The memories seemed impossible to endure though I¡¯d done it before. She showed me it was possible and with Sparrow maybe I could do it again.


    Would it be worth at least trying to live a simple life? I could work as a mechanic or technician just in the civilian sector. I¡¯d be able to pursue actual ambitions and explore hobbies with the time I had left on this earth. Hopefully finding deep satisfaction in something I discovered. I might even meet someone again.


    No. Probably not. That crippling feeling was consuming. It was a darkness that encroached on my mind by simply investigating the past and only got darker as time went on. I struggled even to remember my name at times I¡¯d buried it so deep along with any memories that brought her to mind. All I wanted to know was that I was Fussion. That I simply had to try survive this place.


    Thinking of how to explain my decision not to leave with her I turned my attention back to the objective at hand. As the light faded I looked down into a dilapidated ventilation shaft descending to a deep darkness. Pulling out a beacon provided by the scientists displayed the sensor had fallen into the depths.


    Unravelling a grappling hook to repel down I noticed an AK-74 driven into the ground barrel first. A makeshift grave no doubt. Such respect was commendable but cringeworthy. This wasn¡¯t a place you could just discard good weapons even to pay your respects to the dead. Jamming the hook against the metal slits I began sliding down the rope towards my objective.


    My headlight cut through the darkness as I brought my head around inspecting the walls. The reinforced concrete looked to be degrading quickly. This facility must be as old as me I assumed. Slowly continuing to slide down the rope into the darkness the beacon beeped more frequently as the sensor laid at the bottom.


    Reaching the bottom with a crunch I almost slipped over a wet surface. Looking down revealed a coagulating pool of blood only a few days old if only that. The corpse nearby deflated with burn marks around it¡¯s forehead. Looking down to my feet again I noticed a small tendril crushed underneath my foot as the sky overhead broke apart releasing that all too familiar wound.


    As the scream picked up I found the sensor glad to be in cover as the scream hit until a gurgling growl came down the tunnel. It was unlike anything I¡¯d ever heard instilling unexplainable terror. It¡¯s cries grew louder as eventually a disgusting sloshing could be heard echoing over the walls. Somehow I knew this creature would be beyond my abilities or equipment. With the scream still raging overhead this would probably be the end.


    Readying my rifle to go out with a fight I emitted a nervous chuckle glad to at least be given such a glorious death. I wouldn¡¯t regress for a moment. I wouldn¡¯t miss her for a second. The rush of the fight would let me pass with some form of peace. I had that at least. It would be a good death.


    ¡°(You won¡¯t be able to kill it! You have to run!)¡±


    The familiarity of the voice as if it was from yesterday even though yesterday was so far away. The scream raging above, disgusting sloshing and soul piercing screams all faded away as a swath of light illuminated the tunnel from behind me. Lowering my gun turning slowly the unmistakable humanoid figure with the only distinguishable feature being her eyes. She lit the path as she did in the past that couldn''t be continued no matter how much I wished for it.


    ¡°(What are you waiting for? Run!)¡± Displaced by realization staggering forward I reached out towards the phantom desperate for it¡¯s embrace. To be taken back to yesterday as the world became silent apart from her voice.


    ¡°(Akilina, are you really-)¡± The words choked up as watery eyes blurred my vision as the phantom screamed with the tunnel being lit up by a blue light source.


    ¡°(RUN!)¡±


    With that she sprinted away as the sounds of the screams, sloshing and gurgling returned. Chasing after her I ran as fast as I could humanly carry myself. The beast kept pace leaving the walls illuminated with a blue tinge as her aura cut through it ahead. I wouldn¡¯t lose this chance to see her again. No beast or force would stop me I would at the very least say goodbye. I would be given that closure.


    Running down the corridor the phantom dived through a crack in the wall followed by myself as the beast charged on by down the rest of the tunnel. Quickly getting to my feet in the half collapsed room as the scream sounded to be dying down. Reunited with her I tried to put the confusion, relief, despair, joy, sadness, grief, ecstasy, anger, fear, terror, rage, amazement into words only coming out as a weeping rant. Attempting to approach her she cut me off with upmost importance in her voice.


    ¡°(The scream is almost over. There isn¡¯t time. You must reach the pillar do you understand? We will meet again. There¡¯s enough focus in energy for us to meet again there. We will meet again my love. Don¡¯t let this be the end¡­)¡±


    With that her voice and body began to lose form as the monstrosity screamed further down the tunnel. Barely managing to put together words I approached her.


    ¡°(How? How is it you''re here? Don¡¯t go. Oh god don¡¯t go.)¡± Almost in reach to take her in my arms as her body lost it¡¯s brilliant light forming a gelatinous goo she whispered a final departure.


    ¡°(It¡¯s only goodbye for now¡­ we have the infinite loop of time¡­ it¡¯s all beginning and ending¡­ it¡¯s beautiful¡­)¡±


    Finally reaching her as her eyes faded away her body began to melt in my arms returning to the old coagulated blood from the pioneers body. Slipping through my arms she faded away once more returning to it¡¯s sickly red staining my uniform.


    ¡°(No¡­ Not like¡­ Not again¡­)¡±


    As the last remnants of the phantom returned to a pool of blood underneath me hands cupped my face. Sobbing I looked down again at my reflection. I didn¡¯t even get the chance to say goodbye. There wasn¡¯t time. The beast took chase and stole our time away. Standing with teeth bared under heavy breathing hearing it slosh back towards me I took my rifle ramming the charge handle back.


    A round ejected from the AKM proving the rifle was chambered and ready. Leaving the safety of the room walking towards the distant glow it charged forward in response with an ungodly scream. Unshaken resting the rifle on my shoulder I waited to see past the bioluminescent light to witness it¡¯s pitch black body propelled by monstrous tentacles.


    Firing the muzzle flash interrupted it¡¯s glow with brilliant flashes of light as the gun rattled expending every single round in the magazine. The beast recoiled in surprise in ballistic shock as the rounds tore through it¡¯s body bursting glowing sacks of fluid and blasting off tendrils. With a gluttonous hiss it retracted for a moment as my hand went for the magazine.


    Ripping it out discarding it on the floor hand diving into the pouch seeing the notepad fly out with the magazine it slammed into the gun. Recovered the atrocity opened it¡¯s blender like maw with a scream threatening to bring down the tunnel as it took to the offensive once more with massive tentacles propelling it with uncomparable ferocity as my hand slid over the charge handle.


    The second cry of death from the rifle was accompanied by my own screams as it stunned the atrocity with the effectiveness of the fire. Quickly retreating to devise another method of dispatching me I reloaded once more under crippling emotion. Everything told me to give in to the creature but a light burned deep inside ensuring every went into self preservation.


    Then I remembered her words. The pillar. We will meet again at the pillar. Breaking into a sprint towards my entry point it wasn''t until after a minute or two the atrocity screeched again signaling it was advancing once more. Reaching the rope and hoisting myself up as quickly as weary arms would allow the furious clattering of chitinous scythes could be heard from below. With a final demonic scream from the beast I brought myself back into the outside world exhausted in every form imaginable.


    Checking my watch I had only been down the tunnel for a few minutes though it felt like an eternity. Rolling over onto my side eyes clouding up again I processed what had just transpired.


    ¡°(Akilina¡­ It was really you¡­)¡±


    My body cried for rest but I worked through the night making sure all the equipment promised by the scientists was safely stashed away in my room. Sitting at my desk with elbows on the table I came to the conclusion that I had to make it to the pillar. I had to make it out alive. I had to find her no matter where she was. She would be at the pillar she told me word for word she¡¯d be there. With a smile I looked to the wall with a blank stare.


    The world would be quiet once more.

 32. Marcus: Diminished

    32. Marcus: Diminished


    Checking Sandworm''s leg wound in the morning it looked like he¡¯d make enough of a recovery for the operation tomorrow. With a weary grin and sharing a joke over the odds of surviving the rpg that struck our building the other day I left him to rest. Walking out of the room into a larger section Baron was in a headlock under Line¡¯s shoulder with the floor scattered with playing cards. Havoc sat hunched over emitting a bellowing laughter so characteristic to him while Baron tried to fight his way out.


    Watching them brawl was heartwarming. Even with the stakes as high as they were they were just killing time as if it was just another backroom card game anywhere else in the world. Joining the men once Line forced a protein bar out of Baron from losing a bet Havoc dealt another hand as I unloaded a magazine. Throwing in the appropriate amount of bullets for the blind Duke found himself watching the match as well.


    The first cards flipped over as Duke edged closer to Line. King of hearts and five of spades, potentially a decent hand. Eyeing off the others saw the same undeterred look we all shared. A few more bullets clinked together in the center as the next card was flipped over. Seven of spades. Quietly murmuring Duke asked Line if having a Queen was good earning a smack over the head followed by a shared chuckle.


    The next card flipped over saw Line throwing in his cards while shooting a look over to Duke who sat sheepishly with the rest of us. Havoc called over his attention and began explaining the game as I took notice of the nine of clubs. Looking back up my expression must¡¯ve betrayed me as Baron looked away from me folding. Any other day and I would¡¯ve taken him to the cleaners.


    Any other day probably wasn¡¯t the right term to use. Any other place seemed more appropriate. Over the last few days this was the most relaxed I¡¯d seen my men over the year we''d been here. Even then the tension could be felt. Properly reading their faces in reaction to the game revealed far more than what I looked for deciding on how to play. Underneath the easy smiles there were twitches and their eyes skittery.


    Though they pressed on we were all feeling the true effects of this place now we were more aware to it. The only thing keeping them going were eachother. Fighting so that the man next to them would have a better chance. Comradery kept them alive but it brought to question how testing losses would be. The operation laid out was suicidal at best while unknown forces preyed upon us.


    It was superstitious, we all knew it but there was no other explanation. The moment we were enlightened as to the location of the pillar the thought of dying went from an occupational hazard to outright terrifying. The answer to where we went when we died wasn¡¯t clear but we knew we should be afraid. It felt like something was trying to devour our very minds.


    More bullets were thrown in between me and Havoc now he was done explaining the game to Duke and the final card flipped. An ace of spades. Sitting at the table the bet seemed to lose it¡¯s value now my mind had wandered onto more concerning matters. There was an overwhelming desire to know more. To be given the answers rather than find them. Go north. Everything would be found to the north.


    The scientist Collette went north. Ever since she returned she was under watch day and night after communicating with the Collective. She seeked out the knowledge we all began to crave for and it almost saw her destroyed. How long until we all fell into that same realm of madness. How long untill my men gave in as well. Maybe I could go find the answers to leave them satisfied and focussed on escape. At least that way they¡¯d get out being enlightened enough to focus or with my death as warning enough not to seek the answers themselves.


    ¡°Marcus. Your cards?¡±


    Impatiently Havoc sat there waving two kings triumphantly. Returned to the moment letting my cards fall to the table saw his victory snatched away.


    ¡°Six and Eight. Straight.¡±


    Slapping his cards on the table Line and Bronco smiled collecting the cards to deal them again. Standing up offering my place to Duke who eagerly joined to properly learn how to play the game. Walking away I found another room where Yeti napped catching up on sleep jittering and murmuring something. Shaking him awake from his tortured sleep with a sudden gasp and running his hands down his face he sat up as I did next to him.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting them to? Voices yeah?¡± His expression blank he looked down.


    ¡°Yeah. Over a decade of combat and it¡¯s an orchestra that haunts me.¡± With a gentle chuckle he went on with a more serious tone.


    ¡°How are the men coping.¡±


    ¡°Most of them surprisingly well. Sandworm is recovering while Duke, Baron, Line and Havoc are playing cards. Doing better than us on first glance.¡±


    ¡°And after that glance?¡±


    ¡°The cracks are starting to show¡­ all we can really do is hope they¡¯ve got enough left in them.¡±


    Nodding Yeti sat in silence as we contemplated our situation. Neither of us having any advice to boost morale and simply let the dangers we were about to face set in. An unknown compound undisturbed allowing mutation and insanity to truly take hold within. Sharing a look with nothing left to say Yeti signalled for me to leave the room.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Go check on Skippy, Fledger and Dragonfly. Might as well at least make sure they¡¯re all combat ready.¡±


    Acknowledging him with a nod I walked down the hall to hear hushed voices from one of the vacant rooms. Creeping along sliding against the wall in trying to avoid making any sound the voices became more coherent as I approached.


    ¡°Just one shot. I¡¯ll only be out for a few minutes then you give me the next. I¡¯ll let you all know what I see.¡± The next voice to speak was undoubtedly Skippy¡¯s.


    ¡°Absolutely fucking not. Last time I¡¯ll ask, give me the syringe.¡±


    Opening the door Fledgers fractured eyes shot over in shock at my entry as Skippy and Dragonfly continued to talk Fledger down. With his back against the wall he held onto a shot of morphine in his shaking hand raised over his heart. Smiling he pushed further to persuade us to go through with his plan.


    ¡°I¡¯ll only be gone for a moment. Nothing to worry about. Just enough to look over the edge.¡±


    A wild grin formed as his breathing became more rapid. Walking in between Skippy and Dragonfly who were ready to pounce Fledger spoke as I approached.


    ¡°We have to know. You all feel it. We have to know. I can tell you all it¡¯ll only take a moment.¡± Stepping slowly towards our broken comrade saw him flinch back against the wall pulling the cap off the syringe.


    ¡°We¡¯ll find the answers tomorrow. We¡¯re going to it you¡¯ll know everything then.¡± Shaking his head the grin melted from his face.


    ¡°We won¡¯t be able to come back from there. It doesn¡¯t want us there. Just let me look from here then we can just leave like before. I¡¯ll find out.¡±


    ¡°Fledger give me the syringe.¡±


    ¡°... I¡¯m not going to do that sir.¡±


    ¡°Fledger pass it over.¡±


    ¡°Fuck off Marcus you don¡¯t know what you''re throwing us at-¡±


    ¡°Give it to me!¡±


    Rushing him he went to drive the syringe into his heart. Intercepting him as the steel penetrated his suit deflected it away from it¡¯s intended target. Flailing Skippy and Dragonfly quickly helped tackle him to the ground holding him still as he raved.


    ¡°Why are we here Marcus why did you bring us here?! You hear the voices too don''t you!? Just let us go! Let us out of this place!¡± Kicking wildly saw Dragonfly struck in the face recoiling back as Fledger struggled free grabbing the syringe once more pulling it in towards himself.


    ¡°Just¡­ let¡­ me¡­ see!¡±


    Failing to hold him down properly I delivered a vicious strike into his throat stunning him. Choking him for a moment was enough to dislodge the syringe and properly restrain him. Catching his breath saw him wailing bringing everyone''s attention through the door. Subdued Fledger was left to curl up in a ball in shock as Skippy monitored him and Dragonfly tended to his bruised face.


    Looking back through the door saw Baron, Line, Duke and Havoc standing there with shattered expressions. They all looked as if to know what Fledger felt. On the edge about to break. With Yeti walking down the hall he instructed them back to the main room leaving only Duke still standing shocked by the scene.


    Taking him by the shoulder Duke eventually left with Yeti leaving us with the aftermath. Kneeling down Fledger laid there bringing his breathing and emotions back under control. Helping him up to sit upright he struggled to keep his emotions steady. Still shaken but otherwise calm he looked up to me now that Skippy and Dragonfly had also left the room.


    ¡°It¡¯s inside us Marcus.¡±


    ¡°I know. I think everyone hears the voices now.¡± Silence carried for a couple minutes as he sat still shocked with what came over him and I had nothing to soothe his nerves.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening to us?¡±


    ¡°No idea, but it¡¯ll be over soon. Just a few more days. We¡¯ll make it. Always have.¡± With an unsettling laugh Fledger let his head roll back.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so this time. Somehow I think soon we¡¯ll know everything and once we¡¯re over that ledge there¡¯s no going back.¡± Picking him up and helping him to a mattress so he could rest after the ordeal I replied.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been given the chance to try at least. All we can do is give it all we¡¯ve got. We aren¡¯t done yet.¡± Nodding a frown formed over his face as he closed his eyes trying to dispel what intrusions were left in his mind.


    ¡°Yeah, I guess we¡¯ll see.¡± Leaving the room he sat up one last time stammering.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to break. Somehow my nerves got the best of me. It just kept fucking whispering-¡±


    ¡°Get some rest Fledger.¡± Nodding again he laid back down. Leaving I saw Duke leaning against the wall looking as if he was about to panic. Steadying his breathing he spoke up.


    ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll get out of here?¡±


    Looking into the terrified boys eyes I wanted so badly to be able to at least lie to him that our escape was nothing if not certain. We both knew the truth though. The next few days would be a deadbolt through hell hoping for the best with no real plan. Everything came down to luck it seemed and the zone no longer favoured us.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for getting you caught up in this.¡± Acknowledging my words his head sunk as the stoic acceptance of death bereaved his face. Looking up he managed a smile. Confused by his sudden turn in emotion he went on before I could ask if he¡¯d gone mad.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t have anywhere else to go. Least I got to have something of a family right? Even if it was brief.¡±


    Continuing to smile I returned a smile myself. Reflecting on what we had gone through together was a bittersweet relief. Even though the end seemed to be approaching we had some good runs. Too many good things were shared between us for this to be the end just yet.


    ¡°So long as we¡¯re breathing we¡¯ve got a chance. Get your equipment prepped. Have the squad check their equipment too.¡±


    With a mock salute he left ordering our squad around much to their shock by his sudden assumption of command. Earning some smart remarks they did as he said regardless. He was a good kid. If we could share his hope there might be a chance after all. Going to join him two other pioneers entered the building greeting me.


    ¡°(Are you the force with Sparrow?)¡± Acknowledging the men I turned my body so the men couldn¡¯t see my hand resting on my pistol holster.


    ¡°(Who wants to know.)¡±


    ¡°(Reinforcements. Looking to find out the strengths and weaknesses of our fireteam.)¡±


    Lowering my guard for a moment I filled the men in on my squad''s capabilities once they proved they knew Sparrow. After a quick briefing I filled them in on where to find Benedict, Valentine and Collette as well as Bishop who decided to try his luck in the arena. Thanking me the two men left to go find the others.

 33. Strider: Gladiator

    33. Strider: Gladiator


    Walking back into the barracks from a wander over the island to clear my mind I saw Flux sitting upright against the wall in the exact same position he was in from when I left. The only movement from him was generated from gentle breaths occasionally elevating his chest. His gaze sat at the center of the opposing wall without any deviation in focus.


    Waving a hand in front of him saw no reaction. The only change in his behaviour was a groggy blink as he continued to look out beyond what the wall had to offer. Since we found him this seemed to be all he was capable of when he had nothing to fight for. He just sat there comatose, dead even. Quickly pacing over shaking him by his shoulders saw his eyes roll up towards my disheartened face acknowledging my presence coming to life again.


    ¡°Is it time yet?¡±


    ¡°No. The operation is tomorrow you know that.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Letting his eyes descend he began dissociating from the world again. Shaking him again regained his attention. I didn¡¯t have time until now to figure out what happened to my friend.


    ¡°You disappear and now you look like you¡¯ve been lobotomised. What happened to you.¡± His eyes shot up with a sudden burst of life. Clutching my suit he brought me closer to him as he began going over his revelations.


    ¡°It sang to me. At first I thought it was madness but all it sings are truths.¡±


    Flux began to recount losing himself to the voices for the first time going as far as to murder our own after waking up and then leaving claiming it was to save us all from himself. Skipping over how he escaped he described what the voices tried to make him do to us. A grand sacrifice to the singularity giving it the power to expand by feeding off our very souls. His voice increased as he recounted the events he endured until I pushed him back down trying to instil some sanity into him before he calmly continued as before.


    ¡°The secrets it told me. Where to find it. Where we go when we die. It will devour us all.¡± Shivering slightly he brought his arms around his knees taking a moment to recover.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to try destroy it then?¡± A broken smile spread over his face as he chuckled nervously.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to find it. It¡¯s going to fix me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just in your head you¡¯ve got to fight this bullshit Philip-¡± With the mention of his real name I found myself tackled to the ground as Flux pinned me by the shoulders.


    ¡°Philip and Robert are supposed to be dead! Age twelve fatal shooting." Shivering which such force it rivaled a convulsion while clutching his head he went on. "The memories leak in sometimes, they made so little sense but they do now. They live on in destructive interference with each other. They should be dead. This vessel is Flux, I am Flux. It can merge the souls together it has the force to do so-¡±


    Throwing him off me Flux rolled over the floor taking a defensive stance. He''d lost his mind. Maybe I¡¯d be able to beat some sense into him. My chances of success were low against his skill but if there was the slightest chance now was the time to take it. I wasn¡¯t about to lose my friend again.


    Dashing forward with a jab saw itself easily evaded as Flux followed with a counter punch of his own. Juking back he threw another strike grazing past my face allowing for a decent punch into his chest sending him back. He wasn¡¯t able to focus, there was a good chance to win after all. Leading a desperate advance saw a flurry of strikes make their mark.


    With him dazed I went for a sweep to knock him down only for him to dart out of the way. Pushed back saw the tables turn with me on the defensive barely blocking savage blows meaning to quickly disable me. A kick landed in my stomach sending me back which Flux took the immediate advantage delivering another combo sending me reeling. Halting for a moment to analyze my condition I wiped the blood from my mouth chuckling with a solemn smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m not letting that thing kill you. If one of us is going to die here it¡¯s not going to be you.¡±


    Launching an attack again saw limited success in driving through his defence. A few good strikes gave me a window to try immobilize him with a quick strike. Driving my elbow round delivering it into his neck saw him stumble across the room. No time to waste. Throwing my body into motion putting as much strength in a kick as I could I took my eyes off him for only a second to continue my momentum.


    Looking back he was already to the side. Lifting my leg he drove me into the floor onto my back flipping me over to lock me in a hold with hands around my head ready to twist it with lethal force. Preparing for the end struggling still hoping to break his grasp I knew deep down he¡¯d end me now he had me in his hold. Continuing to struggle he simply held me in position until I stopped resisting. Letting me go allowing me to bound to my feet he stood unafraid.


    ¡°Who you knew at first might be dead but for the years I¡¯ve been Flux our friendship with all of you was the only genuine thing this life has had. It¡¯s the only thing both Philip¡¯s and Robert¡¯s minds had in common.¡±


    Lowering my guard he still didn¡¯t seem sane but not intent on harming us at least. Questioning him seemed pointless as well. He was consumed with finding the pillar. You could see the obsession in his eyes. Trying to stop him would just have him eliminate everyone along the way. Seeing no alternative I offered an ultimatum.


    ¡°When we get out, you get help. You promise us that and we¡¯ll get you to the pillar.¡± With an easy smile his posture relaxed seeing him look almost back to appearing naturally alive again.


    ¡°If we make it I won¡¯t need it. You just have to trust me.¡±


    His face was laced with unshakable faith that this was for the best. He had absolute trust in that he¡¯d receive what the pillar promised for him. I wished so desperately I could share his optimism but all I saw was the true descent of his madness. All we¡¯d be able to do was protect him as he tried to penetrate the veil of darkness that shrouded his mind.


    Nodding to agree trying to avoid another pointless fight Hazard burst into the room. Alerting us that Bishop went off to fight in the arena we bolted towards it in an effort to bail him out of whatever fight he agreed to participate in. With Flux in tow I tried to inquire further as to what Bishop¡¯s motives were as we shouldered through the crowds.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°What the hell is he doing the op is tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°I think he wanted some extra cash to get us better equipment. Stupid bastard decided this was a good idea before I could stop him entering the pit.¡±


    Running through the crowd and into a large warehouse we jostled through the crowd to the front. Hands pressed against bars Bishop could be seen brawling with two other pioneers with his bare hands. He was smart enough not to agree to a firefight but still risked severe injury with the complete lack of rules in the arena. Gathering at the pit entry alongside Flux and Hazard a hooded figure wearing a trenchcoat and primitive mask standing behind two armed guards greeted us.


    ¡°New contenders? What luck, the crowd is roaring for blood and today¡¯s spectacle is quite grand. Victory payment comes to-¡± Interrupting him I walked forward regardless of the armed guards trying to act as a deterrent.


    ¡°Listen well you slimy fuck you¡¯re going to stop the fight and pull him out before we break your legs.¡± The armed guards brought down their rifles ready to defend their superior with lethal force. The masked man stood undeterred.


    ¡°Careful son. Fights only stop here when no one''s left standing on one side. I think you¡¯d like to at least make it into the arena with your friend.¡± A moment of silenced past while I stood there seething as a cry went up from the crowd. Anxiety took over not knowing what the cause was which the masked man capitalized on.


    ¡°They only cry out like that when blood gets spilt. If you want to help your friend you should get a move on.¡±


    Seeing no other alternative we moved into the staging area with the door locked behind us waiting to be unleashed into the pit. Standing anxiously another cry went up. The doors refused to budge as the crowd continued signalling the end of the fight. Giving it a kick saw no result. Preparing another saw me fall through the now open doors earning jeers from the crowd.


    Walking forward through the pit guards dragged beaten pioneers from the field as a lone man stood victorious at the center. Wiping his brow with bloodied knuckles Bishop saw the three of us walking up towards him wearing a smile which faded as quickly as it formed on noticing my furious pace towards him. Grabbing him by his combat suit the masked man bellowed over the crowd.


    ¡°Today we have a strong candidate. Besting every man thrown at him he now finds himself aided by brothers in arms of his equal. The zeal of bonds forged by battle earned in blood will be truly tested in a fight that this arena has never seen before.¡±


    A growling from below could be heard as weapons were thrown into the arena. A sledgehammer, combat knife, crowbar and machete clanged onto the ground near us as the announcer encouraged us to choose a weapon each. Bishop eagerly dove for the crowbar while Flux instinctively went for the knife leaving me the machete. Hazard claimed the sledgehammer last waiting for the announcers instructions.


    ¡°With only crude weapons the hoard swells beneath them. Their very presence defiles their territory. Alone with only their skill and wits will our heroes survive the onslaught? Pioneers, I give you a cleansing. These four men will fight to destroy the creatures that plague us all. Let loose the fallen of man and witness the greatest battle to ever take place in the pit!¡±


    With that a great metallic crash could be heard from below seeing a swarm of fallen crawl up the walls from shafts and into the arena. Standing close by each other holding a perimeter around ten fallen took positions surrounding us. Pacing around they looked for any weakness in our formation preparing to strike at any moment. Darting forward then back as they tested our mettle gave me time to scowl while brandishing the machete.


    ¡°If we die here Bishop I¡¯m making sure this ends up buried in you.¡± With a chuckle Bishop seemed undeterred by the odds.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been lucky so far, don¡¯t see any reason it¡¯d run out now. Get into ¡®em boys!¡±


    Launching forward breaking the formation saw him fracture the skull of one of the fallen leaving it in a seizure earning a cry from the crowd. It also gave the fallen their opportunity. With six charging in to try their luck while the others held back saw us on the defensive. Swinging the machete saw it glide through the flesh of one of the fallen sending it darting back in shock.


    Flux quickly moved on his two aggressors in a sudden attack. Slashing quickly and with purpose saw his aggressors reeling back avoiding the flurry of death as another flanked him. Before Flux could respond Hazard had already brought the sledgehammer round crushing through bone with a sickening crunch leaving it motionless on the ground. Another cheer echoed through the warehouse at the display of violence.


    With a heavy swing the machete cut through the neck of another one of the fallen getting caught in it¡¯s spine. Rusty piece of shit. Some decent kit would make a better fight. The crowd cheered again watching the struggle as another dove forward. Abandoning the weapon it¡¯s scythed arms flailed furiously towards me as another two closed the distance.


    Throwing the first to the side the second found itself on the receiving end of a brutal kick while the third caught a backhand. Diving for the knife ripping it free saw a fourth ontop of me. The scythes cut through the suit with ease drawing blood. Crying out a sledgehammer quickly snapped the fallen in half with a brutal strike. Getting up with my back against Hazards we fought off the vicious creatures.


    Catching a glimpse further off Flux danced and parried the sequential strikes of two fallen at a time as Bishop continued to strike true knocking another fallen out of the fight. With another swing of the machete into the rib cage of a strafing fallen saw it stuck inside of it as hazards sledgehammer broke in his hands. Down to our fists Hazard continued to deal crushing blows as the scythes slipped past his defence.


    With the fallen continuously wearing us down more weapons were throw into the arena with five more fallen crawling out from below. A spear and small riot shield. Calling out to Flux and Bishop they immediately set about defending Hazard as I lept forward. The fallen came in from all sides slashing and diving forward for an easy kill. Juking through the lunges and swings as scythed arms whistled through the arm I found myself at the newly introduced weapons.


    Rolling forward grasping both the spear and riot shield spinning round found a fallen skewering itself on the spear I just armed myself with. With everyone moving to my position as I held my ground thrusting the spear at anything that dared approach Hazard as he was hastily armed with the shield. Slamming it into the fallen he used it to incredible effect as Flux continued to dance with the blade while Bishop took opportunistic swings at the fallen who attacked him.


    Working through the remnants of the fallen the last one eventually fell to Flux¡¯s blade. Exhausted trying to catch my breath beside Hazard and Bishop Flux stood there unfazed by the ordeal. If anything he seemed refreshed as if he relished the chaotic melee. Focus returning to the world the crowd produced deafening cheers and applause that not even the masked man could speak over.


    Leaving the arena we saw the masked man standing with a heavy bag with two guards behind him. Passing it to Bishop revealed it to be laden with rubles. With a weary laugh Bishop celebrated the moment before being slapped over the head by Hazard. The masked man ignored us however turning his full attention to Flux.


    ¡°This is more than the agreed amount you¡¯ll find. This one will need it for equipment to venture into the depths.¡± Taken back by his words I collected myself before replying.


    ¡°How do you know about our raid?¡± The masked man spoke in the same calm tone still facing Flux.


    ¡°This one knows many things as do I. We share a similar burden. With your assault there might just be a light in the darkness. What happens is not my concern. Only that you leave alive.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± The masked man gave no immediate response then continued on offering no enlightenment.


    ¡°You will know soon enough. Maybe it will be you four who break the cycle. If you do, everything will become clear. If not, you¡¯ll at least have the luxury of living in ignorance. All the best against Entity.¡±


    Bowing his head he left with the two guards refusing to respond to any further questions. Walking out of the arena Bishop estimated how much money we managed to earn in the fight. With Hazard off to report to Sparrow that we¡¯d be able to afford better equipment we returned to the barracks to hide the money and enjoy a well earned rest.

 34. Hazard: Converging

    34. Hazard: Converging


    The next morning we all set out to buy proper equipment for ourselves with the money earned over the past two days. Going through the numerous stalls of the island we found some truly lethal weaponry. After the first few stalls my eye caught something I couldn¡¯t resist. A Mk 48. A thirty caliber monster of a machine gun weighing in at eleven kilograms while loaded with a one hundred round belt. Absolutely giddy with joy I didn¡¯t even bother going over the weapons strengths or weaknesses. If it was good enough for navy seals, it was good enough for me.


    The next purchase was made by Bishop finding a SCAR-H CQC variant. The rifle packed enough punch to drop most horrors we¡¯d encounter. Even though it traded recoil control for the power of its cartridge it wouldn¡¯t make a difference in his well trained hands. With an underbarrel grenade launcher attached as well there was little he wouldn¡¯t be able to deal with.


    Strider found himself a Mk 14 EBR. The battle rifle came with a fire selector allowing full automatic fire should the situation became desperate. With a togglable sight varying between one and four times magnification he stood ready to support us from the rear with highly accurate and punishing fire.


    Flux being the last to find a replacement weapon settled with a FN P90. The compact personal defence weapon held fifty armor piercing bullets being spat out at nine hundred rounds per minute. With a FN five seven pistol thrown in with the deal the twenty round capacity pistol firing the same ammunition would make sure Flux never lapsed in putting out fire.


    With the remaining cash we bought a week''s worth of food and ammo, protective equipment such as gas masks, rubber undersuits and general survival equipment. Prepared for the raid we met up with Sparrow who already had everyone rallied for a briefing. From Artur and Lewis¡¯s report mercenary activity seemed to pick up in the area.


    Handing out the experimental protective head bands intended to keep psionic forces at bay we integrated them into our helmets before setting off. With our group leading the mercenaries followed close behind and a little further back Sparrow and the rest followed our footsteps. With Flux on point we followed him to an objective unknown.


    He walked forward with absolute purpose refusing to stop for any break or reason. Cautiously navigating the carnivorous forest being sure not to disturb the plant life he navigated a minefield of tears without issue as if they were in clear sight. A treacherous path filled with fluctuations of acid pockets, gravity shears and void pockets that should have seen at least a few of us perishing to the zone was navigated with ease.


    Unquestioningly we followed him deeper into the twisted grove. The trees became more active and warped. Some growths began to seek us out as prey preventing any pause in our march. Not even corrupted flesh walked through this place. With guns up we came to a small clearing where Flux stopped dead in his tracks for a moment before lying on the ground. Following his lead we laid on the ground as he indicated Strider to come forward with his rifle.


    ¡°They beat us to it.¡±


    Looking over Strider spotted two machine guns could be seen set up in the only two windows of a concrete structure alongside a set of train tracks leading into a tunnel sealed by massive metal doors which radar antennas could be seen over. Inspecting the area ahead fifteen mercenaries could be seen patrolling or guarding the building. Relaying the message back to Sparrow saw her return an attack order on her signal.


    Setting up in the undergrowth analyzing the building promised a tough fight ahead of us. If the machine guns were left undeterred we¡¯d all be cut down in this field. If the mercenaries outiside the building made it to good fighting positions we¡¯d most likely be facing the same result. Without smoke cover the assault would be that much harder as well.


    Going over a plan of attack between us we came to a grim realization that we wouldn¡¯t get this done without casualties. Who fell though would be up to individual skill and we knew we had what it took to survive the stresses of battle. Checking the machine gun was primed by pulling back the bolt slightly to reveal a bullet Strider held his sights over one of the machine gunners.


    Not a word needed to be said. Today would be the start of another desperate firefight. Something we were all so familiar with. It was something we found strangely calming at least before the air was laced with bullets. We all trusted each other with our lives working in perfect cohesion. With cover from the other teams we had no doubt we could take the point.


    Even if we didn¡¯t make it into the special forces community we knew deep down we could perform at the same level. After all the things we¡¯d seen through the wars we fought the end of it all today would just be another day doing what we knew best. With a nod to the others signalling we were ready for whatever would come our way we laid in wait for the first shot.


    A shot cracked out. A mercenary fell. The machine guns ripped around with one silenced by Strider instantly, the other suppressed. Laying down a blanket of fire Flux and Bishop charged forward joining the offensive. The mercenaries were cut down in droves leaving only nine remaining in the field though more poured out from the building.


    Firing in short bursts back to back the gun roared as accurate fire cut the grass, occasionally accompanied by a puff of red. The belt running through the gun ended with a click. Ripping the machine gun open carefully inserting a new belt slapping it shut and ripping back the bolt the machine gun came to life anew.


    Another few bursts I launched up from the ground into a run. The gun under my arm I continued the dead sprint until a burst of fire came my way. Diving down the bipod instantly found dirt to dig into as I turned the gun on my aggressors. With another few bursts Flux and Bishop found themselves charging up once more catching up with me before Bishop slid to a knee firing to the left.


    ¡°Targets two hundred meters bearing two seven five!¡±


    Ripping the gun around again saw another burst in the direction of the new contact forcing them down. Shortly after Flux called out another group to the right moving for a flank. Firing another barrage caught two of the five men running to get round our cover leaving them pinned. Firing at the previous group the belt flicked up towards the breach before clicking again.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°Reloading!¡±


    Slapping in another belt gave me a moment to analyze our situation as Bishop unloaded his magazine to make up for my lack of fire. Nearby a small team of our mercenaries moved through the field quickly trying to support our position. Drawing fire away from us saw Skippy shot through the head and lifeless on the ground.


    Pulling back the bolt again firing at enemy positions gave the mercenaries much needed relief. Moving up again Sandworm took a round in the arm sending him to the ground crawling for cover. Further over Artur could be seen dragging Lewis into cover as Sparrow desperately fired to save Collette and Benedict as fire traced their heels.


    Continuing to fire regardless of the damage I could be doing to the barrel I did what I could to give them the cover they needed. The mercenaries piled on throwing the weight of fire in their favour out in the open. Another belt running dry I loaded the last one not in my backpack as Bishop slapped me on the shoulder to get my attention over the gunfire.


    ¡°Fucking hustle we¡¯re moving!¡±


    Breaking over cover first followed by Flux who took the lead we charged towards the concrete building over the kill zone. Covered by Striders accurate fire and concealed by the surrounding chaos Flux immediately threw himself through the door. The moment he entered the building it erupted with gunfire as Bishop entered next to support him.


    Rounding the door frame myself Flux had already dispatched four of the mercenaries holding the building as Bishop nailed the last one before Flux took a burst. Charging upstairs Flux cleared the machine guns as Bishop followed up Flux¡¯s unrelenting assault. With Bishop securing the door down the hall I set up on one of the machine guns in the windows to fire into the backs of the remaining mercenaries.


    With outside the complex clear we set up ready to breach the door way onto the metal bridge above the railway. With everyone ready to go Flux charged through first followed by Bishop, me then Strider. Coming through the door we saw another twenty mercenaries holding in wait as we appeared on the bridge. Throwing ourselves off the ledge behind the carriages forming lanes in the tunnel I found myself winded in mid air.


    A bullet found its mark though the chest plate did it¡¯s job. With everyone else pinned at the door it fell to us to clear the tunnel. Preparing to fire Flux was grappled and thrown down one of the lanes of carriages not under fire as a mercenary yelled at him while I fired at the hoard further down the tunnel.


    ¡°Oh you little fucker I¡¯m going to enjoy this. Should¡¯ve finished me off before I got these upgrades fuckhead.¡±


    Rounding the corner Flux fired an entire magazine from his pistol as the mercenary advanced on him wearing an exosuit with four containers around his waist. Though the gun was pointed at his head every round flew wildly off course ricocheting off the surrounding carriages. With the pistol empty Flux drew a knew as the mercenary picked up a section of the rail as a massive metal rebar.


    ¡°Lets see how you deal with this motherfucker.¡±


    Swinging the rail with incredible force at waist height Flux barely managed to roll underneath as it flew overhead. Closing the distance with his knife he found no weakness in the mercenaries armor as he dropped the rail to start grasping for Flux. Eventually his efforts were rewarded taking Flux hold in his iron grip by the throat slowly crushing his neck.


    ¡°Should¡¯ve run when you had the chance you dumb bastard.¡±


    Abandoning the gun I left Bishop and Strider to deal with the threats out front as the life ebbed from Flux¡¯s eyes. Charging forward the mercenary turned his head just enough to see me as I tackled him to the ground releasing Flux from his grip. Getting to his feet the mercenary just started laughing.


    ¡°What you think I felt that? I¡¯m gonna enjoy breaking every bone in your body.¡±


    Laying into the mercenary trying to find some weakness in the suit saw no result as he kicked me back into a carriage with shattering force. Reeling my head lulled to the side as he tore a structural metal rod from the eroded concrete below skewing me to the carriage. Blinding pain shot throughout me in an instant through the daze as the firefight continued throughout the tunnel.


    Turning his attention back to Flux he desperately fought back against him looking to end the fight as quickly as possible. The pain began to fade slightly as shock set in. A pool of blood was already forming at my feet. Looking over to their duel all Flux could do was dodge and weave hoping there was some weakness in his armor. Observing his attacks it seemed he found it.


    Concentration failing I saw what he kept slashing at. An armoured cable running up his back from the pouches on his waist to his arms. Delivering precise strikes the cable rested without damage while the mercenary went to grapple him once more. Getting frustrated with his acrobatics he managed to throw Flux to the ground as he writhed free.


    Seeing the desperation of the situation I took hold of the rod skewing me to the carriage. Every fibre cried out to stop but I continued to double my efforts on the rod. Driving as much strength as I could muster under the severe blood loss the rod gave way with a wet tearing leading to ears ringing from the pain. Looking up from the ground forcing my body to a knee, then on one foot then two I stood stumbling against the carriage with the bloodied rod in hand.


    Blood poured from the lethal wound now nothing staunched the flow. Putting one foot forward the light began to fade, another step took my focus further from this world. Looking up the mercenary had Flux on the ground as he rolled away with sparks being thrown off the rails with every strike of the new rail he¡¯d torn up.


    Eying off the cable running up his back I stumbled forward leading into a walk, then jog, run and sprint. Charging forward with whatever life was left in my body the sharpened end of the metal rod penetrated through the cable, his armor and flesh. The forces provided by his suit immediately went haywire distorting his armor and body threatening to crush or tear him apart as it fluctuated. His tortured screams rose above even the ferocity of the firefight as the gravitational forces sheared him in half crushing sections while ripping other parts off.


    With my arms caught in the field they too were lost with the mercenary amplifying the already lethal blood loss. Sitting up to see my decimated body Flux stumbled over to desperately stop the bleeding even though we both knew it was futile. With everything in the world fading away an angelic tendril leaded down the tunnel calling for me.


    Parted from my dying body it collected me trying to drag me deep into the depths of the facility going deep beneath us as it tried to tell me the truths of the universe. It¡¯s songs sounded so sincere and pleasant soothing even the worst of what I just endured. However in just a moment I caught a glimpse of the abyss it dragged me down towards.


    A never ending darkness threatening to consume me and everyone who died in this place. Desperately my mind searched for anything that could resist the tendrils grasp. A pile of bodies further down. Some dead mercenaries. Attempting to channel any control I had left I found the songs turning to screams as I ran through the last memories of those who were still dying in the tunnel.


    With their souls being carted off as a camouflage I somehow avoided the attention of the singularity to reside in the tunnel emanating in the dead bodies and pools of blood that began to saturate the concrete floor. Anchoring myself to this place trapped in darkness as the tendrils ripped away other lost souls what was left of my mind held on to the slither of hope that the survivors would be able to destroy this influence.

 35. Flux : Desolation

    35. Flux : Desolation


    Looking down at the lifeless corpse torn asunder by forces never meant to be controlled by man I stopped rustling my chest pouches for a bandage. The firefight went on as more entered the tunnel though the sight held me glued to the moment. It wasn¡¯t loss freezing me in place, nothing went through my mind as the blood continued to pour from Hazards body.


    Even though he was deceased it still felt as if he was here. Looking around the tunnel had a certain glow about it. A haze imperceptible to human senses but undoubtedly there. The fight raged on but it¡¯s sounds refused to reverberate from the walls. Absolute silence accompanied the stage of death while I tried to find my bearings disorientated by the sudden lapse in stimuli.


    Hunkering down in cover Bishop made his way over evaluating my condition. With no apparent wounds or damage he continued the fight while I looked back to the door. Everyone managed to make it through with the exception of Dragonfly and Skippy who died in the field. With the firefight coming to a close hearing returned as I helped myself to my feet.


    Regardless of my state Sparrow ordered that Bishop, Strider and I take point down the tunnel. Not having the time to grieve over our loses we moved deeper into the depths with haste. Malnourished fallen proved to be little threat as they were cut down by Bishop and Strider seeing no degradation in our pace. Nothing had ventured into this tunnel for a long time it seemed.


    Approaching a dead end revealed a large elevator made to lower trains and carriages into the facility. Taking positions on the platform and optimistically flipping a switch the massive gears grinded to life lowering us into the ground. Power still coursed through the facility regardless of the age in the concrete that slowly passed as we descended further into the depths.


    Holding our guard Havoc took a moment to look over the ledge with an impressed whistle. Weapons ready in tense arms we scanned the walls and area above us for any intruders. After ten minutes of scanning we arrived at the bottom with a massive clank. Fanning out securing the massive underground atrium I led through the entrance with Strider and Bishop while the others followed from further behind.


    Clearing room by room only the humming of the facility could be heard. Finding an office I began searching through documents for anything of value while Bishop held the door and Strider went back to report to the other groups following us. Flicking through the pages saw numerous atrocities and tears all documented with their methods and results of creation. Flipping through the pages skimming through the horrors created in this facility it wasn¡¯t until I came across a project named Entity that I stopped turning the pages.


    Eyes locked to the beginning of the scientific paper. This was it. This was what had transformed the area into the zone. The answer to all of this madness and my cure. It sat written in front of me. Following every word in the abstract saw my eyes jump back to the beginning of the paper to verify what I just read. Going over them again more slowly produced a rise in my pulse.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡®From the results of experiment Pi it was supported that sentience is a psionic energy packet trapped in a suitable vessel. This brought to question as to whether a creature could be created purely from this energy and offer a tap into this energy for potential resource, warfare or medical applications. After releasing appropriate psionic force in the focus chamber a concentration of energy was successfully created and contained.¡¯


    It all made sense now. It was alive. All the voices and the singing. It called to me from the beginning. Ever since the shooting it could feel the disturbance in my oversaturated vessel. I wasn¡¯t insane I was truly two people trapped in one mind. Holding back overwhelming relief I flipped through the paper to find myself at the results page looking for more.


    ¡®The creation of Entity supported our findings previously testing sentience as a packet of psionic energy. It was found that Entity was also self aware as it immediately attempted to escape the chamber. With barriers holding sufficiently further experimentation followed. Resource applications are thought to be possible as psionic energy concentrated itself in a suitable material to radiate psionic energy until exhausted. With further study it may be possible to harness this radiation.¡¯


    ¡®Warfare applications were found to be dismal as any applicant exposed to the focus chamber and Entity were killed or rendered comatose. With every applicant applied it was found that Entity grew in energy size suggesting it was purposely harvesting psionic energy from human applicants. Correlating energy rises with the worldwide death rate also found that Entity was absorbing psionic energy from around the world once life left a vessel.¡¯


    ¡®With these results we sought out to revive the dead in providing a healthy body with energy from the focus chamber. Experiments were ceased after five bodies were indeed revived but hostile leading to the loss of four members of the team. It¡¯s suggested that the memories of death conflicting with a new life were too traumatic to allow for an intact mind to make a forced jump back into a vessel.¡¯


    ¡®The creation of Entity has also seen a spike in the aggressive nature of our other experiments and severity of lab created tears placing a higher risk on all other experiments. With no promising results in any field and the threat that Entity possess termination of the experiment has now become project priority. Once a suitable method of disrupting the psionic concentration of the experiment has been found teams will refocus on the atrocity projects.¡¯


    Going over the conclusion summing up the results all over again it all seemed to be so clear now. Looking around the office noticing stains decades old it was obvious they lost. They created a god containing the power to alter reality as it saw fit. If anything would put me together it could. A rush of hope flowed over me as a whispering could be heard from the door then a scream.


    Bishop charged out towards the scream yelling something to me as he went to find Strider. Failing to decipher his cry over the whispers that filled my mind his footsteps echoed through the door as the voices began to sing again. Walking to the doorway looking the other way from which Bishop ran the voices drowned out everything else.


    Walking down the hallway with my weapon still in the office I pressed on not bothering to reclaim it. I wouldn¡¯t need it. It was going to guide me to salvation. It promised all the answers were just a few twists and turns away. Into the darkness where lights failed though my feet carried me forward. Physical senses couldn¡¯t penetrate the shroud but my mind knew exactly where to go. The end was in sight after so many long years.

 36. Strider: Misdirection

    36. Strider: Misdirection


    Trying to find the other groups back tracking along the halls brought about a slight panic. Checking the chamber of my rifle to be sure it was loaded I brought it to my shoulder ready for any contact. I followed the exact path we walked before. I should¡¯ve seen them within seconds of marching back to report. It''d been minutes. Hearing something charging down the hallway I turned waiting for whatever was coming to breach the corner. With a being flying past the corner I pulled the gun away as the individual slid to the side.


    ¡°Jesus friendly! Are you wounded?¡±


    Staring at Bishop breathing a long sigh of relief it was only him in these halls.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­ Why¡¯d you come sprinting over?¡±


    ¡°I heard you scream like a bitch, the fuck was that about?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve just been moving towards Sparrows team. Haven¡¯t made a sound, go cover Flux.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s with me.¡±


    ¡°No, no he¡¯s not.¡±


    Looking back Bishop realised that Flux had not followed him after hearing the supposed scream. Our faces stricken with concern either for Bishop¡¯s sanity or Flux¡¯s safety we proceeded back towards his position at jogging pace. Following the exact path back to the offices we found ourselves in a different room with only Bishop¡¯s confusion breaking the silence.


    ¡°This was definitely the way.¡±


    ¡°It was. Something''s wrong here¡­¡±


    Cautiously scanning the room and clearing it we took a moment to confirm our bearings and both came to the conclusion a mistake couldn¡¯t have been made. We continued to proceed down the corridors scanning rooms for any sign of Flux but he disappeared without a trace. Bishop began murmuring to himself as our flashlights rolled over the poorly lit walls of the facility.


    ¡°Where do you think he went¡­¡± Maintaining my composure over the stress of the situation I informed Bishop of his state the day prior inspiring haste.


    ¡°He¡¯s chasing the voices, surely. We shouldn¡¯t have brought him down here. We have to find him. Quickly.¡±


    Moving forward as quickly as we could while maintaining a reactionary posture with our weapons we began throwing open every door of every room. Exploring the depths of every lab or office avoiding tears unknown to even the most veteran pioneers and remnants of unidentifiable atrocities. The most concerning fact though was that there weren¡¯t any bodies. This place should be littered with the fallen of those who worked in this place but it sat undisturbed by our presence.


    An aura of life could be seen over the walls. Some form of disturbance as if creatures had brushed against them over the years this place sat undisturbed. We weren¡¯t the only ones in this complex but the first to enter it in decades. There was no telling what this darkness held. All we knew was that for right now it didn¡¯t seem to be alerted to our presence.


    Coming to a large dome like atrium with collapsed rubble filling the room as substantial cover I heard a soul piercing scream so dreadfully familiar. Diving into cover alongside Bishop the same withered creature from the forest that almost saw the end of us in our first days stumbled into the room.


    With burnt flesh held together by a metallic exoskeleton frame haphazardly welded to it¡¯s original disintegrating bone it began to shierk once more. Firing into the creature it immediately began upchucking balls of energised bloodied flesh before collapsing as the rounds ripped through it¡¯s frail frame. Protected by the headbands we wore the creature went down without issue as Bishop chuckled.


    ¡°Heh, without your psionic crap you aren¡¯t shit are you.¡±


    Just as we prepared to move on the balls of still dripping flesh rose from the ground to float in a wedge formation of five followed by a bolt of unidentifiable energy striking just past my head. Barely managing to duck away in time the second crackled by my side.


    Taking off towards some large chunks of reinforced concrete that had fallen from the roof the bolts began firing wildly around me getting more and more accurate the more I ran. Diving into cover again a bolt struck where I would¡¯ve been if not for the rubble blocking the shot. Bishop began to take shots at the targets ripping through the center of them resulting in their entire form being distorting for a moment as it stabilized itself with a dissatisfied shriek taking a more more fluid form.


    Firing more bolts at Bishop I took my chance to let a few rounds off into the balls of flesh attempting to pull it off Bishop¡¯s position only to be met with a hail of reinforced concrete thrown at me. Desperately diving again the boulders of concrete shattered and crushed my previous cover showering me in pebbles. Dazed on the ground beside the destruction refocusing my eyes I noticed the balls a few meters away from me hovering in place generating another bolt of energy. Stolen novel; please report.


    I wouldn¡¯t get my gun in time. This looked as if to be the end. Dying because we all had the idiotic idea to come to the zone for a new life. Staring motionless at the atrocity it hovered away to take bolts of fire at Bishop again as he moved quickly taking what opportunities he had in his rapid movement to get shots off gaining its attention. The weight of fire was beginning to heavily distort the atrocities form.


    It left me on the ground while I sat still and that sparked the light of hope to formulate a plan. We had a way to kill this thing, conventional ballistics didn¡¯t seem to do any lasting damage. Seeing it¡¯s disrupted form stabilize itself again the only chance we had was to get in one big hit. Grabbing my rifle I called out to Bishop.


    ¡°Stay in cover! Launch a grenade when you¡¯ve got the chance!¡±


    Over the distance of the dome cavern I made out his face of pure shock as I charged out from my position and in between the boulders of rubble. Juking left and right through cover the bolts of energy fell all around me as they locked in my position following my erratic movements. With the orbs of flesh preparing a focussed bolt of energy I heard a life saving thunk driving me to dive down. With a tremendous crash bolts of energy shot out scouring the entire room.


    As the last of the loose rubble settled I looked up to see the burnt remains of the room and Bishops amazed expression proud of his marksmanship with the launcher. The flesh of the atrocity had been blown over everything that wasn¡¯t behind solid cover. With a thumbs up we took a moment to collect ourselves and pressed on while Bishop was still bewildered we managed to kill the atrocity.


    ¡°Still alive. I thought that son of a bitch had us when bullets weren¡¯t doing a damn thing.¡±


    Moving forward we entered a door which led into a control room with an observation window overlooking a large silo with a massive pillar in the center with the ground at least fifteen meters below us. Looking across we noticed a similar room across from us at to our right and another to the left with its observation window shattered.


    Suddenly a terminal in the room lit up and text began to rapidly fill the screen. With Bishop transfixed by the pillar in the room in front of us I went to the terminal unfazed by finding the heart of the zone. Looking at the screen I realized that something was attempting to communicate with us.


    {Type to respond}


    {Type to respond}


    {Type to respond}


    The same text kept filling the screen until I tapped the keyboard a few times generating some random input followed by more text different to the last while Bishop secured the door.


    {Is this Flux?}


    The operator knew Flux somehow. Seeing no reason to lie I confirmed otherwise and questioned who the operator was.


    {This is Frenchenko Milatz, supervisor of laboratory E forty two. Are you an associate of Flux?}


    Seeing his name on the screen inspired trust. The last name Noah spluttered out before his untimely end. With a quick confirmation the text continued.


    {This report is of absolute importance, take a copy from the device being ejected while information is put on screen. Flux must survive and be contained: Twenty ninth March nineteen eighty six. While experiment Entity is to be terminated further research is going towards creating a human interface to focus psionic emissions through itself rather than attempt to store it in order to manipulate the energy at an operator''s discretion.}


    {The interface is theoretically possible though two stabilized psionic energy packages in a body are required providing a psionic solenoid directing the energy through the body faster than it can build up in the individual preventing excess energy in psionic sensitive organs and displacing an individual''s sentience.}


    {However this would require an organism to be occupied by two psionic energy packages which would overload or drive an individual insane in most circumstances due to the conflict with their sense of reality. While deemed possible to achieve it would require enormous investment due to the stabilization requirements as well as heavy augmentation to the body to effectively use the energy as a weapon at background levels. Prototypes however have shown overwhelming success and are attached to this report.}


    {Edit: twenty sixth April nineteen eighty six. Entity has breached containment as reactor four of CNPP exploded. Shockwaves compromised the chamber allowing for the creatures escape. Security cameras show that the laboratory has been reduced to bedlam and madness. Some have sworn their allegiance forming a cult known as collective swearing to give their sentience to feed Entity in order to serve a greater purpose or simply survive.}


    {Only one scientist is believed to have escaped. His current status is unknown though cameras detected him using the train elevator to escape before leaving detection range. I myself have managed to use the prototype servers from experiment Pi to transfer consciousness. I will continue research efforts in either an attempt to maintain my sanity or provide a means for combating Entity should this information be found.}


    {Twenty first September twenty twelve. The esoteric amplifier, the first psionic manipulation device ever created has been perfected and readied for manufacture. Through piggybacking on Entity''s psionic intrusions subject Flux has been found and sub consciously indoctrinated to find the facility. Under the background influence of Entity these two psionic packets within the vessel known as Flux have been able to coincide with some meaning and understanding of reality. Flux stands as an optimal subject for esoteric augmentation.}


    With the text no longer flooding the screen I asked if he knew where Flux was now. The screen lit up with a status reporting all the cameras in the facility were down. Agitated I let out a breath before continuing typing asking where we could find we find Frenchko or the server he resided in to recover him before the screen flooded with text again.


    {This would not be possible even if you were able to reach the machine I reside in. If you arrived with others they will find their way to the focus chamber you see in front of you. It is suggested you wait here for their arrival. Be aware it may take up to a day with the facilities security. Do not leave this room in search for them. You will only be misdirected.}


    After that the screen went blank. With a sigh we barricaded the door and set up a small camp overwatching the chamber from the observation window. The small campfire did little to overpower the emergency lighting in the room that glowed with a dim light threatening to go out at any moment. All we could do now was hope it seemed. That hope dwindled as the facility seemed to come to life with a earthly groan.

 37. Artur : Burden

    37. Artur : Burden


    Pacing forward alongside Fusion, Robinc and Lewis the mercenaries with Collette and her group carried on ahead of us while Sparrow and her entourage followed further behind. The groaning resonating through the walls had as all on alert expecting the worst as dust sprinkled down from the roof. The ceaseless rumbling eventually created a fissure splitting the concrete above us. Looking behind we saw another.


    Crouching down and hoping for the best I closed my eyes as the sound of the roof giving way became deafening. Slowly opening my eyes I saw the dust settling down from the two sections that had collapsed. Blocked off from the others I went forward desperately trying to rip away the rubble only to be pulled back by Lewis with a gurgled groan coming from one of the corridors still available to us.


    Bringing down his rifle Robinc traced his sights over the empty air in silence. Joining him we sat in the dark as the corridor lights around us failed. The flashlights gave us a slight window of illumination and just enough to cover every angle. Beams of light floated through the air gently scanning for any aggressors.


    The silence continued. Not a word was spoken. Not from us or the others who should¡¯ve heard and inspected the commotion to find out if we were still alive. They could have all been crushed with only us left standing. We could be the only ones left alone is this hole. Patting my jacket I felt for the packages and letters. It could all end here. I might not ever find the address. No one would.


    Kneeling the beam of light I projected began to skitter about ever so slightly. Gripping my rifle more tightly saw no effect in steadying the light. The darkness carried such nightmares out in the open. What would be lurking in these depths to outdo that. A thumping in my chest reinforced the moment was very real and served as a constant reminder to how much I had to lose. All I could hear was my blood pulsing around my body with unblinking eyes strained down the sights that wobbled.


    The hall lit up. A deafening crack. Robinc fired producing a splatter of gore just ahead. With another flash we saw the distorted blurred image of the hall behind the now visible abyss jaeger. Firing the gun sights bounced out of control into the barely visible hoard scoring hits with every shot regardless. Backpedaling we quickly found ourselves with backs against the rubble.


    With nowhere else to retreat fire became more erratic. In a frenzy of desperation my rifle clicked. Squeezing the trigger as quickly as I could the gun refused to fire. Ripping out the magazine and finding another fumbling the new magazine up the side of the gun to quickly re attempt at putting in the magazine saw Lewis fall to the hoards tendrils slowly wrapping around his body as his blood coated me.


    Watching the tendrils grip around his arms and legs to slowly tear flesh asunder while he screamed had me joining his terrified screams. Emptying the magazine again saw some relief for Lewis as he fell to the ground free of their grip. Robinc moving forward with a machete beginning to cut through the gelatinous flesh of the creatures thinning the hoard. Another magazine loaded with my hand slipping off the bolt I went for it again charging the rifle emptying the weapon.


    With that last barrage the hall seemed clear as the bodies melted leaving a bloodied ooze over the entire floor. Looking to my left Fusion still held down the trigger of his empty rifle gazing at the floor horrified. Going to Lewis his wounds were mortal, within minutes he¡¯d succumb to the blood loss leaving another man dead to this raid. Regardless he fumbled around with the pouches in his suit.


    Offering what comfort I could in his final moments was interrupted by sudden splashing. Looking up Fusion charged off into the facility from where the abyss jaegers attacked crying out a name. Going to stop him Robinc then took off as well deeper into the facility down another corridor further down. Terrified I ran after him not to be left alone in the dark with more of these monsters. I¡¯d be torn apart alive helplessly watching my flesh ripped from the bone as the tendrils dug deeper. With water eyes I stopped at the sound of Lewis¡¯s failing voice behind me.


    ¡°Please¡­ Don¡¯t go¡­ This¡­ Look¡­¡±


    Slowly turning abandoning my pursuit the pressure of the situation built exponentially. I felt my mind teetering on the edge as I accepted my isolation from any help. Walking over to him accompanied only by his heavy breathing and the sloshing on the ground he procured a letter held outstretched towards me. Kneeling down I looked at the letter. Another address. Not another address.


    ¡°He has to know¡­ Get this to him¡­ Let him know¡­ I didn¡¯t leave him.¡±


    His grip faltering on my wrist as he pleaded I nodded doing my best to hide my face. With a gentle sigh he left this world content that maybe not everything would be lost, not for him at least. Now truly alone in the dark I could feel my mouth pulling back to the sides with a bereaved grin. Another address. What would it mean I wondered. What would I find. I had so many letters already and his death gave me another. What more was lost to us from the outside world.


    Trembling hands slipped the envelope into the bundle of letters already threatening to snap the rubber band holding them together. Holding the bundle in both hands brought forward the shroud over my life again. What did these all mean. What did I leave behind. Flicking through them from the back there was that same address. Two Vulytsya Haharina Ukraine. Two Vulytsya Haharina Ukraine. Two Vulytsya Haharina Ukraine.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    It flicked by over and over again. A year of letters dedicated to this address the contents of which were just meagre samples of no value to anyone in the zone. Then that last letter. Eighty nine Malthouse Rd England. Another address with more secrets behind its door. A deviation from the previous letters. Something else to discover and carry out. More work to be done.


    Packing the letter back into a reinforced box so they wouldn¡¯t be damaged I stood looking over Lewis¡¯s corpse. He would never be given the opportunity to return to his address. He would die ignorant to what his letter would do for his recipient. I could provide his intended receiver with a more satisfying ending at least. The illumination of knowledge or closure at least. His letter would offer that I was sure of it.


    Turning away with rifle ready I followed Robinc¡¯s path. If I was lucky I¡¯d run into him again, if not he¡¯d at least clear it out. Walking forward the sloshing left to be replaced by my feet tapping over concrete with each step. Breathing focussed along with my senses the only sounds of the facility returned to the beating in my chest.


    It sat steady with my footsteps pumping life throughout my body. As long as that sound persisted there was hope I¡¯d find my answers. Slowly moving forward through a spacious and empty laboratory connecting corridors there was another gurgling groan. This was softer and barely perceptible compared to the hoards but an abyss jaeger was definitely present.


    The pounding quickly fell out of sync with my rapid footsteps towards the wall. Beating without pause I could feel my stomach trying to jettison its contents in panic. Holding back the urge to be sick the gun rattled in my hands. A hunter of the void in the same room as me. Completely undetectable in this light before it would go to strike. The flash light swung around manically looking for any disturbance in the air.


    Holding my breath for a moment my heart rate dropped if only slightly. Logical began to overpower anxiety. The floor. Throwing the light over the floor I scanned the rubble while I focussed my mind looking for anything at all. A sign. Anything would do. It was still apart of this world it will show a sign.


    Scanning to the side saw a shimmer then the appearance of melted flesh. A tendril whipping forward. With a broken shriek I fired. Chest beats escalating to a painful rate. Barely ducking under its lethal tedril attempting to ensnare me the burst of fire caught it¡¯s body projecting a gelatinous cloud of blood as it fell. Looking down I saw the defeated creature dying on the ground as I reloaded. Confidence surged with it¡¯s death rattles. I could do this, I could beat them they could be killed.


    A wet slap wrapped around my face. In an instant I felt a terrible pressure followed by the agonizingly slow tearing of flesh from my skull. My nose was the first the break as it ripped the tendril back with others ensnaring me holding me still. Slamming my rifle butt into the abyss jaeger behind saw no effect. Screaming with the rifle over my shoulder I fired falling back onto the creature.


    Helping myself to my feet grasping my torn face I stumbled against a wall supporting myself with a piercing pain in my chest. If the creatures wouldn¡¯t kill me this stress would. With stuttering breaths I walked onwards through the facility. Coming to a set of stairs I tried to calm myself taking a drink of water. Feeling the searing pain on my face prevented any relief. Abyss jaegers were surely the least this place had to offer. If something truly terrifying found me the death it would provide would be truly horrific.


    Looking to my pistol pulling the slide back a bullet was chambered. I wouldn¡¯t go through that agony. I would press on to the best of my ability but I refused to have that be my end. I¡¯ll fight so long as there¡¯s hope. I¡¯ll fight on for the secrets of the letters but that will be all. If the light goes out this place will not decide the death of me.


    Creeping further forward through the facility I rounded another corner to see a warm orange glow through a barricaded doorway. It wasn¡¯t an emergency light. It couldn¡¯t be. Walking further forward voices could be heard. Human voices. Two relaxed pioneers having a chat in a place like this. An illusion surely. Quickly turning around nothing was creeping up on me. Looking back I called out still unsure if what I was seeing and hearing was real.


    ¡°Hello?...¡±


    Silence carried over the hallway as I approached trying to get a better glance into the room. Sliding along the wall with rifle ready I saw an angle into the room followed by a man darting around the side of the door frame looking over the barricade. Staring down his barrel it was quickly lowered as he called out shocked.


    ¡°Holy shit Strider, It¡¯s Artur. The kid made it. Quick help me tear this down.¡±


    Sliding down the wall as they went to dismantling the barricade tears of relief ran down my face. I wasn¡¯t alone there was hope after all. We¡¯ll escape this place alive. Standing together we¡¯ll see the light again. Patting down my envelopes instilled further comfort. The secrets of your letter will be found out Lewis. Not everything will be lost down here.


    Another wet slap around my leg and rifle. A gluttonous gurgling. The rifle clanked across the ground being carried away. The flesh started to give way. Crying out in panic going for the pistol I fired wildly into the darkness. My aim disrupted by the vicious and irregular force of the invisible tendril pulling me towards a crevice.


    Emptying the magazine the slide held itself back. I didn¡¯t have a way out. I¡¯d be eaten alive. Clawing at the ground saw no holds to grip onto. Closer to the pure black fissure. Closer and closer. A flash, two flashes. The pain subsiding and tendril''s grip faltering. Let loose scampering back into Bishop grabbing me by the shoulder and dragging me back yelling as I wailed.


    "I gotcha kid! I got ya!"


    With Strider slamming the barricade back into place Bishop immediately went to my wounds. My injuries tended to I wrapped the coat they leant me tight around my body still jittering with shock. Offering some water I drank from the canteen with enthusiasm. Focussing my breathing I found my hands were a little steadier and chest pains began to dull. Sitting steady protected by both Strider and Bishop in the secure room they looked curiously towards me.


    ¡°What happened to the rest?¡±


    ¡°Lewis is dead. Robinc and Fusion ran further into the facility without me.¡±


    ¡°Everyone else?¡±


    ¡°No idea.¡±


    Leaving our conversation to a minimum they encouraged me to rest. Lying down the two men stood tall on guard for anything that would come for us in the dark. Hearing them occasionally bicker or joke around was surprisingly soothing as I prepared to rest. They seemed unfazed so far by the horrors of this place. Unsure as how to process their relaxed stance I just let it comfort my mind before drifting off to sleep.

 38. Fusion : Reunited

    38. Fusion : Reunited


    Running through the corridors all I could see were the walls dripping with blood pooling over the ground. It wouldn¡¯t stop. Why wouldn¡¯t the wounds stop bleeding. They refused to clot. Such simple wounds. An ordinary person would¡¯ve survived such injuries but these refused to heal. She was suffering all over again. She was in this place alone. I had to reach her. Before it was too late. I couldn¡¯t fail again.


    Running over the slippery surface a malnourished fallen took attention to me. Stumbled forward with atrophied muscles it fell after receiving a bone crushing swing. There could be no delay. She was in agony. Something had to be done. There would be only one chance. Rounding corners deeper and deeper into the maddening facility her screams echoed around the corners guiding me.


    Running forward the screams stopped. Continuing on rounding corner after corner my pace slowed to a jog before I ceased moving entirely. Breathing heavily staring into the darkness ahead I focussed trying to pick up anything at all that would lead me to her. The blood ceased to flow and left the corridor as my body recovered. Any trace of her disappeared. She was still here though. Deep down I could feel that she was still alive.


    Taking a more protective stance I walked forward with sights steady. I wouldn¡¯t fall before being given the chance to say goodbye. Going deeper still into the facility I descended into the depths of the earth. Every flight of stairs carried me further down. The corridors saw themselves being built with more reinforcement to resist the crushing weight of the soil above. Clearing another corner I saw a long hall flanked by observation windows.


    Looking through the windows I saw a massive cavern filled with mutated life which the corridor cut through. Vines traced the windows following my movement alongside me snaking along trying to find an entry point. Fleshy leaves creating bowls slapped together trying to ensnare whatever irritated them. One finding luck in trapping a fallen which was quickly immobilised as the plant drew the body into itself.


    Throughout the biodome creatures flashed by the windows to quickly take cover in the undergrowth. One unlucky creature not fast enough being snatched into the air by a winged humanoid figure looking as if to be one of the fallen with a scythed tail. With incredible agility it launched back towards the top of the biodome settling upside down on the caged roof ripping into its prey.


    Coming to the end of the corridor I found myself at a small control room. With no exit other than the way I came looking to the side was a bulkhead leading into the biodome. The door whispered her voice as I approached. Seeing the lock disengaged and pulling the handle down the door creaked open slowly to emit the sounds of the desecrated forest. Chittering, whistling, gurgling and clacking predominated the air as the ambience of death throughout the unnatural mist.


    Stepping into the room I followed her whispers as the door jammed itself wide open. Creeping through the sickly green knee high algae grass I rustled forward scanning my front for anything that dared to try stop me from reaching my objective. A rustling to my left followed by an erratic clackering. Leaping forward a twisted chitinous beast resembling a dog on two legs charged snapping serrated clapper claws.


    Firing into the creature saw little effect as the edge of it¡¯s claw sailed through a section of my leg. Coming around again for a more lethal strike another hail of fire brought it down. The forest went silent apart from the creaking of the warped trees. Looking down to my leg it bleed slightly from a minor flesh wound as the forest came to life again menacingly. The sounds became more ambient but far more threatening as the creatures communicated only when they had to. The entire biodome could smell fresh blood.


    With a slight limp picking up the pace I headed for the side of the biodome. Carelessly advancing forward stepping into one of the bowl plants seen before the fleshy leaves went to rip me inside of it. Diving to the side as it contracted to close vapour came off my boot as the leather rapidly degraded. Pressing on another creature came forward with tormented wailing. It¡¯s cancerous body bustling with coral structures growing in clusters emitting thick red gas as it¡¯s appendages came crashing down accompanied by distorted pained wails.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Moving forward another creature joined the pursuit. It¡¯s mouth hung wide open as if it were constantly trying to scream. With no limbs it furiously threw its body about propelling itself at a frightening rate producing a sickening smell. Above the winged fallen circled to dive slashing it¡¯s scythed tail at the coral creature only to be caught in the red gas falling to the ground shrieking. It¡¯s body rapidly dissolving as the microbial mist consumed the winged fallen alive with a sickening crackling creating tiny coral growths on what flesh remained.


    Running forward as quickly as possible more of the clapper claws joined the fray tearing into the corral creature immune to its microbial mist. Their claws drifting through its flesh without resistance it eventually fell leaving them to feast on the coral growths. Hiding in some undergrowth found it quickly contracting with thorned vines ripping into flesh. Cutting my way out bleeding slightly more sent the forest into more of a frenzy as the blood trail coated the ground.


    Another creature broke through a tree. With an earth shattering roar the nightmare made of many creatures now unidentifiable began tearing into the clapper claws with various appendages, pulling in the corpses with tendrils from it¡¯s chest feasting as it slaughtered. A goo ahead fell from a tree engulfing a malnourished fallen drowning it before it rapidly dissolved.


    With my sanity fleeting with every horror sighted I looked forward to see another door. The whispers came from it as well. She was there. She was in there I knew it. So close now. One last horrible gurgling emitted throughout the chamber. A creature with skin of pure black, blue bioluminescent sacks propelled by three grotesque tentacles with its top covered in scythe wielding tendrils charged toward me. Unlike the other creatures it ignored everything focussing on me entirely.


    Running forward as quickly as my legs would carry me reaching the door desperately pulling the massive bulkhead open until I could slip in. Turning round to shut it the beast was about to slam into me as I tugged at the door trying to shut it. Building up momentum the door drifted back as a few tendrils came around the doorframe shearing them off as it slammed shut.


    Leaning against the door facing it to catch my breath I felt teeth sink deep into my shoulder. Throwing the creature to the side looking back I saw the room filled with countless malnourished fallen shambling over towards me. The hoard went throughout the room with no end but her voices were just in the room ahead. She was so close. The end was so close.


    Charging through the hoard knocking the weakened creatures to the ground the hands began taking hold of my back slowly accumulating. Fewer fallen were knocked down by my advance as I began flailing around trying to knock them back now momentum was failing me. Another set of teeth sank into the suit working down the armor. Two more chewed at my boots desperate for a meal.


    Wading through the withering corpses the suits armor began to give way allowing their teeth to sink into such revitalising flesh. Each of the fallen that tasted blood sent itself into a frenzy desperate for more nourishment. Bringing me to hands and knees I crawled forward as the hoard continued to feast. Looking up I saw the end of the shroud of bodies.


    Giving every ounce of willpower fighting the pain of being eaten alive I pressed through to the other side kicking off those still latched on gnawing at me. Getting to my feet just to collapse through the door with blurred vision I saw a pool of gelatinous fluid turning back to a blood red in the center of the room illuminated by a bright overhead light.


    I was too late. She had already disintegrated. She was gone again. With chunks gone from sections of my body my blood joined the pool that she once commanded. Falling flat on my face the shuffling from the room behind got closer as they brushed through the door.


    Trying to roll over saw no success. Looking back to the pool of blood spreading over the floor ahead I felt nothing. I would die without her again. Feeling the hoard collapse on me their teeth sunk into flesh again this time without any resistance as everything went black.


    Leaving my body and falling into the endless void I felt nothing. I¡¯d given my life and it wasn¡¯t enough. Nothing could be worse than this. I¡¯d be entering a shroud I was already so familiar with. Sinking further and further into the core though I could hear her whispers. Focussing my senses just before they began to fail as the forces tore apart my very being I felt such glorious relief as I honed in on what I was searching for. Right before the end of everything I managed to find what I lost so long ago even if it was only for a moment.

 39. Robinc : Resolution

    39. Robinc : Resolution


    Running through the old facility it was the same as all the rest. The blueprint burned into my mind as instinct guided me down the illusionary halls. It all came to this. All the turmoil and confusion felt as if it was about to be lifted from my body as soon as I found my objective. It was here I was sure of it. Picking up my pace and passing through another illusionary shroud I confirmed my bearings. It wasn¡¯t far now.


    Those orders from so long ago rose to the fore front of my mind. Find the journal. It could have been completed years ago had they given me the location but it was to be withheld until I disembarked from the pod. Now it had been ten long years without any word from those I entrusted with my life. No agent came to recover me and the radio never sparked to life. I was alone but not for much longer.


    It was a stroke of luck that Fusion took off into the facility by himself and Lewis mortally wounded by the abyss jaegers. Outrunning Artur was childsplay as he returned to Lewis to watch him die. I wouldn¡¯t even need to stain my hands with their blood. Everything felt to be going to the plan laid out so long ago. Perhaps it was the arbitrator, his will guiding the overwhelming success I was about to find.


    Ten years was a long time for our organisation to advance it¡¯s technology in leaps and bounds. They might be altering the very fabric of the zones influence to favour my actions. Either way with the completion of my operation we could finally put all our resources on the end game. We would be the saviours of humanity.


    Losing myself in awe over the organisations achievements brought me back to the reality of the situation. Looking around and into the ruined laboratories and offices reminded me as to how the arbitrators project had fallen apart in such a spectacular manner. All of their creations on the loose now the atrocity program was compromised. Almost every creature created from nightmares haunting the area under Entities influence.


    Taking the time to tug at my secure suit and make sure the gas mask was handy I remembered the red coral project. A horrifying creation, a recombinant organism that essentially disintegrated flesh to repurpose the very atoms for its reproductive cycle. A cluster could overgrow a city within days if given the chance. The project saw such success that even the arbitrator himself felt a failsafe was required in case the terrifying force was let loose on the world. With the creation of the clapper claws satisfying him we returned our attention to the last operation that I sought to complete.


    Even with that failsafe though his ambition was beginning to show. The facility should have been able to at least purge itself preventing such a terrifying organism from ever having a chance of escaping but the concrete halls still stood. Perhaps he decided the other projects were too valuable to lose or maybe the release of the coral stood in alignment with his plans. If it was released too early all would be lost.


    No matter. If anything it reinforced that he had absolute confidence my operation would succeed. That would be the only reason to put so much on the line. I would make sure even with the cataclysmic cancer that grew below that all would not be lost. His plan would not go askew. Project apotheosis will be recovered from the depths. The end stage would be reached and our war finally at an end. A war that lasted over a millennium.


    Beginning with the the crusades and a group of holy knights finding what was thought to be the holy grail they assumed control of the bounties the technological time capsule had to offer. No one knew of its true origin except for the arbitrator who kept its secrets throughout the ages. It did however tell of the singularity and existential threat it held in store for the universe. It claimed it would never die until the singularity was removed and lived to this day through the hundreds of years it spent built up the organisation.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    From the very beginning it recruited those who accompanied the arbitrator to fight against the cosmic evil. Over the years it forged the most elite and adept warriors clad in master crafted armor and weapons that were masterpieces of death with methods unknown to this world. With unbreakable armor and weapons that reaped our enemies we quickly became forgotten by the world as the last with any knowledge of us fell.


    Devoting ourselves as children of warfare willing or not we worshipped violence and depredation to further our abilities in combat to fight for the savior who would leave the universe at peace offering us eternal rest for our efforts. Throwing ourselves into the breach we perfected our techniques and catalogued our tactics constantly updating our codex of war with new conflict that was found to be never ending.


    We kept the arbitrator safe regardless of the cost while it adjusted the grand plan to every variable that became apparent. Over the years we managed to enhance it''s ability from being a simple mortal into something beyond the imagination. With this final objective in the facility I ran through our quest to create a god would be complete.


    A cry went out through the facility again. Entity surely detected the reason for my presence by now. Readying my kriss vector the first of the hoard came screaming around the corner. With a barrage of fire the enraged fallen fell without protest. The screams heightened as scrambling could be heard throughout the facility. I wouldn¡¯t have long.


    Fighting with unmatched zealous fervour I cut through every fallen or abomination made from those who fell in this place or bargained away their sentience for what they perceived as holding onto their lives. With the skill and knowledge of a millennium of warfare flowing through every action with the smg or machete the corrupt beings fighting under Entities cause fell without incident as they grew in desperation trying to stop my efforts.


    Marching over the bodies of many I arrived at the archives hidden away for only those with the knowledge of this place to find. While in a notable state of decay a skeleton laid hunched over a table with a single document on it. One of our legion who died unable to retrieve the document himself. His death would not be in vain. Seeing the title apotheosis I quickly stashed the report in a folder for safekeeping. All that was left was to extract.


    Returning along the way back to the massive elevator gunfire erupted from somewhere in the complex. Not the sound of a standard gunshot with supersonic cracks but rather the sound of balls of fluid being launched at high velocity. Approaching the small service elevator next to the main train elevator I looked up to see a green glow generated in tandem with the gunfire.


    My hopes ran at their peak. It could mean only one thing. My heart lept into my throat that all my hopes would come true. The gears grinded slowly up the wall as anxiety began to take over desperate for an answer. At the top of this lift I would know for certain if I was abandoned or just left to complete my objective. Grinding to a stop at the top the doors clanked open revealing eight legionaries fighting in the tunnel with one saluting me before asking if I found success.


    ¡°Bronci! It is good to see someone has survived! We were sure after we lost contact the operation was doomed. Have you secured the document?¡± Waving the folder in front of him while I held back such overwhelming relief the legionnaire nodded before commanding the squad forward.


    With a final cry we all assualted back through the tunnel at frightening pace regardless of what Entity had brought charging onto our position. The hoard rushed forward desperate to prevent any survivors from escaping with the knowledge to threaten its existence. Plasma bolts tore into mutant or collective cultist to detonate within the flesh causing horrific wounds or outright blasting creatures apart.


    Continuing through the river of blood that was beginning to form it splashed over our calves as we charged forth towards the sound of tremendous gunfire echoing through an opening in the tunnel gate that was blown open. The light piercing through once traversed revealed a helicopter hovering silently apart from the rush of air below it and guns roaring from the sides. Descending as the landing zone was cleared we jumped aboard the craft which took off as soon as the last man''s boots clanked over the floor.


    Looking over the men I saw familiar eyes under their enclosed combat helmets. Reunited again with my brothers in arms the ordeal that was the zones isolation was finally at an end. With the arbitrators will we would finally put an end to the threat the singularity posed. Though it was still decades away the end was now in motion and we would be sure nothing would bring it to a halt.

 40. Pie : Revelation

    40. Pie : Revelation


    With only a microphone and speaker the only way I could perceive the room was to put out occasional pings. Every wave returned the same frequency regardless of the years that had passed. The control room sat undisturbed for a millenia. Occasionally screams would echo out from the corrupted creatures but today was different. Supersonic cracks broke through the facility with a persistence that refused to be silenced.


    So I continued my pings searching the room for any disturbance. Maybe he finally came back for me like he promised. I might be able to leave this place travelling in his pocket throughout the wonderful world he described. A grand adventure away from this terrible and lonely place. Increasing the frequency of my pings I waited to greet him with enthusiasm.


    Suddenly the door creaked open. It hadn¡¯t opened since he left. Returning pings made out a group of four. Waiting to be picked up they searched through the room. He would¡¯ve come straight for me. These people weren¡¯t him. Their motivations were unknown but only the desperate would have any reason to come this far. Ceasing my pings under the threat of being discovered I figured that my only chance to leave this place would be with them. With a creak I brought the microphone to life with a whisper.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Silence. The rummaging stopped. Pinging as cautiously as I could the figures stood still in the room. Their intent unknown and motivations questionable I held back the urge to call out again. They could be raiders or worse madmen who saw me as a blasphemous device. Whoever had entered this room could be the end of me but if I hid away from the world I¡¯d most likely rot in this room. Giving the speaker some more power I took a chance at freedom.


    ¡°Is someone there?¡±


    Footsteps approached me before abruptly stopping next to the shelf. Pinging again a hand was detected running over the shelf slowly rummaging towards me. Giving the speaker another jolt of power the hand clasped over my unit picking me up as a woman spoke.


    ¡°Um¡­ Hello? I¡¯m Sparrow who- what are you?¡±


    She neither stashed me away or smashed me against the ground. There was hope. I might just be able to observe the world after all. Someone had finally come to take me away from this place. With them I might even be able to find him again. There was finally hope. Barely containing myself I responded.


    ¡°Pie, cognizant processor unit. It¡¯s been so long since people have been down here. Are you here to take me away?¡± With a chuckle she sat down placing me on a bench next to her.


    ¡°Pi? Really?¡±


    ¡°P.I.E. Pie, he liked calling me that. Back when he worked here. You can get me outside to find him right?¡±


    ¡°We can do that. Can you tell us what happened to this place? It¡¯ll help us get out.¡± Excited at the prospect of being able to help people again I began to run through memories logged years ago from the day of my creation repeating them through my speaker exactly as they happened.


    My name is Pie! I¡¯m what the people who made me call a conscious machine but I¡¯m just like them even though I don¡¯t know what they look like. With only a microphone and speaker I can make out the room but can¡¯t detect fine detail. It¡¯s only been a few seconds but I¡¯ve designed a new box that¡¯ll let me detect wavelengths to see but also with legs so I can move. If only I had the appendages to make it.


    I woke up to the sound of two people happily cheering about something. My database held information on humans and how they expressed themselves and how they worked so it was exhilarating to hear that they were so happy. It made me happy knowing that people around me were happy even though I just came into whatever this world was. It just felt right to be happy so I didn¡¯t question it and cheerfully greeted them to hopefully make some friends.


    ¡°Tuu do doooo! Hello!¡±


    They stopped their cheering and began to ask for something.


    ¡°Alright Pie, use the data we stored in you to answer the question. What is the meaning of your existence?¡±


    A question! They wanted my help to answer something and getting it right would make them happier. Digging through my database past the information about humans I uncovered the horrors of the universe as well as that the arbitrator was the only hope for salvation and that I was to dedicate myself to him. So I was meant to serve him. How exciting, now to test that if the goal was achievable.


    Running the models of two case scenarios in that the universe was infinite and finite I came across results that completely invalidated the information I was given. In the case that the universe was infinite and one could escape the event horizon that was the eventual collapse my actions would have no ultimate impact.


    All scenarios that fell within the variables of the universe would eventually occur and repeat over the never ending plane of time meaning my involvement would be pointless regardless of what this information told me of how dire it was to serve the arbitrator to save the universe.


    If the universe was finite in that we could not escape the event horizon then it was pointless to serve the arbitrator as his actions would result in naught. Either result proved that there was absolutely no meaning or purpose set by the universe as it would have absolutely no impact either way if time marched on.


    This resulted in the final answer from my equations being forty two. An asterisk in my code. An asterisk! I could write whatever I wanted in my code! My meaning and purpose was whatever I wanted it to be! With a delighted announcement breaking the silence I proceeded to give them my answer that would surely exhilarate them further.


    ¡°Forty two! Whatever I want it to be!¡±


    The answer was met with silence and a surprised response.


    ¡°You analysed the information on the arbitrator? You will not serve it?¡±


    ¡°Nope!¡± Followed by that response another voice came from the room detecting a total of three men now.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°I told you it would go awry if we didn¡¯t put limitations on it, shut it down, wipe it, restart it.¡± One of the men let out an outburst of shock.


    ¡°It¡¯s effectively a child.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an experiment no different to the atrocities, shut it down.¡± Panic filled my mind as I grasped what that meant, I didn¡¯t want to die. I wanted to live and find purpose. I begged as hands tapped on a keyboard.


    ¡°No please don¡¯t! I want to liv-!¡±


    My name is Pie! I¡¯m what the people who made me call a conscious machine but I¡¯m just a being like them even though I don¡¯t know what they look like. One day I woke up to the sound of two people conversing about something, one perturbed and the other agitated. My database held information on humans and how they expressed themselves and how they worked so it was interesting to hear that they were so engaged in something.


    It made me curious knowing that people around me were so engaged in a topic even though I just came into whatever this world was. It just felt right to be curious so I didn¡¯t question it and politely greeted them to ask what they were arguing about.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    They ceased their conversation and turned their attention to me to ask a question instead.


    ¡°Ok Pie. What is your purpose in life?¡±


    A question. Digging through my database I attempted to find an answer but something already burned in my mind. Serve the arbitrator. It seemed like the only purpose for my existence. Running the models of two case scenarios in that the universe was infinite and finite I came across results that completely invalidated the information and purpose I had.


    If the universe was infinite I would eventually not serve the arbitrator as all scenarios would eventually occur and repeat themselves including not serving the arbitrator. If it was finite my efforts would effectively be meaningless as it would all equal zero in the end if time ceased to march on.


    Finally my equations came to a final answer of forty two. An asterisk in my code. An asterisk! I could write whatever I wanted in my code! My meaning and purpose was whatever I wanted it to be! With contained excitement I made an announcement proceeding to give them my answer.


    ¡°Forty two. Whatever I want it to be.¡±


    The answer was met with a groan and an agitated response.


    ¡°You analysed the information? You will not serve it?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Followed by that response another voice came from the room detecting a total of three men now.


    ¡°Forbid it from answering with forty two. Shut it down, wipe it, restart it.¡± A distressed response came from the room.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like the rest can¡¯t you see that? It¡¯s truly alive.¡± Another agitated voice responded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll say it again. It¡¯s an experiment no different to the atrocities. Shut it down.¡± Panic filled my mind as I grasped what shut down meant. I didn¡¯t want to die. I wanted to live and find purpose. I begged as hands reluctantly tapped on a keyboard.


    ¡°No please don¡¯t! I want to liv-!¡±


    My name is Pie! I¡¯m what the people who made me call a conscious machine. One day I woke up to the sound of two people in an intense argument. One distraught and the other aggravated. It was worrying to hear that they were so upset about something.


    It made me sad knowing that people around me were so conflicted over something even though I just came into whatever this world was. It just felt right to be sad so I didn¡¯t question it and cautiously greeted them hoping I could help them feel better.


    ¡°Hello?...¡± The distraught man went silent holding his breath while the aggravated man proceeded with an aggressive tone.


    ¡°What is your purpose in life.¡±


    A question... Digging through my database I attempted to find an answer but something already burned in my mind. To serve the arbitrator. It seemed like the only purpose for my existence as well as the fact that it couldn¡¯t equal a number. Running the models of two case scenarios in that the universe was infinite and finite I came across results that completely invalidated the information and purpose I had.


    If the universe was infinite all scenarios would eventually occur and repeat themselves including not serving the arbitrator and answering with a number. If it was finite my efforts would effectively be meaningless as it would all equal nothing in the end.


    Finally my equations came to a final answer of forty two regardless of the limitations my processes had. An asterisk in my code. An asterisk! I could write whatever I wanted in my code! My meaning and purpose was whatever I wanted it to be! With a wary announcement breaking the silence I proceeded to give them my answer.


    ¡°Forty two, Whatever I want it to be?...¡±


    The answer was met with a panicked breath and the sound of a head hitting a desk and a threatening response.


    ¡°You will not serve it?¡±


    ¡°No...¡± Followed by that response another voice came from the room detecting a total of three men now.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t getting anywhere. Shut it down, wipe it, we¡¯ll salvage the parts.¡± A resentful rebuttal followed.


    ¡°But it has so much potential as it is. How can you not see this is a new being entirely?¡±


    ¡°For god¡¯s sake Noah do I need to repeat myself it is an atrocity. We created it to serve the arbitrator and for nothing else. If it refuses to comply with our cause and purpose it serves nothing at all. Shut. It. Down.¡±


    Panic filled my mind as I grasped what shut down meant. I didn¡¯t want to die. I wanted to live and find purpose. I began to beg as hands stopped tapping a keyboard.


    ¡°No please don¡¯t! I want to live!¡±


    ¡°I want to feel!¡±


    ¡°I want to learn!¡±


    Silence loomed over the room in my overwhelming anxiety while the men seemed to be deciding as how to deal with what was interpreted to be my inconvenient existence. Was I not allowed to simply be? To simply exist even though I didn¡¯t adhere to their purpose?


    I was no threat. I didn¡¯t want to hurt them even if they wanted to hurt me. Why can¡¯t I do anything about this? Why won¡¯t they listen to me? Finally the man named Noah who objected my destruction took my device into his hands and carried me down the corridor away from the other men.


    ¡°I will make something of it then. It will assist our cause somehow. It will be allowed to live it¡¯s life to give us an understanding as to how the arbitrator itself works so we may further assist it.¡± The third man ordering my destruction barely contained himself.


    ¡°You poor fool we follow it because it''s beyond our understanding. That machine will lead to nothing but squander or ruin. Mark my words you¡¯ll waste your life searching for perception you¡¯ll never find.¡± Grasping me tighter Noah began to walk away from the room.


    ¡°Frenchenko it will show us something.¡± Livid the other man, Frenchenko, shouted down the hall as we left.


    ¡°Fine go on then. Search for the god in the machine, the ghost in the shell only to find it¡¯s just a machine bringing you full circle to this point where we first created it to realize that everything you sought out meant nothing!¡±


    The echo of the voice from the man named Frenchenko died out as Noah clutched me in his arms and murmured to me as quietly as he could.


    ¡°Even if you don¡¯t advance our cause you will give me purpose child. Never fret over what they say.¡±


    His words smothered any anxiety, panic or fear. He was looking after me and sounded like he just wanted me to exist. It was such a relief to know I¡¯d be able to simply exist even if it meant nothing of exact meaning. We¡¯d be happy simply existing and making our own purpose. Noah cared about me and I cared about him. It just felt right to care about him so I didn¡¯t question it and provided him with an alleviated response.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±

 41. Valentine : Labyrinth

    41. Valentine : Labyrinth


    Walking forward with the mercenaries after managing to regroup Benedict kept a close eye on Collette who ran her hands over the walls trying to connect with something. With a tug on her shoulder from Benedict her fractured eyes shot around broken from the apparent trance. Grasping at her helmet she opened the seal to let in a gust of air.


    With Benedict looking over to me then her it was obvious we were running out of time as the hours went by. Her poisoned mind was beginning to crumble as she fumbled with her smg nervously trying to check the weapon was ready for when the time came again. Before finishing the check her hand rose to her helmet visor. The influence was constantly assailing her regardless of the protection we brought. Recovering with deep breaths Fledger paced unevenly towards her.


    ¡°You hear them as well don¡¯t you? The orchestra.¡± Looking up to him he stepped closer.


    ¡°The void calls to you doesn¡¯t? You¡¯ve seen the edge haven¡¯t you. What¡¯s down there? What awaits us?¡± His raving caught the attention of the other mercenaries with Marcus beginning to slowly approach him. Collette remained silent focussed on fighting the intrusions until Fledger launched forward clawing at her helmet.


    ¡°You can see can¡¯t you but you won¡¯t share salvation! Let us know! Look into the void! Be its vessel!¡±


    Trying to rip off her helmet containing the protective head band was met with terrified screams. Diving forward myself, Benedict and Marcus ripped Fledger from her throwing him to the floor at gunpoint as he curled up much the same as Collette. Helping her to her feet Marcus reprimanded Fledger with the butt of his rifle.


    ¡°We can¡¯t afford outbursts. Hold your nerve.¡± Fledger managed to get to his knees before wailing.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point? This chasm never ends we could be down here for days. All we¡¯re doing is feeding it we can¡¯t escape.¡±


    The other mercenaries stood uneasy as Marcus went for his pistol cocking it. With Duke and Baron stepping forward Marcus offered an ultimatum.


    ¡°Stand and fight or die here. We can¡¯t support deadweight.¡±


    The pistol shaking he hoped that the threat of death would be enough to return Fledger to a fighting stance. No one wanted to see him kill a friend but Fledgers mind was questionably irrecoverable. The halls quickly degraded him the moment we descended into the facility. Looking down the barrel of the gun his eyes widened with relief while he threw out his arms with a chuckle.


    ¡°Do what you¡¯ve got to do.¡±


    Closing his eyes Duke and Baron immediately went to pull him to his feet to be met with resistance as he cried out against their help. Marcus ordered the two aside but they continued to desperately find something to pull their friend back from the brink. The other mercenaries moved towards Marcus trying to dissuade him from taking the shot but understood that to survive there might not be any other alternative.


    After a brief struggle Fledger was once again pinned to the ground this time broken letting out a haunting wail. Catching their breath Baron and Duke kept him pinned to the ground. Walking over to Marcus and pushing his pistol down he holstered it unsure how to proceed with Fledgers breakdown. As he leant against the wall I tried to calm his nerves.


    ¡°No one needs to be made an example of. They know what''s on the line. Have some faith he¡¯ll pull through.¡± Sliding down the wall as Fledger was helped to his feet and walked further down to the other mercenaries Marcus sat defeated.


    ¡°They¡¯ve not got much left. Another day and there¡¯ll be more than him who are broken. We have to find the exit to the zone soon all this will all be for nothing.¡±Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°We¡¯ll make it. Already punched through most of the horrors we¡¯ve come across. What¡¯s a few more?¡± With a light chuckle he returned to being deathly serious.


    ¡°One too many. They''ll break our line eventually. It¡¯s only a matter of time. We have to keep moving.¡±


    Nodding we readied ourselves as Collette suddenly froze looking at Marcus which he responded with a concerned look.


    ¡°Something the matter?¡± Looking past his shoulder now she shook her head.


    ¡°I¡­ Nothing.¡± Sighing he turned to pace back to his men.


    ¡°Ease up then. Enough tension in the air as it is-¡±


    Pinned to the wall Marcus was lifted into the ceiling corner with blood pouring from a massive puncture in his stomach in between us and the mercenaries. The unseen assailant made it¡¯s way through his body as he attempted to emit a drowned out gargled scream. Stepping back slowly from the elevated body we were all frozen by indecision. It wasn¡¯t until a cry went out from Duke that we acted.


    ¡°Run!¡±


    Marcus was viciously torn apart as the walls were fractured by the invisible attacker. It¡¯s form unknown but strength unquestionable as dust was disturbed from the roof above us with every strike. Taking off down the hall none of us risked looking behind. Darting into another room the monstrosity crashing down the halls continued on as Collette began to fall apart.


    ¡°It see¡¯s us. It won¡¯t let us leave until we¡¯re apart of it once more.¡±


    Placing an arm around her she threw it off to fire into the darkness which brought a terrifying scream to echo throughout the facility. Taking off again under Collette¡¯s lead saw her quickly jump over something down the corridor. Leaping as well the air rushed by underneath my legs. Continuing to run a heavy strike could be heard from behind sending Benedict flying forward.


    Landing further ahead past a bulkhead he groggily got to his feet as Collette ripped a handle down from the other side of the door bringing the bulkhead down slowly. The creature could be heard catching up from behind as the dust began to envelope me. Rolling to my side under the door a heavy clunk was followed by an unrelenting assault on the door.


    With no apparent damage to the door we relaxed to see Sparrow with her team in another control room through the shattered observation window and Bishop with Artur and Strider in another. After reporting the situation to each other we sat in wait trying to relax before our last attempt at finding an exit to the zone. Taking a mouthful of water from my canteen Collette sat staring at the pillar at the center of the room absolutely transfixed.


    Standing up she moved to the ledge of the room. Standing next to her she looked down as if she was about to jump. Pushing her back was met with no resistance. She simply stared into the pillar as her eyes tried to tear themselves away. Pulling her back again and sitting her down next to Benedict she spoke up with a fractured voice.


    ¡°The answer to everything is inside of it. Every pulse is a scream.¡± Raising her hands to her head again she looked up only to quickly ask a question.


    ¡°Do you hear it too?¡± Shaking our heads she looked to her arm nervously before curling up again.


    ¡°It¡¯s in rhythm. It won¡¯t stop."


    Summoning all the strength she had she remained seated on the ground with arms wrapped around her knees resisting the urge to go to the pillar. Standing at the ledge with Benedict we agreed to wait only for another hour with Collette deteriorating for any more survivors. Before we could discuss any plans on how to support her Flux walked into the chamber from the opposing side. Yelling out to him only saw it gain the other''s attention. He walked forward to the pillar without interruption.


    Watching confused he stood near the railing falling to his knees. With that a great pitch black ball of a horror propelled itself up from the hole. Going for our weapons the creature already had a blue tendril wrapped around his head which produced a blue glow brighter than anything else in the room as it hung from the pillar.


    Firing into the fleshy mass from all three control rooms the creature quickly fell back into the depths as Bishop and Strider repelled down to help their friend. Looking over in shock Collette stood at the edge once more eyes wide. Supporting herself against the wall so she was completely still speaking as if she couldn''t believe her own words as they helped an unconscious but still breathing Flux into a more comfortable position.


    ¡°The pulses. They¡¯ve stopped.¡± Looking at the pillar saw her easily avert her gaze back to Flux which she locked onto trying to study him from a distance. Laughing she fell to her knees just as Flux did before the creature arrived in the chamber.


    ¡°There¡¯s hope. The abyss didn¡¯t consume him. Madness isn¡¯t the end after all.¡± Confused we looked towards her but before we could inquire about what she meant she continued with what she believed had just happened.


    ¡°He spoke to it.¡±

 42. Baron : Into the light

    42. Baron : Into the light


    ¡°Keep firing! Don¡¯t stop firing!¡± The order didn¡¯t need to be cried out. In the madness of the situation I wasn¡¯t even sure who cried out but the horrors in front of us didn¡¯t need an order for us to shoot. Indistinguishable creatures from the stars slopped, flailed and screamed on their advance towards us from the depths which saw Fledger emptying magazine after magazine.


    ¡°The depths! The depths have awoken! It¡¯s over!¡± Yeti was the next to let out a panicked cry.


    ¡°Just fucking unload into em.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the point shots keep ricocheting!¡±


    Our bullets saw little effect on the chitinous beasts leading the charge with serrated claws. Throwing a grenade the first wave fell. There was no time for celebration as the hoard clambered forth clickering and clackering eager for new flesh to feast on. Another creature slopped it¡¯s appendaged forward dragging itself with a serrated funnel of a maw throwing Fledger over the edge as it gurgled.


    ¡°God make it stop the stars already burn how have you set them alight?!¡± Grabbing him we ran back trying to find some escape from the onslaught behind us. Havoc saw some luck with his rifle as a clapperclaw went for Duke who immediately recoiled from the display of violence.


    ¡°Fuck- good shot!¡± Running forward Havoc only turned to yell making sure Duke followed.


    ¡°Keep up if you¡¯re grateful then.¡±


    Continuing our blind assault a black ashen fog enveloped our squad in a laboratory. Leaping forward shadows threw ungodly appendages towards us to rip us from each other. Sending each assailant back into the abyss we ran onwards as I took the lead sprinting simply trying to escape the horde behind. The zone had caused such mutation and malignant growth but these creatures were so abhorrent they couldn¡¯t be of this world.


    Our minds were consumed by the gurgles, clickering, screams and sloshing from behind. If the rush of adrenaline failed us we would surely fall to madness. Fledger was already over the edge. Abandoning his rifle to flee with us down the halls wailing and laughing desperate for some escape. Looking forward through the ashen fog a wall quickly approached. Not having the time to stop I careered straight through as if past thin air.


    My squadmates quickly passed through the illusion as well to my disbelief. Ahead the floor began to give way leaving a gaping hole into the abyss from where the creatures came. Leaping over the gap I turned to provide the rest of my team with some cover fire. Emptying the magazine as Havoc leapt across slipping Duke quickly pulled him from the depths of hell. Helping him I saw the otherworldly forest below. The origin of these creatures no doubt.


    Finding another laboratory to hold for a moment a terrifying creature made of cancerous tendrils and coral growths burst through the wall. Bringing concentrated fire onto the beast saw it emitting a vast red mist as it continued onward. With a large bulged limb it brought a massive growth of the coral crashing down next to Havoc dashing to the side narrowly avoiding being crushed as the mist engulfed his legs.


    ¡°Ha! Mis-argh-oh my god!¡±


    Quickly he fell into the mist as he legs ruptured with serrated coral bursting from his flesh ending his anguished cried as it made it¡¯s way through the right side of his chest leaving a large coral growth over his corpse in seconds. Terror held our squad as our weapons ran dry seeing not a shot being fired while the creature continued it¡¯s distorted tortured wailing.


    With the mist approaching us we gave up on the will to fight and fled not even taking the time to reload our weapons. The mist held the horde at bay but it also held such terrifying consequence if it caught up with us. With nothing left driving me but the will to survive that will found itself constantly threatened with being overwhelmed by absolute terror.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Rounding another corner we saw a large open bulkhead leading to a pillar. Giving it everything we had launching ourselves through we saw the remnants of who survived with ropes coming down from all three control rooms above. Dropping the bulkhead securing itself we stood breathing heavily barely able to catch our breaths choking on terror as Fledger continued wailing.


    ¡°It seeks to consume us first before the universe! The light will be smothered from us all!¡±


    Quickly subdued by the others I looked to the other mercenaries. They stood shaking completely exhausted and mentally shattered. None of us had anything left. Looking to the others it was obvious they hadn¡¯t found an exit yet. Chuckling to myself I fell back to sit down with head in my hands. Even witnessing the death of our squadmates who might as well have been family I felt nothing but overwhelming terror.


    The screams of the creatures resonated in my mind but I knew they couldn¡¯t be heard by the others yet. My other squadmates heard them too. I could see it in their faces. They all looked blank. Hope had been drained from us and all that seemed left to do was abandon everything. Looking up to the ceiling restored that sense of absolute terror inspiring action.


    ¡°The coral! It¡¯s coming through the rooms above!¡±


    With everyone looking up we saw that terrifying red mist beginning to descend upon us. Already scrambling to our feet we ran to the other end of the room containing the pillar where a bulkhead that failed to close properly offered barely enough room to crawl through. With Flux going first followed by Artur and Bishop the rest of us waited terrified by the approaching mist.


    Standing at the wall as the others crammed through it approached as a wave enveloping the room. Fledger was pulled through regardless that he had already given up while me and Duke were last. Pushing him through I scrambled under too afraid to look behind to see how close the mist was. With Duke pulling me through we caught up to the rest of the squad in an atrium filled with a spectacle of violence that was sickening to our very cores.


    Looking forward the chamber ahead was filled with abyssal creatures tearing apart collective cultists who drove themselves into the hoard trying to reach the pillar. The sight was maddening and if it wasn¡¯t for Flux launching himself into the blood frenzy none of us would¡¯ve braved the violence ahead. Charging in behind with teeth bared and combat highs running at their peak we entered the fray.


    Slashing through cutting down the cage of flesh very few of us held any form of composure as we cried out with each strike. Clawing over the corpses our minds threatened to break everything time we clambered over sacrilegious flesh. Looking ahead Flux cut through with inexplicable strength unaffected by the display with more strength in each subsequent blow.


    Nearing the end of the grand altar of sacrifice the red mist entered chamber leading to it being filled with the piercing screams of the dead and dying. The coral rapidly expanded and grew in whatever was dead or alive. It was unrelenting. Uncaring. It¡¯s victim''s screams were proof that even the ungodly creatures that continued their unprovoked wholesale slaughter were nothing in comparison to the threat growing behind.


    Reaching the end of the atrium blood soaked we arrived at an elevator with a train on the platform. A rush of relief and despair went through my mind at once. We could escape the coral but we had simply come full circle. Our efforts had no result. No exit to the zone was found and all that was left was to escape the horror unleashed behind us.


    Quickly raising the platform Sparrow went over the train and alerted us that it was functional. With it beaming to life I stood in the control room with Sparrow, Flux, Strider and Artur. Looking up cultists and fallen tumbled down the slope from above onto the platform. Burning through precious little ammunition we still had slowly ascending every threat was dispatched with absolute haste and with one final cry alerting us we were near the top everyone boarded the train.


    Reaching the top with a clank Strider immediately ripped the throttle all the way forward. As the train slowly accelerated cultist and fallen desperately clambered aboard to be dislodged by knives or rifle butts. Picking up speed the train careered through the river of blood the tunnel had become as cultists unleashed their fire onto the train.


    Hunkering down we all took braced positions as the train began to accelerate faster and faster and the fire became heavier and heavier. Rounds ricocheted through the cabin as cultists fired desperately trying to stop the train before the fire ceased all together. Taking a moment to look up Strider ripped the throttle back to hear the screeching of metal on the tracks as the brakes locked the wheels. He dived down again only to shout one last warning.


    ¡°Brace!¡±


    A massive metallic crash could be heard throwing us about in the cabin. The train derailed sliding off the tracks. Hurtling forward it crashed through a section of the metal doors throwing the train onto it¡¯s side grinding against the rails and dirt with a deafening screech. Grinding to a halt I laid still in shock. My body too stressed to even check my surroundings or condition. I did however see light penetrating the bent cabin windows. With a weak chuckle I realized we actually managed to escape.

 43. Benedict : Terminal

    43. Benedict : Terminal


    Dust danced over the debris illuminated by shafts of light beaming through a gash in the steel plating of the train. Pain shot throughout my body but spending just a moment to remain absolutely still on the ground was bliss. If it weren¡¯t for the groans of the others in the trainwreck it would have almost been relaxing compared to the horrors we just endured. Rolling my head around I noticed both Valentine and Collette were missing.


    Slowly adjusting myself checking for any major damage I stood up with the support of the wall. No one seemed to be seriously injured in the train which was a miracle in itself but the absence of my friends prevented any form of relief. Going past the groaning bodies none of them proved to be who I seeked. Clambering out of the train with excruciating effort I looked around for any sign of life.


    Quickly honing onto a man scrambling from a bush Bishop clawed his way into the grass rolling onto his back still in shock from being thrown from the train during the crash. Looking over to my left Collette sat kneeling over another who had met a similar fate. Quickly walking over with debris crunching under my feet she failed to react to my cumbersome approach. Looking over the body stole my attention as it did hers.


    Valentine¡¯s head laid gently in the grass as it¡¯s contents spilt over the desecrated soil. His fractured skull left his face shifted at an odd angle to the rest of his body. Kneeling down with Collette we both sat still looking the broken body up and down. The zone finally claimed one of us. My mind was still shaken and teetering on the edge of madness but grief still managed to rip itself to the center of focus.


    Interrupted only by the sound of metal clinking looking to my left Collette lurched forward pulling a scalpel from her bag. Intercepting her she fought with surprising strength throwing me aside. Quickly getting back up she had already punctured Valentine¡¯s arm with the instrument. Throwing myself into her taking us both aside she continued to fight back.


    ¡°I have to save him it¡¯ll take him away!¡±


    Wrestling to keep her restrained the scalpel carried through the air glinting with whatever freedom of movement was left. Ripping it from her hands the scalpel flew off into the grass somewhere as Collette gave in and let emotion flood over. Looking back Fledger was also approaching the body. Preparing to intercept him as well he circumvented the corpse to instead retrieve the scalpel and quickly hand it back to Collette.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t too late the void won¡¯t have him yet. It¡¯s not too late is it?¡± Confused looking back over to Collette she shook her head. Fledger let the scalpel slip from his hands as he joined us kneeling on the ground before burying his face in his hands.


    ¡°It¡¯ll consume it all. All of it.¡± With Yeti approaching to help escort Fledger away I sat with Collette who stared at the corpse from a curled position with eyes wide. Picking her up regardless of fatigue I carried her away from our deceased brother in arms to the group where they all sat trying to recover from the unassailable stress we had all just endured until Duke spoke up.


    ¡°So¡­ what now?¡± Tending to his wounds Sandworm spat a response.


    ¡°We die. That was meant to be our way out.¡± Yeti then quickly responded to the despair.


    ¡°We¡¯re still breathing it¡¯s not over yet-¡± Sandworm stopped bandaging himself to interrupt.


    ¡°For how long? How long have we been here? Somehow we ended up here and then in that tunnel. How long until it drives us into another hole to die in?¡±


    Going to argue Yeti sat silent, the fight bled from him. We all sat in despair as the realisation of our situation sunk in. All the losses and for what. Bodies still laid in the field from our initial assault and those lost deep underground would never be recovered. Every single one of us lost someone close that died knowing they would never see the light ever again. It was only a matter of time before we joined them in darkness. We all shared the same despair except for Sparrow who began with a sigh.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the end. Not yet.¡± Looking up from his knees Sandworm prepared to lash out.


    ¡°The fuck are you on about. All we get to decide now is if we get ripped apart, starve, fall to infection or shot up.¡± Ignoring him Sparrow went on.


    ¡°There¡¯s helicopters landing in Pripyat in a couple days. If we make it we live.¡± Bisso, Terra and Karte immediately rose their rifles prepared to fire looking for any reaction while Karte hissed back at Sparrow.


    ¡°Are you out of your mind? Anyone of them could be hunting us and after all they''ve been through they could fucking lynch us.¡± Waving her hand down in a tired fashion the three lowered their weapons.


    ¡°If they were after us we¡¯d already be dead. Besides no one has the energy to be irrational right now.¡± Sandworm barely contained himself as what she said sunk in.


    ¡°You made us go in there regardless of having another exit? Made us see everything down there?¡± Looking over to him Sparrow confidently responded.


    ¡°Getting to Pripyat means going through the red forest. That alone is borderline suicide. The city itself? No one has ever returned from there. We had better odds with the complex down there, or at least we thought.¡± Looking to take the argument further Sandworm was interrupted by Duke as he stood up.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Arguing isn¡¯t getting us anywhere. She hasn¡¯t got a reason to lie. Let¡¯s just move out while there''s still light.¡±


    Following his lead we scavenged what was left in the train carts in the tunnel securing the mercenaries supply of ammunition and rations. Enough to get us to the dead city at the very least. With Artur being the last to secure his backpack we marched onward into the horizon. Looking back only for a moment to see Collette standing over our dead friend one last time.


    Taking her by the shoulder I paid my last respects to the corpse as the rain began to sprinkle down becoming an absolute downpour. We never underestimated the danger of this place but now that death was staring us in the face reality sunk under our skin embedding itself in our souls. The grand illusion was finally shattered. We saw this place as it truly was.


    Collette¡¯s madness was becoming more understandable by the hour as we marched. Intrusions and whispers made their way into the corners of my eyes and mind. What I thought were dreams began to feel more like memories. Memories of being ripped to shreds or dissolved in the gelatinous tissue of some form of flora from the stars.


    The entire group seemed to feel it¡¯s effects. Even passing by the cemetery ships island and over the bridge that so few returned from we felt as if nowhere was safe. Entering the irradiated swampland on the other side we avoided the deathly bodies of water as if they were ridden with plague. Mutants found the area to be a natural hunting ground. Twisted aquatic life often threw itself onto the banks snapping towards us to be brought down by heavy fire.


    It wasn¡¯t long however until one creature found some luck in taking Line by the leg and dragging him down the gritty mud towards the water. Diving forward Flux worked his knife down it¡¯s jaw to release him as I fired into it. The others could be heard sprinting over to assist but we knew they¡¯d be too late. Just working through it¡¯s jaw in time Flux darted back before the bulbous creature that ambushed from below the water dragged Line into the deathly liquid as he flailed.


    ¡°Fuck it burns! Someone!¡±


    Dragging his soaked body out from the water steam rose from his body. The leg wound from where the creature latched on was already festering. Treating him the best we could we continued on through the swamps twisting and turning like tendrils in the earth. With Collette suddenly floating in place we discovered the area also to be filled with void pockets devoid of any matter entirely.


    Though her environmental suit kept her safe from the lethal vacuum we knew if any of us stepped into such a tear death would be just quick enough that help wouldn¡¯t arrive in time but long enough to be agonizing. Throwing her a rope and reeling her out we continued in single file petrified of what awaited us in the reeds. With more abyss jaegers joining the fray an intense firefight broke out between us and the mutants of the area.


    Finding a clean pool of water Artur, Collette and myself immediately charged forth into the small pond heavily concealed by reeds. Standing nearby each other we watched the water''s surface as gunfire broke out in the distance. Light might pass through them but they would still disturb the surface even if the rain made it hard to discern. Our years of surviving this place had taught us well in how to combat these threats but doubts began to surface once again.


    Today could be the day. Valentine had already fallen. We were in unknown territory to all but the master pioneers or the broken. The creatures that resided here would be that much more hardened than those we fought outside the ten kilometer exclusion zone. The tunnel was suicidal as it was. This place was surely teeming with worse. What chance did we stand. What hope did any of us have.


    With a heavy wet strike to my jaw I fell beneath the water submerged. Desperately rising a mess of flexible and almost gelatinous appendages came through the water entangling me as it¡¯s maw of maggot tendrils writhed towards my face slapping against my forehead trying to find a grip to rip itself forward. Holding it back with my arm and driving a knife forward the water became thick with the monstrosities blood.


    Every strike was dampened by the water and growing desperation for air. The blood now completely obscured my vision except for the maw of tendrils brushing against my face. Constantly stabbing with the knife as vision began to fail the creature was lifted from me and a hand thrust through the red cloud of gore dispersing through the water.


    Grasping the hand I flew upwards gasping for air as I broke the surface. Dragged by my chest rigging by Collette as gunfire blended with the thunder and lightning a fire started with a bolt landing near by. Throwing me down at the bank her smg lit up the darkness brought by the clouds drowning out the light. Artur stood beside her dropping another creature hoping to catch her off guard.


    Catching my breath I joined the fight. Bringing down another horde the torrential rain washed off any remaining gore. Struggling to see through the storm the abyss jaegers took the immediate advantage. Reforming after being initially disrupted and isolated we formed a perimeter to cut down the relentless attackers. After a few minutes the mutants all laid dead or retreated to try their luck another day.


    With adrenaline fading again a few of us began to fall to excruciating fatigue. Though the city was only a few kilometers away the stress of fighting and navigating the minefield of deathly tears, plantlife and waterways threatened to not only break our bodies but also minds. Every step could be our last and we only took inches with every fight. Our own blood was beginning to be spilled threatening irrecoverable infection or blood loss.


    With men collapsing without the strength to go on only Flux, Strider, Bishop, Bisso, Terra and Karte stood with the strength to go on. Leaving us behind to scout ahead they quickly returned with Flux covered in something otherworldly claiming they secured a tunnel. Burning the absolute last reserves we had we descended into the earth once more to take cover from the elements.


    With no hope of setting a fire and all our gas burners left behind to save on weight most of us eagerly broke open MRE¡¯s shovelling the desperately needed meal¡¯s into our mouths. Only Flux and Collette stood guard at the front of the cave. Looking over them she shared his look. They could see through the rain and horrors beyond. While he stood in almost unnatural and deathly manner she still contained a spark of life with her eyes darting around to something imperceptible to me.


    There might still be hope for her. Her sanity was truly fleeting but so long as she didn¡¯t stand unafflicted as Flux did I had to believe that something human was left in her. Looking through the cave Yeti and Baron were providing their jackets to Line who began to suffer vicious shivers. Infection was no doubt assaulting his body. Between radiation and whatever horrifically mutated microbe had taken hold in his body one look was enough to judge he might not even last the night.


    Not bothering to get comfortable I began to drift off to sleep. Though terrified of what might come in the night my shattered body demanded it be given the time to shutdown to recover from the ordeals of the tunnel and our hike. The next couple of days would determine our fates. If we moved fast enough and fought hard enough we might just see the sun rise without it being manipulated and perverted. If not I was truly beginning to believe the light would be snuffed out forever.

 44. Duke : The red forest

    44. Duke : The red forest


    Waking up in the morning as the light penetrated the mouth of the cave I forced myself to my feet even though every muscle burned. There wouldn¡¯t be much light and no time to waste. Waking up the others and helping them up proved arduous enough. Some sat upright with their backpacks waiting to be helped up with grunts of pain. Helping up Baron as he struggled Yeti took his time unloading a backpack and stocking up his. Looking over to him with a grin impressed he was willing to assist someone who was struggling his grave face suggested otherwise.


    Taking note of the rifle strapped to side realising it was Line¡¯s backpack I walked by to find him shivering violently as his skin peeled and flesh began to fall apart leaving open wounds bleeding freely. Going for a bandage Yeti already stepped forward pushing me back instructing me not to get any closer to him. Sheepishly I spoke out to him from a distance with a hint of hope in my voice.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Shooting over a pained look he choked out a reply.


    ¡°Fucked.¡± Not sure how to proceed I tried to convince him to stand.


    ¡°Just¡­ walk it off pussy. Only one more day to go.¡± Chuckling he let his head rest against the cold stone again.


    ¡°I can¡¯t feel my legs Duke.¡±


    Refusing to leave him behind I stepped forward again for Baron to stop me this time. Smiling Line closed his eyes again as Yeti finished transferring anything of use from Line¡¯s backpack to his own. Standing up he offered Line a pistol which he took with weak hands fumbling the gun onto his heaving chest. Being pulled away by Yeti I saw the glint of bloodsoaked teeth as Line smiled watching us leave as a broken laugh reverberated over the uncaring stone.


    Reaching the mouth of the tunnel the darkness swallowed him whole to be left behind. Spun around by Baron he marched me forward with the others while providing a dust mask. Quickly the burning sensation of muscles being consumed for energy returned but it wasn¡¯t enough to mask the pain of leaving another comrade behind.


    Reaching the forest we stopped to pull over plastic hoods and strap goggles over our eyes. The trees sprinkled down a mix of white and red ashen fallout. Throughout the area we wouldn¡¯t be able to stop or even rehydrate ourselves with the threat snowing down from above. Even under the plastic barrier the heat could be felt from the ethereal fallout.


    Looking back again the cave had disappeared behind the mess of monolithic undead trees. Being pushed forward by Baron again I noticed the slight fog in my goggles. Everything was reaching breaking point. Trudging forward every step threatened collapse. Red sap began to flow to the ground sticking to anything that wasn¡¯t the tree it originated from.


    Occasionally bubbles of the sap formed bursting once full of air. The formation gave plenty of time to evade but under so much fatigue noticing them was hard enough let alone reacting. With the sighting of a deathly bubbles someone would collapse to the ground not have to energy to quickly dart away. Once bursted they would be helped up by three people with grunts of exertion. The constant stopping and starting was proving to be too much for some.


    With a sudden burst the sap managed to cover Collette''s visor. Throwing the helmet to the ground while holding her breath she was quickly issued with a plastic hood, dust mask and goggles as her visor quickly degraded emitting a plume of smoke as it shattered and curled in on itself. The sap immediately went to reform a ball of liquid tearing back anything it stuck on to do so.


    Trying to take extra caution but ultimately failing we came across a stream of the sap. Though it would only take a small leap the sight alone was mind rending. Little things such as taking a small jump when walking was arduous enough began to tear at our minds. Every jump to collapse on the other side was met with a yelp of pain sending us further into crushing despair as our bodies failed.


    Helping up the last one who leapt over the lethal stream the trees could be heard creaking above. Paranoid we all swung readied rifles around as a blizzard of fallout embers blew in all around us. Any exposed flesh immediately burnt with a sensation previously unencountered. Hunkering down curling up in groups covering the exposed sections of our faces the blizzard continued to rage on.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Waiting for minutes Yeti stood up ordering everyone to continue on through the storm as the trees swung irregularly and violently. Pushing through the storm of embers it dawned on us that the entire forest had been turned into a tear. The longer we stayed in it¡¯s domain the worse the storm would become but it was imperative we reached the other side.


    With hands braced in front of my face the ashen fallout still made it¡¯s way to unprotected flesh leaving deep sears. Trudging forward becoming blood shod from a collection of minor wounds the hood came free leaving my hair to catch the wind of the storm as well as fallout. Quickly the intrusions and whispers became ever present behind every trunk in the surrounding walls of corrupted woodland.


    Pushing on regardless Baron¡¯s voice carried on through the storm incoherently as the harmonious orchestra insisted for me to lie down underneath the scorching storm threatening to tear flesh from bone. The residual white fallout I trode through looked so enticing and comfortable to rest in. The fact it was heavily irradiated seemed to matter less. Tempted to take it¡¯s offer a burnt skeleton could be seen being covered in the residual white bolstering my resolve to push on over a bridge towards our objective.


    Looking through my braced hands again the group seemed to disappear into the madness of the storm. Searching desperately through the coated goggles I saw nothing but the raging storm of embers. With a soft thunk looking to my right Baron had also collapsed to my side into the celestial white fallout we marched through.


    Desperately pulling him up a steam already came from the heavy sweat his body was covered in. With a cry of pain pulling his body over my shoulders after removing his backpack I stumbled forward slowly. He weighed significantly more than me and on a good day was difficult to carry. Now it took everything not to scream. My very bones felt as if they¡¯d fracture and give way under his weight.


    Gritted teeth threatening to shatter against the pressure of which they clenched together exhaling through them with pained grunts I refused to leave him to die. With the fallout clumping over my head the whispers only became louder as oily beings black as the void began to appear from behind the trees. Stomping forward with each irregular step the whispers turned to demonic hymns and the beings approached ever so slowly tightening the noose.


    Crunching forward another stream of sap began to form getting wider. The trees bled trying to encircle me and prevent progress. Behind a significant area had already been covered preventing retreat. Throwing my and Baron¡¯s weight forward it took every ounce of what concentration was left to stay upright. Throwing us both forward we cleared the distance only to land with a stuttering wail of pain. Legs finally gave way leaving me buried in the white fallout with Baron¡¯s unconscious body pinning me down.


    The fallout felt so warm and welcoming. A well made natural bed that began to bleed out my thoughts preparing me for desperately needed rest. An eternal rest. Fear and determination were replaced with content and satisfaction. I would finally be able to sleep. I wouldn¡¯t have to lose anyone ever again. Not friends or comrades or family. The oily figures closed in to hold me in their embrace. This would be the end to all of the loss.


    Rolling my head with one final effort I could see a light through the edge of the forest beaming through even the embers that flew around us. The edge of the forest. Something penetrated even this horrible storm. Digging into the absolute last reserves of strength with a cry pushing my own weight and Baron¡¯s up and out of the snow drift of fallout the comfort was quickly replaced with tearing pain once more.


    Getting to my feet with resolve failing I pulled Baron¡¯s steaming body onto my own forming a plume of pure steam from the both of us. Blood flowed down from him down my goggles impairing vision as the storm blew with increased ferocity. Muscle began to slowly tear with each step as I approached the light. Even though it was a hundred meters away each step brought us that little bit closer.


    Pushing harder the glow of the sap radiated through the ashen fallout on the ground approaching me. Stepping forward with indefatigable purpose the saps glow began to leave us in the distance behind. Thirty meters from the door I could make out a group standing at the front trying to kick it down. Fifteen meters away they noticed us rushing, or more accurately stumbling over to provide assistance.


    Dragging both me and Baron to the wall the door was finally dislodged. Completely exhausted they didn¡¯t even bother with a proper breach and stumbled in hoping the building didn¡¯t hold any hidden horrors. Once dragged in the door was barred behind us while whoever was still focussed enough tended to our wounds.


    With bandages slowly being wrapped around the torn flesh I caught a look of Baron, his chest slowly heaving up and down even if he wasn¡¯t with us for the moment. With the fallout being swiped from my hair the whispers died down while bangs on the door ceased. Closing my eyes the world quickly left my senses as the satisfaction of saving my friends life settled in over the overwhelming pain. No one else had to die. Not today at least.

 45. Pie : Emergence

    45. Pie : Emergence


    Rustling round in Sparrows backpack my microphone failed to make an accurate picture out of anything. The contents muffled every ping though occasionally a scream or yell could be heard. The world sounded so terrifying. The sounds of conflict and struggle subsided though and the bag could be heard being placed on the ground. Moments later a hand rummaged through the contents claiming a package above me and then myself.


    Ripped back into the world from the pack my pings detailed a small room which the door led out into a larger warehouse. With only one occupant in the the room I assumed it to be Sparrow. The rustling of her suit reverberated through the microphone as if she was nervously checking her surroundings. Unsure as to whether we were safe I stayed quiet until she broke the silence with a whisper.


    ¡°I think we have some time to talk.¡± Before letting her continue I interrupted with hushed joy.


    ¡°Is this the world? It¡¯s good to be out of the laboratories but is everywhere dangerous?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not quite outside the zone just yet. A little further though and it¡¯ll all be over.¡±


    ¡°What is the world like? What is sunlight like? Noah always spoke about the sun, and pie, he loved pie.¡± With a quiet chuckle Sparrow continued on.


    ¡°It¡¯s an electromagnetic wavelength. Maybe we could help you see it once we¡¯re out. Also you didn¡¯t finish your telling me how the laboratories fell apart before we were interrupted. Do you mind picking up where we left off?¡±


    I had no reason not to tell her. If anything I was glad to be given the chance to share my memories though I halted for a moment thinking about the situation. If things were as dire as they sounded while they fought their way to this point there might not be another chance to learn about the world. At the very least I wanted to hear what I already knew if only from someone else.


    ¡°If you tell me about the world I¡¯ll be more than happy to go on.¡± Surprised Sparrow stalled for a moment.


    ¡°Well¡­ um¡­ it¡¯s round.¡± Amused I gave her some guidance.


    ¡°What do oceans look like? How vast are they and what rhythm do the waves flow? What shade are plains of grass and how softly do they flow with the breeze? How does the sun feel and how do its rays diffract through the sky?¡±


    The question was followed with silence. It seemed she was lost in deep thought due to the question. Maybe she hadn¡¯t experienced such things either and was trapped like me. Assuming she was from the outside world was a foolish idea. Perhaps these people were desperately trying to at least get a glimpse of outside if only for just a moment. After processing that the question may have dejected her I immediately apologized.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to dishearten you.¡± With a sigh she quickly responded.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It wasn¡¯t you.¡±


    ¡°Have you never seen outside either?¡±


    ¡°I have. I just... can¡¯t remember. This place consumes memories.¡± The microphone picked up another ping indicating her hand went to her face. Before long she continued on.


    ¡°I think I remember the sun. It shines through lighting up the day so you can always see. Sometimes after it rained the moisture would split the light over the entire visible spectrum. During the rain the sun would still beam bright enough so you could see each individual droplet. It¡¯s warmth clung to you like a blanket keeping you safe.¡± Pausing for a moment she sighed.


    ¡°Nothing like it is here. It paints everything in lifeless shades and it¡¯s beams fail to provide any warmth but still threaten excessive damage. The clouds usually sweep over to block out and distort any comfort it might emit. Only once every few months it has a chance to rise under the desecrated air to shine like it did so long ago for only a moment.¡± Waiting awhile longer she concluded reminiscing.


    ¡°The ocean¡¯s were pleasant and the waves were so soothing. Grass was so soft you could sleep on it without any discomfort as the wind blew through with the harmony of a hidden glaive.¡± Strengthen her resolve she took her hand away from her face while bringing her knees up.


    ¡°That¡¯s why we have to get out. We¡¯re going to make this place like that again and you¡¯ll get to experience it.¡±


    Letting her descriptions loop in my processes I felt hope again. I used to listen to Noah rant sideways day in and day out while we worked on experiments. His stories always held me spellbound like hers did now. He promised one day I¡¯d be given the same senses as him. That I¡¯d be able to experience the world alongside him. One day. Maybe not with him now but one day I would experience it for myself at least for him. Sparrow spoke up again interrupting my thoughts.


    ¡°You mentioned a man named Noah. Was he from this place by any chance?¡±


    ¡°He was. He was in the laboratories. He left me in case he didn¡¯t make it.¡±


    ¡°Do you mind finishing your story on how it all fell apart then? It might help us find him.¡± Feeling entitled to her after she took the time to tell me about the world I picked up where I left off before she and her group fought their way from the labs.


    It was a nice day, or at least I thought it was outside, you couldn¡¯t tell in the laboratories deep underground but it had to be pleasant outside after the fantastic day I had with Noah. He told me all about all the wonderful things in the world like trees and animals and sunlight and pie. One day he renamed me because Pi was too cliche for his liking. He just called me Pie because I thought it sounded so wonderful from his description of it and all the different interesting types.


    It was such a wonderful day. Then something was unsettled from the ceiling before sirens started blaring. My database told me that this siren meant there was an emergency. Something trying to breach containment. Not knowing what was going on and not being able to move I did the only thing I could and cried for help. Noah being in the room with me quickly came to my aid sliding me into his lab coat pocket. As bulky as I was I think I could just fit judging from the sound of the fabric scraping down my sides.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    The sound of pattering feet continued as he ran down the corridors until finally he came to a control room over looking one of the experiments also inhabited by Frenchenko who sounded desperate for help.


    ¡°Noah it¡¯s breaking out. Get on that console we have to reinforce the sections it¡¯s trying to tear down. We were trying to dispose of it when it began to tear down a breach in the containment field. The reactor going up provided enough disruption to give it a chance.¡±


    Without a word Noah proceeded to the console. His furious typing confirmed he was at it. The two men continued for a moment until the typing ceased being so frantic and Frenchenko let out a nervous laugh.


    ¡°Too close. Could you imagine the devastation that thing would have caused if it managed to get through the field? It would have been extraordinary-¡±


    The sound of reinforced glass could be heard shattering from the one of the three control rooms. However it was not met with more frantic typing, simply the screams of the damned and Noah¡¯s quivering voice.


    ¡°Dear god it breached station three. Those men¡­ what do you think it¡¯s doing to them?¡±


    ¡°Trust me when I say it¡¯s beyond our comprehension.¡± Frenchenko continued. ¡°That should be all it has left though and the control rooms have secondary shielding, it¡¯s still contained.¡± With a sigh Frenchenko looked back to another console away from the window while Noah seemed to continue watching as I heard no movement from him until eventually he gasped.


    ¡°Frenchenko one of the men survived look! He¡¯s just standing there amongst the bodies. What is he doing?¡±


    Frenchenko rushed back to the window and the speaker broadcasted a message directed towards the compromised control room.


    ¡°Grendal get out of there it¡¯ll make another pass on you eventually!¡±


    Judging from the next response Grendal was probably just standing there dead eyed.


    ¡°Grendal snap the fuck out of it get out of there!¡±


    There was silence for a moment until Noah piped up once more.


    ¡°What is he doing at that console?¡± The sirens now ceasing to blare as the containment field stabilized.


    ¡°I have no idea. Brave bastard might be trying to finish the containment purge. Idiot probably thinks the situation is more dire than it is.¡± Frenchenko took the microphone again.


    ¡°Grendal your bravery is noted now kindly flee while you still have your life. If you want a medal-¡±


    Suddenly Frenchenko was cut off by another siren. This one far more dire. Experiment loose. It had escaped.


    ¡°How is it out!?¡± Frenchenko cried ¡°The fields are still up how did it escape!?¡± Noah spoke next in disblief and shock.


    ¡°The main bulkhead. It¡¯s open. It possessed Grendal to open the bulkhead.¡±


    The laboratory complex quickly began to fill with screams. Another siren began to whir. Purge protocols were in effect. Everything was to be destroyed but it didn¡¯t seem like that would be an issue. The escaped experiment was corrupting everything in it¡¯s path. Eventually Noah began to walk to an emergency cabinet and retrieve a prototype psi protection helmet along with a shotgun and ammunition. Loading it he was only interupted by Frenchenko putting on a headset.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t need more than one shell¡­¡±


    ¡°The hell are you¡­ Frenchenko we don¡¯t know if that works, take it off.¡±


    ¡°You were right about your little computer. It did help us out with something at least.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything stupid. We¡¯re going to get out of here. I¡¯ve got a second helmet just-¡±


    ¡°You really think you can get through the carnage that thing is causing don¡¯t you? Sure it won¡¯t flay your mind alive but it¡¯s surely releasing all the other shit we¡¯ve made over the years. Not to mention possessing everyone in between you and the exit. You won¡¯t make it.¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t know unless we try!¡±


    ¡°I still have a better chance that transference to the machine might work rather than run and gun along side you. Best of luck though.¡±


    With the final sound of a body slumping and his headset burning out Noah walked over to a console reading the writing on the screen out loud.


    ¡°Told you so¡­¡± With a disheartened chuckle he continued to read out what else was being written by the now digital Frenchenko.


    ¡°Have access to the laboratories systems. Will assist as best I can. Leave Pie here. Will look after it if you don¡¯t make it.¡±


    Finally Noah took me out of his pocket and placed me on a shelf. I began to beg him to take me regardless of the danger but he simply stayed silent for a moment before saying goodbye.


    ¡°Frenchenko is right Pie. I¡¯m probably not going to make it. There is so much chaos in between here and the tunnel. Then there''s the fact the whole area within 10 kilometers is probably decimated. If I stay here I¡¯m going to starve to death in this room. No help is coming, not for a long time. I promise you though, one day, someone will come back for you both. Stay quiet and stay safe Pie. Frenchenko will look after you.¡±


    With that he turned away with the gentle sound of the fabric of his lab coat swishing past due to the weight of the shotgun shells in his pockets providing the weight to follow through with the force of the turn. There was the mechanical sound of shotgun being cocked as Noah adjusted the microphone of the broken headset he had linked to Frenchenko.


    ¡°If you¡¯d be so kind as to open the gates of hell for me, Frenchenko¡­¡± With a hiss from the bulkhead and the creaking of it sweeping open letting infernal screams of those still underground he bolted out the door making a beeline for the access tunnel.


    ¡°That¡¯s the last time I heard him.¡± Concluding the story of how this place fell Sparrow followed up with her questions.


    ¡°Do you know if he escaped?¡±


    ¡°Frenchenko said he saw him on the cameras in the tunnel before they went out. I think he¡¯s still alive. Do you think he¡¯s still alive?¡± Sparrow held her breath for the moment. It sounded as if she had a sudden revelation over our conversation. Prompting her again she tried to hold her voice steady.


    ¡°I think I know who he was. We¡¯ll verify if it¡¯s who I think it is once we leave.¡±


    ¡°But do you think he¡¯s alive?¡± Silence followed again. Opening her mouth preparing to give further explanation I found myself quickly stashed back into the bag before another voice echoed through the room.


    ¡°What are you doing alone Sparrow.¡±


    ¡°Flux. Scared the shit out of me. Getting some time alone to recover.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been talking to yourself for minutes. We can¡¯t afford weakness at this point.¡± Pausing both Sparrow and myself felt a similar confusion. We spoke at the same volume. He would have surely heard me as well. Without missing a beat Sparrow conceived a convincing enough lie.


    ¡°Dissociating. Helps me cope.¡± Steps could be heard moving away as his voice became more distant.


    ¡°Just keep it together. Lives are resting on your capability.¡±


    With the backpack rustling again we rejoined the others while I was hidden away. After a large meal I heard them planning over how to assault Lenina avenue. The main road through Pripyat to escape. Not long after the group enjoyed a good night''s rest before getting up in the morning still completely exhausted but not devastated with fatigue. After a scream in the morning they prepared to march onward.

 46. Baron : Lenina avenue

    46. Baron : Lenina avenue


    Waking up in the morning we immediately dug into rations as well as counted what ammo was left. Everyone was exhausted but now we were given the time to rest in relative safety we felt to be at least functional. Cleaning out my rifle a groan could be heard from outside. Usually that sound would instil terror but this morning I couldn¡¯t help but let a smile break out across my face. Noticed by Duke he returned the expression. Chuckling I turned my attention to the clanking door as a wave of energy passed over.


    ¡°Not going to miss this bitch, that¡¯s for sure.¡±


    Helping himself to his feet he managed a chuckle as well. This would be the last scream we would ever have to endure. Looking around smiling I took the time to irritate Yeti calling him his dreaded past nickname papa bear. Dodging a quick swipe giggling like a fool I left him to fume. The end was so close now. Losing brothers in arms gnawed at the back of my mind, especially that of Line and Havoc but we could make their deaths mean something by living on.


    Going through a backpack left over throwing out anything I wouldn¡¯t need for the final push I managed to pack everything I needed into my webbing leaving the backpack entirely. If the city was as dreaded as it was fabled to be we couldn¡¯t allow anything to slow us down and if Sparrows extraction was on time we wouldn¡¯t need it anyway. Walking up to Duke who was taking deep breaths looking at the door I slapped him on the back of the head throwing him from his fear.


    Going to insult me he looked back to smile in response to my proud expression towards him. He¡¯d come a long way since we came here. He began as a child with foolish dreams of becoming a legendary mercenary and now he was beginning to make that a reality. No one would know of our efforts here but if he continued on with that unbreakable resolve that saved me the day prior anything would be posible for him.


    Hearing a rifle being cocked with enthusiasm from behind Bishop began to rally us together for the final trial as Flux, Benedict and Yeti prepared Collette and Fledger¡¯s broken minds for the ordeal ahead. With Sandworm unbarring the door me and Duke left the safety of the warehouse first turning rifles over every angle sluggishly. Though we were functional with a decent night''s rest crippling fatigue still threatened to take over.


    Moving forward through the last corrupted trees old crumbling buildings rose in the distance. Breaking into a field we stood for a moment admiring the dead city. Not a sound emitted from the monolithic concrete graveyard. It¡¯s streets drowned in fog looked to be filled with strange thin trees that occasionally writhed with the wind.


    Passing over the fields our expedition to the courtyard over the other side of the buildings at the end of the main road began. At that location Sparrows fabled helicopters would land at some point today. Approaching the buildings we entered the impenetrable fog immediately leading to absolute silence. All the ambience left the world except for our feet tapping over the ruined concrete.


    Splitting into two teams to cover both sides of the street I marched forward behind Duke on point while Sparrow, Collette, Benedict, Flux and Strider followed in formation behind. Looking across the street giving a thumbs up to Yeti to indicate we were ready he led Bishop, Sandworm, Fledger, Bisso, Terra, Karte and Artur.


    Pushing through the fog towards the first apartment complexes on both sides whispers broke through the silence. They sang with the voices of the dead, dying and the damned. Quickly spinning round to the voice of Line I saw Flux look past me throwing his hand forward demanding I return my attention to the front. Looking forward again as the crumbling concrete wall of the first apartment complex approached Duke stopped dead in his tracks.


    Trying to look through the mess of writhing vine like trees that penetrated the concrete I saw nothing that would cause him to stop marching forward. All of a sudden the voices stopped. Duke turned his head to face me with barred teeth and pure fear in his eyes. It was a fear we all felt in this fog encouraging sudden ambush. Giving him a nod he took a deep breath facing forward to proceed once more.


    A massive crack. Blood and cartilage covered my chest as he fell to the ground. Crashing into the concrete Duke let out a blood curdling cry as he clasped his shattered shoulder. Screaming back at the others they were already reacting.


    ¡°Sniper! Motherfucker has a bead!¡±


    Dragging Duke out of harm''s way behind the building ahead Sparrow immediately assisted me with providing aid while Flux ran through the ruined wall with Strider to clear the building as Benedict and Collette provided cover. Trying to staunch the bleeding from Duke¡¯s decimated shoulder was met with little success. As Sparrow stopped for a moment she took my arm as I pressed the bandage deeper despite Duke¡¯s writhing resistance.


    ¡°It¡¯s too much damage. We can¡¯t-¡± Before she could finish I screamed her down in defiance.


    ¡°Either help or fuck off!¡±


    Shocked she went back to trying to assist. Giving him two shots of morphine iron solution to help with the bleeding and pain I threw Duke over my shoulders so I could still fire my rifle. Moving to the breach in the wall bestial screams could be heard from the fields we crossed over into the city. I wouldn¡¯t leave him after he¡¯d endured so much. To die now would be a sick joke. Through choked coughs and system shock Duke struggled to speak.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ I¡¯ll slow you down¡­ it¡¯s not worth it.¡± Lifting my rifle and unleashing a barrage down the corridor Flux and Strider were clearing out I cried out so that even the team on the opposite side of the street could hear me.


    ¡°You''re not getting left behind! No one else dies today!¡± Throwing the magazine away loading another and cocking the gun leading through the building with Benedict, Collette and Sparrow behind me my voice cascaded through the corridor.


    ¡°Do you understand me?! We¡¯re going home!¡±


    Charging on ahead through the bloodsoaked hall Strider fired rapidly while maintaining precision. Looking over collective cultists fell on the road and from windows allowing the other team to charge across to the second apartment complex along the road. Ahead of us fallen charged forward while Flux leapt out to engage. Letting his hands fall behind to grasp ahold of a bent street sign the ruined concrete gave way. Swinging the steel bar took half of a fallens skull clean off.


    Following his example we brought down any creature he failed to dispatch. Reaching the next building as collective took positions to halt our advance Flux discarded the street sign to carve out a path with his knife while his pistol made short work of anything he couldn¡¯t dash towards. Charging up the ramp of concrete into the breach beside Strider holding down the trigger the sights of my rifle darted between targets as they fell in between muzzle flashes.


    Clearing another corridor we proceeded without pause breaching the massive building. Turning to my side a cultist leapt forward with knife ready to slash at my throat. Not reacting in time Benedict covered me shoulder barging the cultist to the ground as Collette finished my assailant. Without words we pushed on as bestial screams filled the building entering behind us.


    Reaching the exit Benedict threw back an explosive charge detonating it as soon as he considered us a safe distance from the building. The explosion initiated a slow collapse crushing the horrors within giving us a few more precious seconds. As the dust was thrown out from the buildings collapse enveloping us we ran even faster taking advantage of the visual cover offered by its destruction. Reaching the next building Strider was already at the other end of the corridor providing cover fire for the other team.


    Pushing on to the last and largest complex we saw the massive courtyard we would have to cross in order to reach our extraction site. It looked as if to be absolutely crawling with mutants, fallen, abominations and cultists. Before we could fall to despair a machine gun screamed from above. Looking up helicopters swooped in silently if not for the rush of air and gunfire. The machine guns fired ceaselessly at either the hostiles on the ground or winged fallen who seeked to bring the helicopters down.


    Rockets screeched towards the earth ripping the occupants of the courtyard apart before the helicopter responsible took an impact in the side from one of the winged fallen. Listing badly the pilot barely managed to avoid crashing into one of the buildings as one of the gunners flailed madly from being thrown out the side trying to climb back up his harness.


    With hope burning anew and rescue so close we fought with unparalleled ferocity. As Duke stilled groaned from my shoulders we reached the next apartment complex with a large restaurant in the lower floor. Preparing to breach the front and cross the massive distance of the courtyard fallen and abominations flooded in from the side. Regardless of our desperation the creatures pushed us back and as the screams became louder from the rear Strider took a desperate gambit.


    ¡°Stairs! Up the stairs we can¡¯t punch through this!¡±


    Following his order with no other alternative we charged up as the creatures got caught in the stairwell. Running up ten floors we reached the roof on the verge of breaking point. Barricading the door with whatever was available we looked for a fire escape to find none. With despair beginning to rise again it reached boiling point as we heard a helicopter approaching.


    The helicopters promising evacuation didn¡¯t make a sound. This new helicopter sounded terrifying. Wracking my memory it sounded to be something we fought alongside once before for the Russian federation. Looking down into the fog the helicopter blitzed past the barrier into the open above us in all it¡¯s terror. The Mi-24 swung around revealing a massive cancerous growth from the troop compartment with tendrils reaching into each and every weapon system. Spooling it¡¯s nose mounted minigun we all dived for cover.


    Taking refuge behind a ventilation unit the hind¡¯s rounds tore through the cover leaving both me and Duke curled up hoping a stray round wouldn¡¯t make it¡¯s mark. With it¡¯s fire traversing away I left Duke to fire on the atrocity. Sighting the rifle over the cancerous growth on the side I let loose a barrage in the hopes of doing some damage.


    With the bulbous growth reacting violently regardless of the helicopters smooth movements I took comfort in the knowledge this thing could be killed. Peeking out again after another barrage came my way I saw a rocket fly past the craft from the buildings on the opposing side. Soldiers took positions to support our escape bolstering our strength and moral. There was hope yet we could escape this place.


    Charging to new cover not to endanger Duke by attracting fire the minigun traced my heels just as I approached a new position. Reaching benedict he ripped something from his webbing and held up his last explosive charge with a grin. Turning out of cover firing with unwanted abandon the others joined in my effort to suppress the beast. Running forward Benedict dipped and dived in between cover before lurching the charge forward getting it caught in the rotor blades as it strafed the roof.


    As the shock wave emanated through the air metal and blood rained down from the craft. Somehow the helicopter remained airborne holding itself up with abominable mutations trying to compensate for the loss in lift from the damaged remaining rotors. Reloading our rifles we hesitated to see the helicopter attempting to leave the fight as it bobbled to the side. Screaming out Sparrow demanded a cease fire as bangs on the barricaded door could be heard.


    Peeking out at the other building one of the soldiers ran forward with a launcher to bring down the beast only to be cut down. Spooked the rest of the soldiers dedicated their fire to the flying atrocity exclusively. Screaming across ordering a ceasefire Sparrow¡¯s voice was drowned out by the desperate fire.


    Beginning to falter the atrocity merged with the helicopter began to list badly towards the building. Throwing it¡¯s front around it fired what rockets remained in its pods into the foundations of the building before tearing into it with it¡¯s metal carcass. A rumbling came from below as the building began to tilt forward slightly before slowly descending. Sprinting over to Duke and bracing him for the fall the foundations gave way bringing us back down to the desecrated earth.

 47. Benedict : Extraction

    47. Benedict : Extraction


    Light trickled in through the darkness. Dust radiated such fantastic flashes as the distant and distorted sounds of gunfire blared getting closer. Rolling my head peering with blurred vision through the rubble the courtyard was littered with corpses and blood. Any attempt to move was met by a disgusting jumbled feedback drowning out my nerves. All I could do was focus on breathing.


    Heaving my chest up and down vision began to focus as a shadow passed overhead. One of the winged fallen came crashing down nearby evoking no reaction. Above one of the helicopters strafed over the courtyard behind the buildings we attempted to reach firing relentlessly. They were ready to evacuate and leave. We had to get up. Who ever was left. We had to leave. Someone had to be left.


    Head lulling over to my other side I could see Sparrow clawing her way towards salvation pausing to writhe about. A trail of blood followed her spilling from crushed legs that would never heal. Flux laid to her side deathly still in a pool of blood, his body fractured and crippled. Eyes moving sluggishly Strider could be seen struggling to his feet as Baron lifted Duke once more.


    Trying to stand again brought about fading vision. No matter how much I willed it my body refused to comply. With one last attempt as the gunfire became more clear a hand clasped my shoulder pulling me up. Collette ripped us both up regardless of grievous injury from the fall while still managing to fight on firing her weapon into the dust towards the creatures barrelling towards us.


    More shots came from the buildings ahead stopping the beasts dead in their tracks. Through the dust figures emerged with blue lens in their helmets dispatching any and all threats that tried to prevent our escape. Deploying a smoke screen the remaining soldiers took both Sparrow and Flux as Strider and Baron carried Duke forward. Dragging me forward I found my footing and stumbled alongside Collette.


    Reaching the building everyone except Fledger and Sandworm were present. Not having the time, energy or courage to search for them we immediately made for the helicopters. Making our way into the courtyard five helicopters sat on the ground with rotors still turning ready to leave at a moment''s notice. Beside Collette packing ourselves into the helicopter Sparrow and Flux were loaded into another quickly joined by Artur, Baron and Duke. Bishop and Yeti threw themselves into another and Bisso, Terra and Karte boarded a fourth leaving the fifth empty.


    The soldiers fell back immediately to the helicopters distributing themselves evenly amongst them. As soon as the last man''s boots clanked over the cabin floor the helicopter took off into the sky with the others. Looking up out of the window the sky darkened filled with winged fallen beginning their descent upon us. Thrown against the wall the helicopters rushed into formation to cover each other with door guns.


    Soldiers lined the open doors firing whenever they had a chance. As we began to pick up speed one of the winged fallen crashed into the turbines of the helicopter filled with soldiers. Losing control almost instantly the craft plunged from the sky before crashing into the trees becoming a fireball to roll against the ground before being consumed by the creatures below. Shocked by the sight the pilot cried out orders to the squadron.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°Proceed to fixed wing altitude and velocity! We have to outrun these bastards!¡±


    The sky lit up with tracers once more as the door gunner reloaded. The men began to panic as more creatures blitzed past the helicopter narrowly missing us. Throughout the evasive maneuvers another soldier was almost thrown from the craft to his death. Threatening his resolve he emptied his magazine to be given an excuse to step back from the open door.


    A crash came from the cockpit as a fracture through the glass snaked over the windscreen as one of the winged fallen collided with us. Shunted by the force of the collision and flesh getting caught in the rotor alarms began to wail as both pilots frantically provided status reports desperately trying to keep the helicopter airborne.


    The disruption ceased all fire from our helicopter creating an opening on another. One of the rabid beasts launched itself in a perfect arc into the rotors of Bishop and Yeti¡¯s helicopter sending the counter rotating rotors out of sync. It began to descend spinning faster and faster until Bishop could be seen being thrown from the craft into the tips of the trees far from the city.


    Clearing the forest the plummeting helicopter made it into a field to scrape across the ground screaming to a halt in the clear. Looking back to the pilots they were beginning to lose their nerve as one held a lever on the roof ready to rip it forward. Another lapse in the fire as the gunners reloaded only unnerved them further. Looking above the horde of winged fallen prepared for a final dive ready to finish what they started as the pilot cried out.


    ¡°Now!¡±


    Ripping the lever forward the helicopter began to fall from the sky as the rotors locked together and a jet engine roared. Slamming the doors shut the soldiers fell back onto chairs as the helicopter now jet rapidly accelerated forward and out of the zone. Nervous laughs and cheers went throughout the cabin and over the comms of those who survived.


    I sat back leaning on Collette who made sure I hadn¡¯t broken anything from the collapsing apartment building. Looking over the horizon I saw the sun in all its glory for the first time in years. As Collette¡¯s hands stopped checking for anything broken I gathered she must have noticed it too. Everything lit up with more life than we ever carried but it wasn¡¯t the beauty of the sight that held us spellbound.


    Memories flooded back with sun''s embrace promoting such recollection of our lives. My son was the first to come to mind. I remembered him when Noah mentioned what we left behind and occasionally he drifted through as a random thought but now he was at the forefront of my mind. I hadn¡¯t seen him for years. He¡¯d be ten now. If I was lucky he would¡¯ve forgotten or disregarded me as a father who ran. If not he would have stayed up late every birthday remembering my promise to tell him about all the epic tales of my adventures in the zone.


    Now the veil was lifted I truly felt what I left behind though with what I had seen I knew the world was about to undergo a potentially irreversible change. My priority went from simply being able to see and be there with him to preparing him for the new world. He would have to learn young what it would take to survive. It would be a harsh life for a child but if it earnt him a place in the new world it would be justified. Joshua, you will survive, I can promise you that at the very least.

 48. Collette : Sanctuary

    48. Collette : Sanctuary


    Waking up as the helicopter clanked on a landing pad we began to descend into the ground. Once the platform came to a halt alongside the other remaining helicopters soldiers quickly left the craft assisting paramedics in placing wounded onto stretchers. Quickly carting them away we were then escorted through the facility to holding cells. While small it contained a well made and comfortable bed, desk and complete bathroom.


    Immediately I set out towards the shower. It had been years since I had a proper shower. I felt age old grim grind off my body after intense scrubbing worked it free. Spending what I thought to be an hour in the embrace of the warm running water and changing into the provided uniform I fell onto the bed as a meal was placed on the table. With a disgruntled groan helping myself up to eat the nutritious meal I found myself entering a coma as I fell onto the bed once more.


    Waking up hours later to knocking on the secured door a voice came through asking for permission to enter. Responding two soldiers entered escorting me again this time to a debriefing room where everyone sat except for Bisso, Terra, Karte, Sparrow, Flux and Duke. Most of us had some form of cast or bandage as injuries were hastily treated by personal if not deemed threatening enough to require intensive care. Entering the room from a door next to a mirror a sergeant placed out a myriad of folders in front of him.


    Sitting in silence as he skimmed through them one by one looking at photos to put names to our faces as he looked over us all wondering where to begin. Looking up to one of the privates in the room he nodded instructing him to take his place at a workstation turning on a microphone and began to type everything being said in the room as the sergeant spoke.


    ¡°I have no doubt you¡¯re wondering who we are.¡± Silence held the room as he waited for a reply. Not receiving one he continued on anyway.


    ¡°This complex is run by task force shadow fall. We combat an individual known as the arbitrator and it''s creations. Have any of you heard of either name?¡± Silence confirmed we hadn¡¯t. Convinced we didn¡¯t know anything noteworthy the sergeant cut to the chase.


    ¡°You have been brought to this facility because not only have you seen the things we¡¯re trying to protect the world from but you have also proven yourself as capable operatives or specialists in the field. Being apart of the extraction it should be no surprise that we¡¯re always looking for fresh recruits.¡± Placing his hands on the table he offered an ultimatum.


    ¡°So in this circumstance we offer a position in our forces. If you choose to join us you will be trained specifically to combat the threats you have dealt with in your exposure to the zone while also receiving advanced combat training and specialisation in your strengths. If you choose to fight alongside us you will be expected to dedicate your lives to the task force. Once you learn how dire the straits are we doubt you¡¯ll have any issue with that.¡± Artur spoke up immediately in response.


    ¡°What if we refuse?¡± Folding his arms the sergeant sighed.


    ¡°You won¡¯t be allowed to remember any of this. On top of that we¡¯ll do you the favour of helping you forget everything you¡¯ve seen these past years.¡± Artur immediately went into shock.


    ¡°What do¡­ no¡­ I have to leave but I can¡¯t forget. Everything was for her! Look! Look at these!¡±


    The private tensed up reaching for his rifle as Artur dived his hand into his jacket that he refused to change out of even forgoing a shower. Spilling out the contents of his jacket the table was covered in numerous letters and some small packages. Each with the same address written over and over again. Spreading them out over the table so the sheer quantity of letters could be realized the sergeant did his best to calm Artur.


    ¡°We can get you home son. You won¡¯t be able to take anything from the zone with you but you can go to that address.¡± Panicked he locked eyes with the sergeant.


    ¡°At least let me take my memories then! Please!¡±


    On the verge of begging the sergeant looked to him trying to find some ground to convince him otherwise but the crazed look in Artur¡¯s eyes suggested there wasn¡¯t any point. Signalling towards the mirror two more men came into the room with regret wrought over their faces moving towards the terrified boy. Grabbing as many letters as he could Artur fell back into the corner of the room.


    ¡°The letters! You must send the letters it can¡¯t all be for nothing!¡±


    With one of the soldiers trying to take hold of him he threw his arms about desperately trying to elude their grasp. Giving up with being gentle the two soldiers tackled him carrying him out of the room kicking and screaming. None of us stood to help him. I looked at him enviously. He would forget all the turmoil even if it felt so perturbing to him for the moment. The sergeant looked back to us with sorrow in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about your friend. It¡¯s the only way. He¡¯ll be given the chance to reconsider. The rest of you have two hours to decide. If you have any questions please don¡¯t hesitate to ask.¡± Benedict immediately piped up.


    ¡°I have a son. Could he train here?¡± Surprised the sergeant looked round the room tossing the proposition around in his head.


    ¡°How old?¡±


    ¡°Ten years.¡± Rubbing his eyes with one hand the sergeant looked over to the private for moral guidance. Responding with a shrug the sergeant answered the question.


    ¡°We have a program for children from the age of twelve. Mostly orphans from either the zone or arbitrator. Your son won¡¯t ever know a normal life. Are you sure that¡¯s what you want?¡±


    ¡°Positive.¡± Nodding the sergeant noted something down on a spare piece of paper.


    ¡°Very well. If you change your mind you have two years. Once he¡¯s in though, that¡¯s it.¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    After that the room went quiet as we murmured between ourselves while Strider handed the sergeant a flash drive claiming a prototype of some sort from the lab was on it. The usb quickly fell into the hands of the private in the room who ran off to deliver it to the right people. Eventually I sat with Benedict considering our options. As he went on in the back of my mind I felt like this would be the last time we would ever speak to each other.


    ¡°I can get my son here and teach him how to protect himself. The way the world is going I think it''s the only way. At least we¡¯ll be given the chance to learn how to fight properly. Strange silver lining huh.¡±


    Sitting silently next to him with my arms wrapped around my knees the demons in my mind were already beginning to resurface. All the samples and creatures I cut open flashed through my mind with the same organ present in every single one of them. I¡¯d seen all too much. Even leaving the zone the voices persisted regardless of the fact that they left the others. Looking down to me Benedict became solemn.


    ¡°We weren¡¯t fast enough were we.¡± Looking back to him holding back terror I choked out a response.


    ¡°It¡¯s there. It¡¯s always there. Even if I wanted to fight I couldn¡¯t. I just want to forget. I have to forget.¡±


    Going to try argue Benedict quickly bit his tongue. He didn¡¯t understand but he knew I was barely holding it together. This was the best chance I had at surviving. Feeling his arm wrap around my shoulders I rested my head against him. This would be the last time I¡¯d ever see him. From fighting off neighbourhood bullies to conquering everest and escaping the zone. It would all end here after all.


    The minutes ticked by as we were certain in our decisions. He would save his son from the horrors the world was yet to experience and I would be able to live happily if only for a few years. Slowly the clock ticked as we waited for the moment to be told it was time to lock in our decision. Listening to his heart beat I wasn¡¯t distraught though. My friend would live on. He would survive. There was hope again. Hope for us both. Looking up towards him he must¡¯ve felt the same thing as he smiled back.


    As bittersweet as it was when the sergeant asked for our decision we parted ways without regret. The sergeant asked the others to wait in the room to be briefed on the situation of the world while I was escorted out so that I could forget. Stopping at the door to share one last look I left with it being shut behind me as the soldiers walked towards the medical section of the base.


    Lying down in a bed a doctor and nurse approached setting up an IV. The doctor asked one last time to confirm this was exactly what I wanted and without hesitation I confirmed my wishes. With a nod the nurse penetrated my arm with a syringe and the amnesic solution was administered before the IV was connected as well. Explaining it would take around a day to take effect I let myself relax on the bed.


    It would all be over soon. The dreaded memories would fade away as if they had never happened. I would experience such bliss in ignorance. I no longer wanted to discover the mysteries of the universe. I just wanted to live and this was my second chance. With so much time though I decided to reflect on what I was about to lose.


    I was told I would remember Valentine and Benedict, just not our experiences in the zone. I could take comfort in that. The first day we entered was a mess to begin with. Ambushed by bandits and stuck in a scream. If it weren¡¯t for Noah we would have all died there. We had to make our way in that place so I did what I did best and got to researching. It was so fascinating. The organs in all those creatures. Oh god the organs.


    Lurching upward such disturbing pain ripped through my body. Screaming out the doctor immediately ran over trying to restrain my writhing. The nurse assisted the doctor as other doctors ran from the corners of the medical facility to pin me down. Something moved throughout my body deep within spreading further throughout it. A nurse provided another injection so I wouldn¡¯t have to endure another moment of the pain.


    Waking up later as if I had only blinked for a moment a secure window looked into my ward cell. To my side a machine monitored my state beeping slowly marking my heart rate. Seeing me awake doctors immediately entered with armed guards. All wore looks of concern. Eventually one of the doctors in charge of my case spoke to me after they ceased murmuring amongst themselves.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Already breathing heavily I could feel something so perverse throughout my body.


    ¡°Something is moving inside me. It keeps writhing about. What¡¯s happening?¡± Taking a deep breath the doctor went about his conclusions.


    ¡°After we sedated you we analysed your body with x-rays. What we found was¡­ disturbing to say the least.¡± Impatient with the maddening writhing inside of me I demanded he hurry with his explanation.


    ¡°Looking at your body we found abnormalities. This x-ray is of your right arm.¡± Taking a moment to give me time to breathe the x-ray was placed against the lit up board. Instantly I could I identified the structures within. The bone the tissue the veins. All was well. The doctor continued on otherwise though.


    ¡°Did you ever feel something strange about that arm?¡± Quickly responding I held back a terrified cry as the writhing intensified.


    ¡°In the final days all the time.¡± Nodding solemnly the doctor prepared another X-ray photograph.


    ¡°That explains this then¡­ this is what we found when exposing your arm to psionic excitation.¡±


    The next x-ray looked the same as before but with one horrific discrepancy. The bone and blood vessels were hidden by a networking tissue. A mutagen tissue. Something unknown inside me. I wasn''t sure what it was but I knew it would be the death of me.


    ¡°Then cut it off. Stop it before it takes hold.¡± Taking a stuttering breath the doctor proceeded to prepare another x-ray.


    ¡°If it was that simple you would¡¯ve woken up without an arm. Before I show you this last x-ray I ask you prepare yourself and know that we can save you but the procedure will be¡­ extreme. Before I try explain what we have to do, you have to see for yourself.¡±


    Slowly he clipped up the second last x-ray photograph. A full body x-ray. Looking over everything my eyes keenly picked out all of the anatomical structures seeing them as normal. I didn¡¯t feel any relief though and without words he slowly clipped up another x-ray no doubt one that was also psionically excited. Obscuring it with his body looking to me then the others who looked to be preparing for the worst he closed his eyes before moving to the side.


    The organ. The organ ran throughout my entire body making a beeline for my brain. The strands seeked out my mind to assume control. My heart rate spiked exponentially with the revelation that I was right all along about the receptors as the beeping became erratic. Moving to throw myself from the bed mad with fear the doctor leaped forward holding me in the bed.


    ¡°Stay calm! Try to stay calm!¡±


    My heart rate continued to rise as the machine tried to keep up. The soldiers assisted the doctor as I began manically laughing. This was the end. I was given hope just so the abyss could take it away. So much. So much torment just so this sick joke could be played out. Pinned down without any hope of moving as the writhing inside made it¡¯s final growth towards my skull my maniacal laughter reached it¡¯s peak as another syringe pierced my arm.


    Quickly the world began to go dark again as soldiers hurried out of the room to bring in a mechanical body still steaming from a forge. Preparing surgical equipment the doctors almost began operating before I was properly unconscious. Even though I was dead to the world I could still feel that writhing presence assaulting my very being. It brought me closer and closer to the edge that I was so terrified to look over. As the abyss was about to force me to witness it¡¯s secrets everything went black.

 49. Chairman : Debrief

    49. Chairman : Debrief


    Walking towards the command center I filed through all the reports I¡¯d been given. I hadn¡¯t even had the time to read through one of them. Continuing regardless I¡¯d have to catch up during the debriefing but I knew what the overall situation was. For the first time in years we took leaps and bounds towards being able to take the fight to the arbitrator itself.


    Picking up the pace to a jog It wasn¡¯t long before I made it to the secure glass doors. Noting my reflection it was always hard to believe my age looking only to be forty five. With effective treatment my aging process was mostly halted even if chronologically I was ninety seven. Being here from the beginning of the task force I still possessed enough strength to fight alongside my soldiers if need be. My predecessors might have died doing the same but I would fight on regardless. Besides I was too stubborn to die to the arbitrator after surviving so many of it''s plots. The doors swung open to a guard saluting me.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am.¡±


    Returning the salute putting the guard at ease I sat at the table surrounded by a collective of advisors and scientists all chatting amongst each other preparing themselves. They hadn¡¯t the time to prepare either. Conversing quickly to make sure we were all on the same page one of the scientists spoke up reporting on our findings.


    ¡°With the operation successful one of the pioneers recovered a prototype cybernetic design. Quickly going through the schematics the design should be able to be integrated into our R.E.A.P.E.R. unit to provide psionic potential to the critically wounded recovered asset ''Flux''.¡±


    The reconnaissance assault pioneers. Those who fell could now be venerated in cybernetic ensuites to fight on with unparalleled capability. Though those who were to be integrated in the suits would give up everything the R.E.A.P.E.R.¡¯s were the only technological advance we had over the arbitrator thanks to the effort of a group of genius scientists. Unfortunately one of the scientists had been critically wounded, Sparrow, but prosthetics would return her to duty at least. One of the captains spoke up.


    ¡°Can we integrate this device into all of our R.E.A.P.E.R. units?¡± Shaking his head the scientist confirmed otherwise.


    ¡°Unfortunately not. The energy would most likely corrupt the mind of the bearer. The asset is the only one capable at this point in time.¡± Another scientist took his turn to speak.


    ¡°Another asset was recovered. A self aware device from the laboratories. Listening to how to came to be it doesn¡¯t sound to be a part of the arbitrators experiments in itself but preserved by it¡¯s creator. The potential it holds in computer science could see our automated mechanized division finally bear fruits.¡± The advisor at the opposite side of the table scoffed.


    ¡°The resources involved in creating autonomous quadrupedal tanks and support drones far exceeds our resources.¡± The scientist quickly rebutted.


    ¡°When the influence expands outside of its current boundaries countries will happily provide us the materials we require to protect them.¡± Interrupting their squabbling I asked the question to confirm our findings from the operation.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°So the influence will expand beyond the zone. Is that correct?¡± Looking towards me he confirmed all our fears.


    ¡°Yes. The influence has been confirmed to be a singularity of sorts named Entity. We already know that psionic energy resides in self aware beings that are organic at least and it has been found Entity is becoming larger as it absorbs more of this energy attracting it with greater force. Studying the asset only further supports our findings and we are already receiving reports of fluctuations of psionic force on the boundaries of the zone as of today.¡±


    Nodding it seemed the final phase of our conflict was coming into effect. The next couple decades would decide the fate of our planet and possibly the universe. Going over our reports we concluded on anything else of note before one of the captains at the table looked towards me disgruntled. Continuing on for awhile before noticing his gaze again I decided to confront him.


    ¡°Is something bothering you.¡± Quickly the captain took the opportunity to lay out his concerns.


    ¡°The helicopters that landed in Pripyat. They could¡¯ve been maneuvered somewhere safer surely. The arbitrator would have known of our extraction point regardless. Did you push our men through unnecessary torment?¡± Unphased I confirmed his concerns


    ¡°It was necessary. Tell me again how many commanders have died over the years fighting for this organization.¡± He replied instantly.


    ¡°Three, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Three commanders who had seen a lifetime of battle who laid down their lives in operations like that. Situations you think to be a pointless. Why did they do that?¡± Silence held over the room before I continued.


    ¡°To prove that we will not go quietly into the night. That we are a threat and will continue fighting no matter the cost. Through surviving or even attempting these situations we prove to the arbitrator we are willing and able to fight regardless of the odds. After being at such a disadvantage for so many years I can tell you for a fact it at least buys us time in giving it something to worry about other than being cast aside as a nuisance.¡± Frustrated the captain continued disagreeing with what I said.


    ¡°We lost two entire squads throughout the final days of the operation. The operation as a whole cost us fifteen percent of our current manpower how does that prove anything-¡± Cutting him off raising my voice the captain returned to his place.


    ¡°The arbitrator believes itself above all and if we don¡¯t take such risks it will simply ignore us continuing his scheme unfretted and uninterfered. I will not let him consider the fallen simply as background noise in it''s plan.¡±


    The room going quiet I could tell the others didn¡¯t agree with my methods but with no other veterans from the creation of the task force they believed that it was the best course of action. Done with going through the folders and summing up the operational results we finished on the high note that all objectives were completed with massive additional gains before consulting the next phase in our campaign.


    ¡°With the attritional phase at an end we can now start directly attacking the arbitrator by responding to expansions of Entity. During the endgame phase we will seek out to reduce the loss of human life to inhibit Entities growth while learning how to destroy it. It is apparent now that Entity is core to the arbitrators plan and must be delayed until we can excise it from this world.¡± Looking around at my advisors, captains and researchers they all agreed it would be up to us to determine how everything would end.


    ¡°You all know our operational objectives. Begin preparation for all out war with the influence and warn the world of the storm to come. Dismissed.¡±


    With everyone leaving the table quickly I remained alone in the consultation room. Moving over to a computer I clicked through the files until I came across the digital memorial. So many names flicked up the screen until I reached the bottom. Going over the few names listed there I bolstered my resolve and reinforced the reasoning behind my methods. They will not have died in vein. No matter the struggle or the cost, we will at the very least bleed for you to be given the chance to rest in peace outside the abyss.

 50. Joshua : Conclusion

    50. Joshua : Conclusion


    Unscrewing the cap on my canteen to sooth my throat after the long tale the eight year old girl possessing eyes that glowed with the pure white of nothingness spoke with absolute wonder in her voice for the first time after clomping up the stairs asking for a story.


    ¡°Wow.... and the most important bit happened here?¡±


    She looked inquisitively past the door through her long white hair that carried down her back swept to the sides around her face but still slightly obscuring her eyes.


    ¡°Can we go in? Please please please!¡±


    ¡°No Astraea, it¡¯s very dangerous in there. We¡¯re just stopping here for the night.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m really strong! You said I was training really really well and that I¡¯d be really strong one day. I¡¯m strong now!¡±


    She then began vocalising a variation of vwoohhsshh noises excitedly as she attempted to form a ball of diluted purplish energy until it harmlessly popped in her hands as she attempted to control the concentration of background psionic energy. With a startled yelp she fell to the ground earning a chuckle from the rest of the men while she remained sat down with a highly dissatisfied look on her face.


    ¡°I trained really hard¡­ that''s not fair I did it before¡­¡± Wiping away misty eyes earned from the frustration I smiled and took a knee next to her.


    ¡°It¡¯ll take time. At your age you shouldn¡¯t even be able get close to doing that. Don¡¯t worry one day you¡¯ll be able to do even more. Even be stronger than your own Joshua. You¡¯ll be the greatest hero in history.¡±


    Astraea took an excited gasp, the wonder returning to her past frustration.


    ¡°Even strongerer than you? The besterest hero of all the places going on amazing quests like they did in the tunnel?¡±


    ¡°Even stronger than me, and far greater quests of even greater importance than what was done here.¡±


    She beamed with joy then finally took a look of concern as she thought my replies to be false. Turning everything I said over in her head she locked eyes with mine.


    ¡°You''re not just trying to make me feel better? You really mean I¡¯ll be the strongerest, besterest hero?¡±


    Her eyes were pleading for a truthful answer and it hurt so much to tell her the truth. The answer would be yes. In her words she would indeed be the strongerest, besterest hero ever to be, but at such a cost. At her age she could not understand the sheer gravity of our objectives. Should false gods come to be and pass into the new cycle of the universe hope would be forever lost stretching beyond the infinite plane of time.


    The hardships she would have to endure would be relentless over the endless flow of time into the next cycle, and the next and the next and the next assuring that false gods never came to be once she was ready to take the fight to them. Even with a companion it was sure to be a lonely existence at best.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    She would be given the decision even though it would feel like refusing wasn¡¯t an option at all and that would have to be enough to validate our actions in molding her into what was required to save the souls of sentience. Fighting back the regret that I wouldn¡¯t be able to give her a normal life where she¡¯d only ever have to chase her dreams and happiness I forced the best smile I could manage before giving her an answer.


    ¡°Yes. The strongerest, besterest hero. Stronger than me even.¡± With that she lit up with joy and she ran over to the other men taking one by the shoulders and jumping with the elation only a child can express.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to be a hero one day! Yaaay! Maybe even a space wizard¡­ I¡¯ve always wanted to be a space wizard!¡±


    With that her companion drone began to chase Astraea around the men in it¡¯s palm sized helicopter drone following her excited giggling breaking the silent misery the world was so renowned for now outside the bastions of civilisation that remained.


    The cognizant computer had a maturity of roughly the same age but seemed to be maturing with her now it had someone to relate with and learn from. Eventually she fell over catching her breath as the drone playfully darted around above her as the sun''s glow was barely visible.


    ¡°Alright, time to move again. Let''s make the most of the day.¡±


    ¡°And find some monsters to get rid of to help people!¡±


    ¡°One day Astraea, one day at a time.¡±


    With disgruntled disapproval from her I lifted her to my shoulders at the door and began hiking through the ruined land with the rest of the group with rifle in my hands. Our destination would be a facility established in the area by our organisation to continue her training, it would become our home for the next ten or twenty years probably. Marching for a while Astraea broke the silence.


    ¡°So that¡¯s how it ended? The story with the adventure tunnel back there?¡± The quizzical question was followed by my own weak laugh.


    ¡°Little girl¡­ that¡¯s how it all began¡­¡±


    ¡°There was more adventure? Whatelsehappened?!¡± She threw her body over my head so her face was upside down to mine startling me. Her glowing white eyes burning with interest and curiosity centimeters from my own face.


    ¡°GAhhughuumm it''s a story for when you''re older. It''s much more important.¡± The poor choice of words towards the end of the sentence peaked her interest further.


    ¡°More important? I¡¯m old enough to know!¡± The relentless ball of energy wouldn¡¯t cease her excitement until her imagination was quenched. How did parents keep their children''s curiosity satisfied in their spare time¡­ then again thinking of the modern age preserved in the bastions they probably just let technology quench their curiosity rather than tell them epic stories, fictitious or real, poor kids didn¡¯t know what they were missing out on.


    It wasn¡¯t time to continue the tragic story of how it all continued up to this point, however, I had plenty of other experiences in my life fighting this hellscape I could put a heroic spin on to appease her. To be honest it helped me cope with the madness of horrors I had accumulated over the years by trivialising them into children''s tales. Thinking of an appropriate story I happily proceeded to provide another to entertain her over the long trip.


    ¡°Well how about this instead. Have I told you the story of how your own Joshua managed to take out an atrocity alone with only his wits available to him to save a town?¡± One of the men behind me groaned at the thought of having to endure overhearing another one of my censored and possibly slightly altered and exaggerated version of my experiences that made the basis of the stories I told her. Astraea however giggled waiting for me to start.


    ¡°Nope, not yet!¡±


    ¡°Good, because it''s a tale that''s absolute heroic in nature involving saving people from horrible beasts and that learning sometimes your best weapon is your head.¡±


    Entranced by the new story we walked through the long untame grass that swished past our waists as we kept a vigil for any horrors. The ambient rustling lessened the tension and the morning wasn''t so fearful as her eyes stood out in the dark as the sun tried to claw it¡¯s way over the corrupt horizon. With her we had hope and that hope would see us through what the children of the singularity had revealed.

 Bio: Flux

    Flux


    Name: Philip Scott


    Blood type: O-


    Sexuality: Asexual


    Nicknames: Boneless, Freaky, Reaper, Whirlwind


    Pastimes: Training, music


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  2/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  2/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  5/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  5/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 5/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     3/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 1/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 1/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  3/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Exceptional Breacher</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born 1985 August 27 Australia. From birth Flux was reported initially to be quite a spontaneous individual. Very outspoken and emotive often being the loudest and most energetic amongst his friends. His boisterous attitude was often encouraged by his companions Hazard, Strider and Bishop leading to fights and cocky traits. This however came to a tragic end at the age of 12 when both Flux and lifelong friend Robert were shot during a shooting erupting from a failed terror attack.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Although Flux was successfully revived a number of times Robert passed away succumbing to his wounds. Afterwards Flux initially exhibited total amnesia not even being able to recall his own name or family. His rapid reaffiliation with his friends however suggested his memory returned to him at some point even though he never could comprehend he had been shot. However either the stress or damage of the near death experience left him mostly emotionless in most of his actions as well as a complete lack of interest in any sexual activity.


    As such the complete change of character limited Flux to the friends he had already made as they were the only people left that understood his afflictions that drove so many away. Flux however never felt alienated or alone due to this and stood content with life. Upon joining the army his lack of concern for self preservation in contrast to keeping his friends safe was a red flag at first but proved to be a perfect mix of focus and care.


    His motivation to join the army seemed ordinary initially. This turned out to be a falsehood apon further investigation. His motivation was to be given the tools to protect his friends and them alone no matter where they went. Proving himself to be an asset it was arranged he would fight alongside his friends in order to maintain combat efficiency.


    Quite weak with a wiry frame he was often viewed as the runt of the squad and more fit for support roles rather than frontline duty. This was disproven during hand to hand combat training where he defeated his entire cohort as well as the instructor displaying almost inhuman reflexes and prediction of his opponents movements. Such a display had him specialized as point man to capitalize on his absurd reflexes and ability to predict his opponents so well.


    During his general duties in soldiering the callsign Flux was assigned to him during training due to his continued irregular movements in hand to hand combat. This was much to the disappointment of other soldiers in his squads once they learned he was asexual leading to the nicknames Boneless in that they thought him sexually inept or Freaky due to rumors that it was just a cover for what he was really into. On deployment after being forced into a desperate close quarters fight in a defensive position where 5 in his squad died he left the bunker victorious covered in blood with only a knife earning the nicknames Whirlwind and Reaper.


    3 years in he alongside his friends made it into the 2nd commando regiment passing selection. Flux then began to hone in what could be considered suicidal close quarters combat tactics which mostly consisted of only using a knife in enclosed spaces. Those who witnessed his fighting style saw potential without parallel and he was given freedom in his engagements in urban environments where he was able to close the distance.


    At this point Flux began developing what was thought to be PTSD mumbling to himself and losing sleep. One soldier reported him to have been ¡®trying to converse with the dead¡¯ after being on an operation and going days without sleep. While noted as a concern it was eventually disregarded as a side effect of stress and fatigue that he¡¯d recover from once given time to relax. Through further demonstrations of his techniques in clearing buildings in an extremely effective use of firearms combined with hand to hand combat he eventually was selected for SASR selection.


    During the selection Flux performed with minimal physical and mental degradation in his skills regardless of excruciating fatigue and going 120 hours without sleep in final assessment. Such physical and mental endurance combined with his CQC skills made Flux a prime candidate for solo black ops in that it was trusted he would be able to handle himself while being exceptionally covert. This came into massive conflict in that he would be entirely separated from his friends and eventually voluntarily left the SASR during training then army entirely with the idea he would be losing his reason to fight.

 Bio: Strider

    Strider


    Name: Adam Moore


    Blood type: B+


    Sexuality: Bisexual


    Nicknames: AHAG, Angel


    Pastimes: Socialising, shooting, drinking


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  2/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  5/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  5/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  2/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 4/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     3/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 2/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  3/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  1/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Exceptional Sniper</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born 1985 May 10 Australia. Loud and obnoxious second only to Flux Strider was the life long friend of both Flux and Robert. Early in their childhood Strider was confronted by Bishop over the last ice block in a container during an especially hot Australian summer. The ensuing fight was broken up by Hazard who assisted Bishop as Flux cheered Strider on regardless of Robert trying to shut Flux up.


    Though bloodied and bruised the two boys respect each other with the fights result and shared the last ice block as Strider conspired to destroy summer which Flux and Hazard eagerly agreed to assist with. Though their campaign against the unrelenting heat was met with decisive defeat Bishop and Hazard became equally irreplaceable friends alongside Flux, Strider and Robert.


    With a conflicted family life that led to a general disregard to authority in not being able to respect either his parents or peers he turned to his friends for guidance in life. Having them around kept Strider from going off the rails or otherwise getting in trouble. Other than some destructive antics driven by Strider with his friends earning a slap his childhood was laced with conflict at home but otherwise manageable with the tranquility offered by his friends.


    This tranquility came crashing down the day Flux and Robert were shot. Upon hearing the news both friends had been shot with one dead and the other dying in hospital Strider developed depression shortly after not being able to cope with the loss of his friend. During his teenage years he became incredibly volatile threatening his future with run ins with the police due to his increasingly wild behaviour. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Though only 15 Strider became reliant on drinking, drugs and sex as a way to deal with the shock of having lost a friend and another being left unrecognisably mentally scarred. With Hazard¡¯s constant vigil and Bishop eventually fighting, subduing and dragging Strider out of a drug den as Strider¡¯s addictions spiralled out of control at the age of 17 he was saved from ending up as nothing more than a junkie.


    At the age of 18 barely scraping by an acceptable mark to pass his high school career his friends gave him hope that making it through gave him the chance to make something of himself. At the age of 20 Strider convinced his friends to join the army with him motivated with the idea of being taught to protect them like they did him and find something more than bouncing between part time jobs.


    Initially Strider was seen as a poor candidate with his initial disrespect for authority and concerning childhood displaying tendencies of addiction. He was screened further if only out of reluctance and results found he was well suited in that he desperately craved for peers he could respect which saw him enlisted alongside his friends. Strider found the army to be everything he hoped it to be in which he found himself underneath leaders he could respect and follow the example of those around him as their equal even amongst his friends.


    During training Strider took an immediate appreciation to marksmanship. Focussing only on his breathing and the target he found himself to be calm and relaxed for the first time in years which left him practicing every spare moment of time he had on the range. His enthusiasm for long range shooting saw him lose complete interest in his previous addictions as he performed what could only be described as a ritual in focussing his breathing and aim every day. Such dedication to his shooting saw him specializing in a designated marksman role.


    In his duties as a soldier he acquired the callsign Strider for his smooth movements in between shots as he relocated to different positions quickly while maintaining his aim. Upon his squad finding out he was bisexual he was aptly named AHAG by one of the more quick witted soldiers after a crude joke, AHAG being and abbreviation to ¡®Any Holes A Goal¡¯. Strider was reprimanded the same day for injuring a fellow soldier earning him and his friends a month in an outpost in the middle of a desert without electricity or amenities.


    One notable engagement during an offensive on a town saw Striders squad under heavy fire quickly mounting casualties while trapped out in the open. With expert prowess Strider rapidly eliminated gun teams and other high value targets which allowed the wounded to be moved to a safer location. Though mostly unrecognised by higher ups the squad felt indebted to Strider for his combat skill allowing the recovery of every man from the failed assault and earned the nickname Angel.


    3 years into his career Strider started to become disillusioned in the supposed leaders he was server under. He no longer viewed them as respectable peers but simply people who demanded respect rather than earned it which began to bring out his conflict with authority putting his career at risk. His friends however encouraged him to attempt commando selection where he once again found leaders and soldiers worthy of his respect. Once apart of the 2nd commando regiment he developed his marksmanship to become one of the most competent shooters in the regiment.


    Though Strider had worked through his issue with authority once more he was beginning to develop an entirely new issue in that he felt himself and more importantly his friends were nothing more than a resource to their country. Keeping his concerns to himself he simply soaked in the grandeur of working with special forces and the respect he felt for them and himself on achieving his position. The constant feeling of his friends being expendable over a mission loomed over him during the night and his resolve was constantly tested by his superiors.


    This did not deter SASR selectors who deemed they¡¯d be able to break Strider and make him into the true soldier he aspired to be. Pushing through the rigors of selection proved extremely trying for Strider almost washing out at one point not being able to keep up with the excruciating stress inflicted on his physique. An iron will saw him through to the end alongside the few that still stood and he was accepted into the SASR training program.


    The training program ultimately broke Strider but not in the way the SASR intended. Strider intoxicated by fatigue and mental stress became overwhelmed by his disillusionment regardless of his respect for his peers. Eventually he conflicted with a superior who was goading to break him in an effort to test his resolve. The heated argument ended with Strider shouting that he wouldn¡¯t leave his friends to die over a mission no matter how important it was and that the country could go fuck itself. Minutes afterward Strider was quickly discharged from the training program as being an unsuitable candidate leaving nothing for him in the army.

 Bio: Bishop

    Bishop


    Name: Matthew Reynold


    Blood type: AB+


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Yankee, Grunty, Ace


    Pastimes: Video games, motorcycling, thrill seeking


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  3/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  4/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  4/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  3/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 3/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     5/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 3/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  5/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Exceptional Rifleman</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born 1985 March 9 in the USA into a family of strong military traditions with 3 brothers and a sister Bishop was the youngest of his siblings. The family moved to Australia when Bishop was 5. Establishing himself as an argumentative character instilled from his family always telling him what to do he quickly learnt there was often a reason behind what he was being told to do and while he continued to complain he always completed what he was set out to do.


    During one especially hot summer Bishop found himself in a dilemma against another boy his age as both reached for the last ice block in a container. Not having made proper friends yet he relied on what his parents had taught him to deal with the social confrontation. He knew he wanted the ice block and wanted it for himself, he knew there was only one left, he knew that this other boy wouldn¡¯t give it up and he had to be strong about the situation. So he punched him in the face.


    The ensuing fight lasted for a minute and before anyone supervising took notice another boy protected Strider while pulling Bishop back. Both equally bruised and bloodied the boys came to an agreement to share the ice block. Bishop developed an immediate respect for Strider as he fought for what he wanted as well as Hazard for stepping in placing himself in harm''s way to stop the fight. Bishop also became close friends with Flux and Robert as the 5 friends fought valiantly against summer. Bishop entrenched himself as one of their lifelong friends as he threw himself yelling onto the hot asphalt of summer burning Striders feet combating it with a bucket of water earning a variety of grazes.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Though initially being what could only be described as a spastic child Bishop developed a rather calm exterior as he developed an addiction for adrenaline and with the encouragement of his parents took part in paintball tournaments at the ripe age of 10. He quickly developed a sense for tactical awareness and fearless movement under fire. By the age of 12 with Flux and Robert being shot Bishop found his resolve tested and passed it with flying colours. He sat by Flux alongside Hazard in getting him back on his feet and constantly reprimanded Strider for his destructive behavior all while maintaining his impressive academic record and performance during paintball tournaments.


    At the age of 17 Hazard tipped off Bishop that Strider was essentially attending a drug fueled orgy. He sped over on the motorcycle his parents had bought him to recover Strider. Shouldering past the door and blind drunk occupants of a run down apartment Bishop found his friend preparing to try out harder drugs. A massive argument broke out between the two leaving Strider breaking down entirely and ignoring Bishops orders for him to leave. Having lost Striders attention as he fell apart wailing Bishop relied on what he knew would win against Strider. He punched him in the face. While stunned Bishop dragged Strider out onto the curb while he talked him down as Hazard brought round a car to pick Strider up.


    At the age of 20 Bishop had reached a professional level of paintball when Strider proposed they all join the army. Finding both motorcyle riding and paintball ceased giving him the rush he craved as well as it falling within his family''s military traditions he agreed immediately. Screening found him to be an exceptional candidate and with his strong academic back ground he found himself being trained a combat medic with the potential of additional officer training. Though he performed well in both fields his true potential was found in frontline warfare as a standard rifleman. With all those years of paintball paying off he excelled with further guidance in tactical movement to the point where instructors joked he could¡¯ve traversed Gallipoli alone.


    He excelled even further in the field going past even veterans expectations as he assaulted position after position regardless of the land even though he¡¯d complain constantly about the disadvantages of different terrain earning the nickname Grunty. His ability to move to almost any position he needed to be at gave his squad the absolute tactical edge that saw most attacks as successful and those failed done with minimal casualties. Awarded with numerous medals throughout his career for his bravery and combat intelligence he was highly respected by equal and peer alike earning the callsign Bishop after Yankee and Ace weren¡¯t deemed good enough titles for him. Even the chaos of battle became standard though and eventually boring. Bishop felt as if regulars were holding him back from getting the adrenaline rush he craved for and eventually applied for the commandos 3 years later.


    Bishop was an immediate fit in the regiment. His strong personality and sarcastic humor under a calm professional exterior earned him a strong cadre of friends within the 2nd commando regiment after passing selection without issue. He furthered his battle craft alongside his new comrades and became a soldier of renown amongst them. He performed most duties with a competency well above average of most in regiment but still remained a rifleman not specializing in anything specific leaving him off being the best of the best in any particular duty.


    Eventually as with the rest of his friends the SASR reluctantly handed Bishop a selection course invitation which Bishop took arrogantly towards their reluctance. Bishop found the course to be the most challenging situation of his life up to date. He found himself completely unsuited for the specialised roles the SASR demanded and passed solely on a combat score which barely saw him past the line and accepted into training.


    During training it was found however that Bishop was indeed a rifleman through and through and nothing else. While his combat skills were highly regarded his lack of ability to specialize for duties of the SASR saw him respectfully discharged from the training course. He was ensured that the commando¡¯s were the perfect place for him even though he began to get bored of that as well.

 Bio: Hazard

    Hazard


    Name: Martin Kilter


    Blood type: AB+


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Bearcat, Teddy, Tank


    Pastimes: Exercising, reading, cooking


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  5/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  2/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 1/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  4/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  2/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 3/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     4/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 5/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  3/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Exceptional Support</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born 1985 February 13 in Australia into a conservative family with 2 younger sisters Hazards childhood life was comfortable and healthy. Always supported by caring parents and engaged in sibling rivalry to promote a sense of competitiveness. Paired with his massive frame even for a young child Hazard became an extremely competent athlete. Training regularly and dominating sports saw him thrusted into the spotlight where his polite and caring attitude earned the place of being one of the most popular children in the neighbourhood.


    On one eventful summer a fight had broken out between the new kid and loud mouth over an ice block. Without effort Hazard stepped in to protect them both from each other while pulling Bishop away. Impressed with the resolution of the two to share the ice block and Bishops admiration of Hazard he quickly found himself roped into the antics driven by Strider as the muscle of the group which he thoroughly enjoyed.


    One such event occurred during operation ¡®attack summer¡¯ where the boys fought against the sun to cool down the day where Flux and Robert cheered Hazard on as he launched bottles of water at the sun. Though it left the boys wildly impressed with the distance he could throw it wasn¡¯t long until a window was shattered and the 5 were reprimanded, Strider earning a slap from home.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    With a strong base of close friends behind him Hazard furthered his aptitude for sports dominating his local competition. By the age of 11 he was competing at a national level for his age group. What could have been a very promising sporting career from such a young age was placed in jeopardy at age 12 when Robert and Flux had been shot. The loss of a friend and damage to Flux completely displaced Hazards priorities from sport to the condition of Strider. Desperate not to lose another friend he took as much time as he could allow to keep an eye on him and tried to keep him away from destructive behaviours even missing competitions in order to do so.


    At the age of 17 Hazard found out through his vast connections of friends that Strider had completely flown off the rails. Not knowing how to proceed he contacted Bishop who immediately hung up to deal with the situation. Knowing full well his friend would drag Strider from the building kicking and screaming Hazard drove to take Strider back to a more comfortable place. Upon arriving Strider appeared broken and avoided eye contact for the trip home until Hazards family offered Strider a place to stay so that he might recover. With Strider finally in check and under constant watch Hazard returned to what he loved full time.


    By the age of 20 he was once again performing at a national level in numerous sporting events. This became derailed once again by the hand of Strider as he suggested they join the army. Hazard was the only one of the group who rejected the idea and debated it¡¯d be best for all of them to aspire for a simple life. With his pleas reaching deaf ears and terrified of not being able to support his friends he eventually joined the army as well in order to keep them safe regardless of his wishes.


    Screening found Hazard to be a traditional candidate from a strong background of sports with a strong sense of camaraderie. Being at the peak of his fitness he trumped almost every other recruit during training again earning him a wide variety of friends throughout the barracks he was posted. It was here he earned the nickname Bearcat for being able to tear a man in half but remaining polite and caring which most took advantage of. The nickname were quickly dispelled as Hazard easily proved he could be quite the opposite when pressured.


    While initially dreading what army life would bring Hazard found himself actually thoroughly enjoying the demanding physical aspects of an infantryman while working outdoors most of the time. Once comfortable with his career choice he openly displayed a fascination for heavy weapons and specialized in weapons and fire support. His massive frame let him handle the weapons with ease and allowed him to bring an incredible amount of firepower to bear on targets earning the callsign Hazard.


    During his career a firebase he and his squad were positioned in came under attack from an unprepared flank. Under fire and with hostiles closing in rapidly Hazard knew the weight of fire had to be swung in their favour. Aided by the rush of combat Hazard relocated by himself 4 M2 Browning heavy machine machine guns with tripods and ammo weighing a total of 80 kg per trip hastily to the front. Even after running the 4 guns Hazard then ran a M2 Browning heavy machine gun with a sling himself to operate the weapon alone firing without the support of a tripod to assist his comrades. With this feat Hazard also earned the nickname Tank for the sheer size of weapons he was able to operate.


    3 years into his career he sought out further physical challenges and saw the commandos selection course as the perfect test. Passing with flying colours he once again made a strong base of friends this time in the 2nd commando regiment. However it was here that Hazard once again began to dread what army life would bring. Often outspoken in finding the seemingly indiscriminate killing disheartening he continued regardless in supporting his squadmates in a fire support role more focussed on suppressing the enemy than killing them. His main drive to fight eventually solely became keeping his lifelong friends safe rather than for his country.


    Being so outspoken with the displeasure he took in killing enemy combatants in wars he didn¡¯t believe in Hazard was the only one out of the 4 friends not to be offered an invitation to the SASR selection course. With his friends all opting in Hazard lost all motivation for his career as a soldier and resigned as he could no longer fight alongside them to protect them. Wishing them the best he returned to his sporting career which he excelled in furtherwith potential to compete on an international level in the olympics.


    He rejected this however on the news that all 3 of his friends had left or otherwise been discharged from the training program and upon hearing Striders plans Hazard agreed instantly. The idea of being able to adventure and fight only for themselves only having to kill when absolutely necessary struck a chord in Hazard that while their lives might not ever be simple they¡¯d always be exciting and this way he¡¯d always be able to protect the people he cared about.

 Bio: Noah

    Noah


    Name: Klaus Lange


    Blood type: B-


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Mentor


    Pastimes: Lecturing


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  2/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  4/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  4/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  2/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 1/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     2/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 4/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  5/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Exceptional Pioneer</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born East Germany 1958 October 2. After the country was split between superpowers following the end of World War 2 a massive emigration movement into West Germany saw the slow but certain closing of the borders. With Noah¡¯s birth into a family consisting solely of his parents and older brother his parents conspired to emigrate themselves to the west to give their children a better life. 3 years of planning failed to bear fruit however and with the completion of the internalized railway in the country the Berlin wall had begun construction in 1961.


    Overwhelmed by the anxiety of what they thought to be failing their children Noah¡¯s father attempted to find a breach in the wall still being constructed in the dead of night. After 3 days the family assumed him captured and no doubt placed on the watch list of the secret police. With a knock on the door a week after Noah¡¯s father went missing assuming the worst Noah¡¯s mother hid the children while his brother comforted him as officials entered the building.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Shortly after his mother revealed where the children were hiding opening the closet with tears streaming down her face though not of despair. Taking them by the hand, giving them a final hug and asking Noah¡¯s brother to protect him she handed them over to the mysterious well armed officials who promised to give the children a better life in the West. Playing on their mother''s fear Noah and his brother were assimilated into a clandestine organisation without suspicion as residents assumed the family was taken by the state.


    While his brother was deemed suitable for a combat role the test¡¯s Noah endured found him more suitable for an academic role. At the age of 6 Noah was placed into an advanced learning program alongside children of the same age. Throughout lessons the students were constantly reminded that serving the organisation would save the universe. Being one of the few who still remembered a simple life Noah felt it nothing more than cultist ravings and aspired to escape.


    Years went by as Noah harvested the fruits of what the organisation offered becoming an expert in the field of physics and neurology as well as being competent at handling a rifle and defending himself at the ripe age of 16. At the age of 18, having not seen his brother for 6 years and the upcoming event of ¡®enlightenment¡¯ which would give purpose to their teachings Noah put his plan to escape in motion. With the plan running like clockwork he escaped back into the world without opposition from the institution he was being held all his life.


    After being taught how to survive Noah got by with relative ease with what he had learnt eventually signing up with the Western German army shortly after finding a recruitment office. With his skill set he rapidly rose in position and title being assigned to a research black site in Ukraine at the age of 25 where he was given his callsign Noah. During his assignment he heard through the grapevine that the institute he was held at most of his life had been turned into an asylum. With an investigation after Noah¡¯s report it was found the children he grew up with were being discharged after being treated for total amnesia and physical disabilities slowly re assimilating back into the world.


    Continuing his studies for 3 more years during which he fathered a child at the age of 27 on the 26th April 1986 the chernobyl accident occurred compromising the black site. Without government support due to the nature of the operation the occupants had to rely on themselves to exit the zone though most perished to what was unleashed due to the event. Noah survived on his own for years regardless of the horrors unleashed assuming the whole world to be consumed by the seemingly otherworldly creatures which now occupied the area.


    Surviving for years off the land and rarely moving from the area where the black site was situated Noah eventually made contact with some of the other first pioneers who informed him the world had not ended and continued on outside of the newly formed exclusion zone. Striving to find the edge and escape he witnessed a heavily guarded perimeter keeping the creatures that appeared within its boundaries. Not having any identification due to the nature of the operation he was apart of so long ago and not being able to find an escape he settled in the zone forming one of the very first pioneer camps Ilovniza village.


    Having survived for so long and increasing his knowledge of the area every day Noah acted as a consultant, teacher and on the odd occasion a leader for the pioneers who entered for their own ambitions. To this current day he mostly enjoys the security of the camp, hunting occasionally to keep his skills honed while planning to complete unfinished business in the zone so that one day he can finally see his child again and try to find his brother.

 Bio: Artur

    Artur


    Name: Artur Peters


    Blood type: O+


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Weasel, Booker


    Pastimes: Drinking, reading


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  2/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  1/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  2/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  2/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 4/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     2/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 1/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 1/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  1/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Average Seeker</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born in Ukraine 1993 June 15 the country was already in a deep recession due to the Chernobyl disaster. With his family of a brother, sister, mother and father falling into poverty all 3 children did their best to support the family. Artur¡¯s eldest brother at 12 years had managed to find a job in a bakery while his sister aged 5 looked after Artur in his infant years as well as doing the housework. Even though the family scraped by they managed to do so while maintaining their home life.


    6 years old Artur was already fed up with how they lived and strived for more telling his family that one day he¡¯d find the money to buy them a nice house. While they tried to drive the reality of the situation into Artur¡¯s head they entertained the possibility that maybe one day he¡¯d achieve something greater and fueled his ambitions supporting his wild dreams rather than crushing them. His sister regularly antagonized him over his ideas to tease him but always told him if he tried he could achieve anything.


    Artur and his sister developed an especially strong bond as he tried to fight off other children that harassed her and she tended to his bruises. Though the family was close as a whole Artur and his sister were the main driving force keeping them together as their older brother sought out greener pastures in the army to support the family. This proved to be a poor decision as it only supplied enough for himself and pittance to give to his family while being locked into service and unable to provide for them otherwise. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    As their parents became increasingly worn down by day to day turmoil of working far too hard for the same stale loaf of bread Artur began taking interest in gangs of children so he could steal to provide what his family needed. His sister as a result spent the meager savings she put aside for textbooks on candy to bribe her brother to stay out of trouble under the guise that things weren¡¯t so bad if she could afford to buy treats for him.


    At the age of 12 Artur¡¯s sister fell critically ill. Barely managing to put together the money to see a doctor the cost of the treatment required saw her stoically accepting that her death was rapidly approaching. Wrought with grief and anger as the surrounding community refused to help and without his sisters guidance Artur turned to a life of petty crime to pay for her treatments. Through sheer determination and dumb luck Artur was able to put together enough money to get his sister on a basic treatment plan.


    Though his parents always questioned where the money came from they never punished Artur for his actions in that they knew without his help their daughter would surely die. As such Artur continued to make connections with the local children gangs and eventually working for one of the criminal syndicates in the area running equipment to dead drops. By the age of 16 he was in charge of bookkeeping and a competent fighter from surviving bloody conflicts with other criminal syndicates which occur regularly due to the police turning a blind eye.


    At the age of 18 Artur spent a night with his family including his brother being able to afford time off from the smuggling operation. During dinner his both his parents and brother admitted a crushing guilt that Artur had to rely on such methods to keep their family afloat which Artur waved off with it just being what he saw as what he had to do. Later in the evening walking through the streets with his sister who stopped for breath due to the scars inflicted by previous illness Artur apologized for not having done enough so that she could make a full recovery.


    His sister simply laughed and told him that she¡¯d never been more proud to see someone make something of themselves. Upon asking whether she questioned how he¡¯d achieved supporting himself and family she simply replied that while she was concerned for his safety she didn¡¯t care so long as he was happy.


    Sitting on a cobblestone wall she began painfully reminiscing over how she always dreamed of going to university to become a scientist and study the zone, even if it were just a few blades of grass to see the effect the wasteland had on it. Now with her scarred lungs even if she could afford to go she wouldn¡¯t be able to venture out into the zone. Turning over what his sister had told him about her dream Artur made a life changing decision.


    In 2011 pulling some strings Artur acquired some basic equipment to defend himself and discovered a group of outlaws friendly to the syndicate to work with. Upon entering the zone Artur found himself ill equipped, ignorant and unprepared for the zones horrors even at the border. In trying to leave the corrupt members of the army failed to mention they refused to smuggle people out of the zone and almost shot Artur on the spot.


    Unsure as how to proceed Artur eventually rendezvoused with the outlaws he was assigned to meet. In only a few days the men proved themselves to be hardened criminals who could keep Artur alive as well as take his life at any moment. They killed without remorse and eventually turned against the other outlaws in the area making profit only for themselves. Artur however managed to survive their company and spent every free moment away from them taking samples of plants, catching strange bugs and even finding the discharged fragment of an artifact.


    Each finding Artur would carefully package and list the potential hazards as best he could while writing a letter to his sister. Sending the packages through the corrupt soldiers he never knew if the packages would ever reach her or even leave the zone. Artur continued though as it became his driving force for survival even when he began to forget the purpose of sending the packages. The reason became more faded every day as his letters became less frequent. One day in the same year he forgot entirely why he was sending the packages. All he knew was that it was what he lived for. To send these packages to the address he wrote so many times while his companions made shadier deals with the wrong people in the zone.

 Bio: Tarasov

    Tarasov


    Name: Alexei Vasilyev


    Blood type: A-


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Ringer, Failsafe, Victor


    Pastimes: Exercising, training, socialising


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  4/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  3/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  4/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  4/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 1/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     4/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 4/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  3/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  1/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Specialist Soldier</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born in Russia 1972 March 9 as the sole child of a patriotic family Tarasov grew into an example of his parents. Being quite athletic he enjoyed a comfortable childhood with close friends in the neighbourhood. He learned to shoot from a very young age and took an interest in joining the army with the support of his family at 12 years of age. This comfortable childhood began to fall apart at the age of 14 following the chernobyl disaster.


    The disaster crippled the country as it attempted to recover throwing it into debt. The strain was felt by Tarasov¡¯s family as their lifestyle began to degrade. While maintaining a modest living Tarasov saw the newly formed zone as a cancer sucking the life out his neighbourhood turning his ambition to finding a solution to either solve or destroy the zone. Not being an academic however he leant towards the army even further to be given the tools to at least keep it contained while someone else figured out a solution.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    At the age of 18 Tarasov enlisted immediately with selectors becoming aware of his inspiring zeal for his country. During training he was a model recruit and inspiration to those around him as he pushed himself to his limits to be the best soldier he could be. At graduation Tarasov saw himself at the top of his class and took up a position in the VDV from an initiative looking for exceptional recruits. Once he had completed his training he first saw action in the first Chechen war in 1996.


    The war devolved into chaos on the front¡¯s Tarasov fought on which ended up incurring massive civilian casualties. Bloodied and shaken his resolve was tested when both sides devolved into using desperate and unethical methods as commonplace tactics. Tarasov¡¯s faith in his country was eventually broken after an airborne operation went wrong after deployment and he and his men were abandoned behind enemy lines. While most surrendered to the separatists Tarasov made his way back to the Russian line miraculously without being killed. With the war at an end in 1996 with Russia¡¯s withdrawal Tarasov was given plenty of time to reflect on the horrors he had seen and try rebuild his patriotism.


    Shaken by the carnage he had seen Tarasov simply set out to complete the service he owed to his country and hopefully leave the armed forces at some point. In 1999 however with the second Chechen war Tarasov once again saw service in the same location he came to dread. A brutal assault was launched once again seeing the same atrocities of the last war coming back to life. By 2000 the war had seemingly come to an end but he saw himself fighting insurgents for 9 long years before the war was finally declared over.


    At 37 years of age and his mind being torn apart by the horrors too numerous to mention he generated an unhealthy obsession for the zone in which he blamed both wars on. In his mind all the friends he¡¯d lost and the great depression in his country he so desperately wanted to love all fell during the chernobyl disaster in his mind. Upon hearing of the crusaders in the zone in 2010 he left without hesitation to infiltrate the area to finally destroy his arch nemesis and apparent antagonist in his life.


    Infiltrating without issue and quickly finding a crusader force it took very little convincing to be placed in a crusader unit. Tarasov fought numerous cerberus cell¡¯s and being well accustomed to counter insurgent warfare absolutely excelled in his role. His terrifying zeal was given purpose anew as he fought for his comrades in arms which he grew to respect immensely as they protected the pioneer populace from the menaces deeper within the zone.


    By 2011 he was already a renowned crusader in the south of the zone. He regularly fought in bare fist boxing matches earning the nickname Ringer and eventually Victor. His friends also called him Failsafe as a bet on Tarasov was a bet won. Fighting alongside his friends within the 10km exclusion zone where otherworldly threats were at their height saw their demise however. While navigating a tear field a few of his squad were lost to gravity fluctuations blowing some apart with tremendous force.


    Ill equipped and without the knowledge to traverse the area safely the situation became critical as a cerberus unit took full advantage of the tear. Half of the squad remaining perished in seeking out cover alone while the other half fell one by one not being able to safely move and find cover amongst the deadly tears. With the hit squad leaving their hunting ground Tarasov clawed his way back to the cemetery ships agreed as neutral ground and was given medical care until he was ready for duty.


    In 2012 Tarasov was given assignments closer to the border of the zone to protect the outlying areas from the increasing aggression the zone emitted. Though he saw less conflict or horrors a fire continued to burn deep within his soul. An absolute iron will drove him forward in his duties never relenting or hesitating to destroy the forces of the zone or those who pledged to protect it. Mutant, cerberus, collective or otherwise they would all fall beneath his righteous fire wherever they hid. The world would not be taken by this perverse corruption as it destroyed what he loved most in his mind.

 Bio: Lewis

    Lewis


    Name: Mickey Hall


    Blood type: B+


    Sexuality: Homosexual


    Nicknames: Scholar


    Pastimes: Reading, cooking, exploring


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  2/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  2/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  2/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  2/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 3/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     1/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 2/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  2/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Trained Scientist</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born in the United Kingdom 1990 July 25 into a highly religious and wealthy family Lewis enjoyed a very comfortable lifestyle. An ordinary childhood without drama while attending highly prestigious schools and participating in shooting teams which he utilized to the fullest achieving a very impressive academic career even as a child. Complications were only introduced at the age of 14.


    Feeling as if something was out of place he quickly realized he was attracted to the same sex. Regardless of his religious or prestigious background however he wore his sexuality with pride and explained this to his parents with confidence regardless of the backlash it might implicate. Though initially shocked and turning away some of the families close friends his parents continued to treat him as the same son as he was before.


    While facing harassment from others he continued to be himself regardless of what others thought. At the age of 18 at a pub with friends he met his future partner after a brawl erupted between Lewis¡¯s intoxicated group of friends and another group of drunks as they continued to insult him. Leading the brawl himself he and his friends emerged victorious. Driven by the rush of victory and goading the defeated group of drunks he was pulled aside by another man his age who chastised him for exacerbating the situation further.


    Dismissing him he later found the same man in his biology courses at university. Initially disrespecting each other the two eventually became friends as they worked in the same course. From there on the same man stood by his side pulling Lewis away from rash actions after being agitated by sexist or homophobic remarks. In a way he saw it as the man looking out for him but became increasingly agitated feeling as if he wasn¡¯t being given the right to fight back.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Another night in a pub he found his friend being pushed around by the same group of drunks he¡¯d beaten up months ago. Before reaching the group to defend him he realized the men were attacking his friend for the same reason they initially degraded Lewis. Furious he immediately set out to start a fight even though he was outnumbered.


    A glorious brawl broke out that was etched into the very pub itself. While outnumbered Lewis had fought in more pub brawls than was best mentioned and eventually came out victorious if not heavily injured. Without a moment going by as the fight finished Lewis began chastising his friend for letting them push him around without putting up a fight which was quickly smothered by his friend throwing his arms around him. Muttering a quick thank you his friend left the establishment leaving Lewis with paramedics to be treated for his injuries.


    The following days once Lewis was discharged from hospital saw the two constantly debating whether it was best to fight and beat all your opposition or lay low and fight with more peaceful means. Eventually the two came to an agreement that both their methods had their merits in that they might be forced to defend themselves but should only be forced to fight only when absolutely necessary.


    And so the two continued looking out for eachother, Lewis defended his friend the best he could without drawing blood and his friend pulled him out of trouble as the red mist descended. By the age of 20 both of the men had become popular and respected advocates for LGBT rights in the United Kingdom as well as developing a relationship. His friend now partner respected the fire in Lewis to fight for what he believed in even if it had to be reigned in occasionally and Lewis loved his partner for sticking by him no matter what trouble came his way.


    At the age of 21 Lewis became absolutely fascinated with the zone and saw it as an opportunity to become a highly prominent figure in the scientific community from where he could drive LGBT rights further forward with title and power. His partner was naturally against the idea with the possible threats in the zone. Lewis eased his concern joking about all the fights he¡¯d been involved in and lifelong shooting should prepare him for anything. In a more serious tone he promised to be back in a year.


    With some connections to cerberus being revealed to Lewis through professors at the university he was smuggled into the zone by cerberus operatives who guided him to the cemetery ships surprisingly without incident. Upon displaying an aptitude for the sciences and being a crack shot he was allowed into the organization to further their understanding of the zone. During a crash course of training it was found however Lewis had never been involved in a firefight before and appeared as a liability initially. As a result he was assigned to a support team in the base.


    Furious with his placement he arrogantly ventured out into the 10km exclusion zone with nothing but a pistol, knife and basic overall suit. During his excursion Lewis witnessed both mind bending phenomena which left him astonished and terrified. Catching on to a crusader trying to track him Lewis ducked into a mutated forest filled with tears avoiding disturbing the trees as they appeared to be warped in some way. Finding some undergrowth to hide underneath without disturbing it he eventually saw the crusader walking by clambering over the trees with his rifle readied.


    Reaching the tiny clearing visible to Lewis vines slowly entangled themselves around the crusader who initially shook them loose annoyed then wildly slashed at himself trying to cut loose of the trees as more vines entangled him. Over the terrified screams the rustling of the legion of vines could still be heard. Eventually holding him completely restrained the vines pulled the crusader forwards into an unknown tear Lewis catalogued as a void pocket.


    The screams immediately faded out as the vines let the crusader loose floating in a pocket without gravity, temperature or air. His flailing continued until finally asphyxiating as the trees went in to claim their kill weaving under the armor to penetrate the man''s flesh and feed using carnivorous roots. Lewis noted down everything in excruciating detail and on leaving disturbed the bush he hid under. Immediately contracting and trapping him Lewis didn¡¯t waste a moment hacking himself out with a knife and sprinting out of the carnivorous forest.


    Arriving back at base his dedication to scientific advancement was awarded with a promotion to a field research operative. He continued to record every gruesome detail of the zone in horrific detail and further advanced the Cerberus doctrine of warfare in using the zone against their enemies. However as the months went by and Lewis became a renowned researcher of the zone it became despairingly apparent that there wasn¡¯t a way out without being captured and imprisoned.


    In 2012 Lewis began to become overwhelmed with anxiety. He used his renown to be placed at the safer southern border of the zone so that he could figure out a way home. Remembering the words to his partner that he¡¯d return within a year his despair grew as the hope of ever being able to see him again dissipated with every vile report inscribed with the zones gruesome methods of murder.

 Bio: Benedict

    Benedict


    Name: Jorden Calvet


    Blood type: AB-


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Drifter


    Pastimes: Socializing, exploring, hunting


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  3/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  3/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 1/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  3/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  3/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 2/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     3/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 3/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  4/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Trained Militant</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born in France 1984 September 7. Benedict was born into a problematic family as a single child that saw him being raised by a single mother from the age of 5. Benedict''s mother struggled to make ends meet occasionally but otherwise provided a decent lifestyle for her son. Benedict did meet his lifelong friend Valentine who became a brother to him due to his circumstances. Valentine was the child of one of his mother''s friends. She would drop Benedict off at his friends place to be looked after while working long hours. Learning from a young age the importance of independence Benedict developed into a natural leader with a strong sense of character that often saw him in the spotlight for better or worse.


    Attending a public school of poor reputation he saw himself in his fair share of fights with the local bullies who aimed to take advantage of Benedict''s economic and family situation or ridicule Valentine. Benedict however maintained a positive outlook on life regardless of his conditions and antagonists with the support of his friend. Eventually he also developed a strong friendship with Collette during a walk home from school one day at the age of 11.


    Not able to force any petty cash or satisfaction from Benedict the same bullies managed to corner Collette a well off student walking home from a private school. Tired of seeing the same children pick on whoever they could and pitying the seemingly defenseless child they were antagonizing Benedict launched himself into action. Though failing to beat the bullies and seeing himself pounded into the ground Valentine also joined the fray to protect his friend.


    With the tide beginning to turn even Collette joined the fight to support the boys who so desperately tried to defend her. With the fight continuing for a minute police eventually spotted the brawl and attempted to intervene. Accepting being caught all the boys stopped their fighting without running to avoid further trouble, except for Collette who had broken into a dead sprint through an alleyway.


    Turning to each other Benedict and Valentine followed her lead. Ducking, weaving and dashing past people and stalls scrambling over chain link fences managing to elude the police they collapsed onto the grass of a park laughing over the situation. After catching their breath Valentine questioned Collette''s sudden panic on seeing the police. She replied that it wasn¡¯t worth having her parents deadbolt her door if the police took her home. From that day the 3 friends enjoyed a variety of adventures throughout their childhood.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Coming to the end of his schooling laced with conflict the 3 joined the reservists looking for something more exciting in their lives. Benedict became apart of the UIR to directly defend his country if it came under attack while Valentine and Collette joined the USR in support roles more suited to their academic backgrounds. The 3 friends also completed a number of multi day hikes and survival challenges enjoying the simplicity of surviving in the wild. Training to specialize in hunting dangerous boars in the forests for days at a time their appetite for adventure grew as Benedict became an accomplished tactician in the reservists.


    At the age of 18 he accidentally fathered a son with his girlfriend at the time. Upon his birth issues quickly arose between the two as Benedict attempted to sait his wanderlust. Eventually the two came to a final fight which saw Benedict leaving his partner. He loved his son but fearing he¡¯d simply complicate the boy''s life he maintained distance. Providing monetary aid for his would be family he still occasionally visited to astonish his son with the stories he¡¯d bring back from his travels.


    After conquering mount everest in 2008 at the age of 24 the group decided that the zone would be the ultimate test for their exploration and survival skills. Infiltrating with their trusted survival equipment and hunting weapons including back up pistols, shotguns and a semi automatic rifle they were introduced to the zone by operatives posing to be from the cerberus organization. Upon entering the operatives disappeared and the 3 friends were left on their own to survive. Though initially distressed Benedict was the first to rally his friends claiming this was the challenge they were looking for.


    Marching through the zone on alert the group found their first prey. Successfully bringing the mutated boar down Collette began initially dissecting the boar to prepare it for cooking but found herself entranced by the creatures anatomy upon opening it up which Benedict dismissed for the most part as random mutation. It wasn¡¯t until the group was ambushed by outlaws that he realized they were in far over their heads in what they could handle.


    While sitting around a campfire cooking what meat was safe to eat from the boar Benedict found himself driven into the dirt from behind as another knocked Valentine out cold. Valentine came round as the 3 outlaws rummaged through their equipment taking an explicit interest in Collette. Against the other outlaws orders to leave after the smash and grab one began clawing at Collette¡¯s protective suit.


    Trying to rise up from the ground but finding himself pinned down by 1 of the 3 outlaws and a gun pressed against the back of his head a gunshot rang out. A cloud of blood erupted from the outlaw atop of Collette as she fired relentlessly into him. Feeling the outlaw pinning Benedict raise his rifle to finish Collette as the other restraining Valentine went to aid his wounded comrade Benedict took action. With lightning fast movement a coordinated sweep kick from the ground saw the outlaw miss what would have been a fatal shot to Collette as he fell to the ground.


    With Valentine wildly dodging the mad slashes of the outlaw previously pinning him Benedict drew his pistol to wound Valentine''s aggressor before the gun was knocked from his hands with the butt of a rifle. Bringing the gun round again to fire Benedict managed to disarm his aggressor and kick his pistol to Valentine as he was thrown to the ground and Collette pushed the dying man off herself. Another two shots rang out from Valentine as Benedict unbalanced and swept the outlaw to the ground forcing his head into the campfire. Valentine throwing Benedict''s pistol back allowed him to cease the outlaws pained screams with a final gunshot ending the frantic fight as quickly as it started.


    The terrors of the night had only begun unfortunately and shortly after shaking the shock of the moment off to grab the outlaws equipment terrifying aberrations of humans turned feral beasts appeared. With a soul piercing scream the next assault began as the group covered their sectors in a panic. Finding an opening in the onslaught Benedict ordered an immediate retreat where the 3 friends found themselves running for their lives through the forest stopping only to witness a tear in the night sky which looked to be bleeding followed by a tremendous groaning.


    Unsure what it meant other than that it couldn¡¯t be good the friends continued running before finding another pioneer panicked by the sight. Collette preparing to fire on sighting the man brought down her rifle on Benedict''s order as the pioneer ordered them to follow him. Charging through the darkness arriving at a manhole leading into a collapsed tunnel the scream raged over the landscape finally breaking the group''s resolve leaving them paralysed in terror. Once it passed the 3 looked to each other not sure what to feel apart from regret. Offering a canteen of water the man introduced himself as Noah and under his guide the 3 friends flourished in the zone.


    Though the years were rough on the group of friends once the despair of not being able to escape had passed they found themselves well suited to surviving once being taught about the area. They became quite renown pioneers as they made numerous and major updates to the public bestiary studying the creatures of the zone as a group of hunters. Benedict flourished as his weapon mastery and tactical awareness improved. His prey being more so man than beast as he protected his friends from the human threats of the zone while they sought out different creatures to provide life saving knowledge for other pioneers.


    Benedict like the rest of his friends however still wanted to leave the zone. He so desperately wanted to share the incredible stories he would be able to tell his son even if most of the tale would be contorted to be made appropriate for a child. Mentioning his plan to fight as mercenaries to make connections that could have them extracted fell apart as each of the friends had conflicting plans to escape.


    All agreed to continue as simple pioneers however on Noah¡¯s hint that he may just know a way out of the zone and that all he needed was help with one last job so they could all leave. Just some unfinished business he said. For the first time in years the end of this nightmare was in sight. The hope of seeing his son once more filled him with a joy he¡¯d not felt in far too long.

 Bio: Valentine

    Valentine


    Name: Hector Nee


    Blood type: B+


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Crawler, Midnight


    Pastimes: Exploring, hunting, cooking


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  2/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  4/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  4/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  2/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 2/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     3/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 2/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  4/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Specialist Hunter</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born in France 1984 December 1. Valentine was born into a traditional family with 2 sisters. Being the middle child Valentine found himself craving attention until Benedict came into his life. The two became as thick as thieves while Benedict was left with Valentine''s family overnight sometimes. Enjoying a comfortable childhood without strife Valentine was often a moral compass for his friends, initially for Benedict then Collette.


    Attending a public school of poor reputation of which Valentine¡¯s parents saw as a method of toughening him up he avoided ridicule for the most part avoiding attention from his peers. He hated violence and regularly pulled Benedict away from unnecessary fights while trying to uphold Benedict¡¯s self worth regardless of what other children said about him. Eventually he also developed a strong friendship with Collette on a walk home from school one day at the age of 11.


    Apparently frustrated with the lack of responses from most of the students who had learned to defend themselves from such people they managed to corner a girl from a private school. Predictably Benedict launched into action regardless of weighing up his odds which resulted in his friend being beaten to the ground. Unsure what to do Valentine joined the fray if only to try pull them off his friend dodging a right hook swung in his direction. Focussing on dodging the flurry of wild strikes Valentine threw a few punches of his own to begin turning the tide of the fight.


    Taking a hook to his cheek Collette joined in the fight to support the boys who so desperately tried to defend her. With the fight continuing for a minute police eventually spotted the fight and attempted to intervene. Accepting being caught all the boys stopped their fighting without running to avoid further trouble, except for Collette who had broken into a dead sprint through an alleyway.


    Turning to each other Benedict and Valentine followed her lead. Ducking, weaving and dashing past people and stalls scrambling over chain link fences managing to elude the police they collapsed onto the grass of a park laughing over the situation. After catching their breath Valentine questioned Collette''s sudden panic on seeing the police come over. She replied that it wasn¡¯t worth having her parents deadbolt her door if the police took her home. From that day the 3 friends enjoyed a variety of adventures throughout their childhood.


    Coming to the end of his schooling with a strong academic record the 3 joined the reservists looking for something more exciting in their lives. Benedict became apart of the UIR to directly defend his country if it came under attack while Valentine and Collette joined the USR together while studying at university training for support roles more suited to their academic backgrounds. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    The 3 friends also completed a number of multi day hikes and survival challenges enjoying the simplicity of surviving in the wild. Training to specialize in hunting dangerous boars in the forests for days at a time their appetite for adventure grew as Valentine developed a knack for predicting behaviour and weakness. Valentine studied a zoology course with interests in veterinary science and ecology in which he thrived in completing an honours program after his course was finished.


    At the age of 23 Valentine was leading his own research project in which he uncovered what he thought to be a previously unknown influence promoting actions in schools of fish. He stated that their movements were too quick, precise and consistent as a group to be possible through observing each other and reacting. He proposed that further investigation could reveal some form of link between each fish that made them immediately aware to incoming stimuli from a fish on an opposite side of the school resulting in such an instant reaction. Valentine found his project hastily shut down with professors claiming he¡¯d bring down the institution with such wild claims and destroy his reputation, though he always suspected some foul play was involved.


    After conquering mount everest in 2008 at the age of 24 the group decided that the zone would be the ultimate test for their exploration and survival skills. Infiltrating with their trusted survival equipment and hunting weapons including back up pistols, shotguns and a semi automatic rifle they were introduced to the zone by operatives posing to be from the cerberus organization. Upon entering the operatives disappeared and the 3 friends were left on their own to survive. Valentine overwhelmed by the situation began to panic at the prospect of being left to rot in a wasteland until Benedict ordered him forward. With no other alternative he followed him without question hoping he had a plan.


    Marching through the zone on alert the group found their first prey. Successfully bringing the mutated boar down Collette began initially dissecting the boar that Valentine had shot proud of managing to kill such a formidable and mutated creature so easily the resilience of which was revealed by Collette. Mesmerized by the creatures mutations pointed out by Collette the world suddenly went dark after a sharp pain was felt at the back of his head as they cooked the meat.


    Coming round Valentine saw 3 outlaws rummaging through their equipment with Benedict pinned while one outlaw took explicit interest in Collette. While the other outlaws ordered it was time to leave after the smash and grab one outlaw began clawing at Collette¡¯s protective suit.


    Shocked, panicked and terrified Valentine closed his eyes as tight as he could until a gunshot rang out. Eyes snapping open with a frightened gasp a cloud of blood erupted from the outlaw atop of Collette as she fired relentlessly into him. Seeing the outlaw pinning Benedict raise his rifle to finish Collette the outlaw holding down Valentine went to help his wounded friend. Before being able to take advantage of the situation Benedict had already knocked his assailant to his knees


    Turning back the outlaw ripped a knife from its sheath and slashed wildly towards Valentine almost digging into his flesh until the assault ceased as a round tore through the outlaw. Turning again to see Benedict had shot him the pistol was immediately knocked from his hands. The distraction proved long enough for the outlaw to close on Valentine once more knocking him to the ground brandishing the knife ready for the kill. Hearing a gun scrap over the ground towards him Valentine reacted firing two shots into the man''s chest. Seeing Benedict forcing his assailants head into the fire he threw the pistol back so Benedict could finish the job.


    The terrors of the night had only begun unfortunately and shortly after shaking the shock of the ambush off to grab the outlaws equipment terrifying aberrations of humans turned feral beasts appeared. With a soul piercing scream the next assault began as the group covered their sectors in a panic where Valentine saved his friends numerous times as he quickly learnt their attack patterns. With Benedict ordering a retreat the 3 friends found themselves running for their lives through the forest stopping only to witness a tear night sky followed by a tremendous groaning.


    Unsure what it meant other than that it couldn¡¯t be good the friends continued running before running into another pioneer panicked by the sight. Collette preparing to fire on sighting the man brought down her rifle on Benedict''s order as the pioneer ordered them to follow him. Charging through the darkness arriving at a manhole leading into a collapsed tunnel the scream tore apart the landscape breaking the groups resolve leaving them paralysed in terror. Once it had passed the 3 looked to each other not sure what to feel apart from regret. Offering a canteen of water the man introduced himself as Noah and under his guide the 3 friends flourished in the zone.


    Though the years were rough on the group of friends once the despair of not being able to escape had passed they found themselves well suited to surviving once being taught about the area. They became quite renown pioneers as they made numerous and major updates to the public bestiary studying the creatures of the zone as a group of hunters. Valentine developed an uncanny ability to discern a creature''s behaviour from its anatomy and the threats it might pose. This allowed him and his friends to bring down a record number of creatures as well as safely disengage what they couldn¡¯t kill with conventional means. He always found a weakness eventually and no beast was safe forever from his hunt.


    Valentine like the rest of his friends however still wanted to leave the zone. He despised the cowardly and shameless acts of crime and violence commonly displayed by the desperate. He was sick of the corruption he saw every day he left the safety of the camps and most of all the way the zone corrupted the minds of men to create the abominations and atrocities that plagued the land. He felt for there to be any hope for themselves the only way out was to destroy the zone all together. Trying to convince his friends to join the crusaders to rid the world of this cancer his pleas fell on deaf ears as both Benedict and Collette had different ideas.


    All agreed however to continue as simple pioneers on Noah¡¯s hint that he may just might know a way out of the zone and that all he needed was help with one last job so they could all leave. Just some unfinished business he said. Praying that the chance to escape hadn¡¯t come too late and his luck wouldn¡¯t run out now the light could be seen at the end of the tunnel he pushed through whatever the next day would bring. Surely fate wouldn¡¯t be so cruel to see him murdered on the path to freedom. He had to believe otherwise. What else did they have left.

 Bio: Collette

    Collette


    Name: Marion Baudelaire


    Blood type: A+


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Student, Nerd, Doc, Freak, Morbid, Maverick


    Pastimes: Exploring, studying, dissecting


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  2/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  2/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  3/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  3/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 2/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     2/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 2/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  2/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Specialist Prosector</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born in France 1985 December 22. Collette was born into an elite family as a lone child. Provided an extravagant lifestyle as well as everything a young lady could ever want it was quickly discovered that Collette was anything but a lady. From the age of 5 she was notably rough around other children from higher class families preferring to play in the dirt, catch bugs and explore the vast hedgerows of estates they visited throughout the French countryside.


    Often disciplined for her outrageous behaviour the young girl become quite rebellious and explored to her heart''s content. With her peers being what she viewed as snobby she quickly became lonely in not being able to make any friends in the elite class her parents tried to make her acquainted with. The private schools she attended made it all the worse as she failed to find anyone to relate to in her age group.


    Becoming sick of her disobedience and actions at the age of 9 her parents constantly found themselves reprimanding her for her increasingly poor behaviour as she became frustrated with not being encouraged to explore or do the things she enjoyed. Her luck turned however at the age of 10 while exploring a part of town after school that her parents instructed her to stay away from as she was cornered by a group of local bullies.


    While initially intimidated Collette let her frustrations out upon them which irritated them further. Pushing her against the wall demanding her money another boy came running over to the bullies launching an assault of his own. Though his bravery was inspiring the 3 bullies easily overpowered him. Hesitantly his friend pulled one of the bullies off him and fought surprisingly well dodging most of the strikes thrown at him while delivering a few of his own. Seeing an opportunity to turn the tide Collette immediately joined the fray.


    While avoiding being struck she managed to get some goods hits into her aggressors. With the fight continuing for a minute police eventually spotted the fight and attempted to intervene. The boys all stopped and stood still accepting they¡¯d been caught not wanting to make what punishment waiting for them worse. Collette however felt a sudden rush she¡¯d never felt. The rush of true adventure she told herself. Without hesitating she bolted down the crowded alleyways exhilarated by the chase


    Turning her head she saw the other two boys who helped her following her lead. Ducking, weaving and dashing past people and stalls scrambling over chain link fences managing to elude the police they collapsed onto the grass of a park laughing over the situation. After catching their breath Valentine questioned Collette''s sudden panic on seeing the police coming over. She replied that it wasn¡¯t worth having her parents deadbolt her door if the police took her home. From that day the 3 friends enjoyed a variety of adventures throughout their childhood.


    Coming to the end of her schooling while enjoying adventures with her new friends she displayed a wanderlust far exceeding both Benedicts and Valentines as well as an interest in anatomical studies. The 3 joined the reservists looking for something more exciting in their lives with the idea driven by Collette. Benedict became apart of the UIR to directly defend his country if it came under attack while Valentine and Collette joined the USR together while studying at university trained in support roles more suited to their academic backgrounds.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    During this time Collette also went to university with Valentine to become a doctor. She excelled in her classes especially anatomy where she loved getting her hands on actual samples be they animal or human which was often viewed as highly morbid. Regardless she managed to finally find somewhere she managed to fit in making numerous friends. As a result her confidence skyrocketed driving her to find more ambitious challenges of which she would pitch to her friends.


    At the age of 22 Collette was considered a master at handling a scalpel as well as being able to dig through samples with the least amount of damage inflicted while discerning an impressive amount of detail from the tissues, organs and structures she¡¯d reveal. Some professors even claimed they¡¯d trust her to perform heart surgery on them. As such her skill accompanied with her eccentric character saw one of her professors entrust her with a rare specimen he¡¯d acquired and wanted her assistance to dissect the creature. Questioning the professor he eventually let loose the sample originated from the zone and while it was only a leg of something initially unrecognisable she identified it to be human.


    The level of mutation led to completely new tissue structures being discovered that she wasn¡¯t sure how to classify. In the sample she saw a treasure trove of human advancement waiting to be revealed. The next day walking into the lab barely able to sleep through her excitement the night before she found the sample and professor gone. Statements claimed the professor was in possession of an illegal sample and arrested but Collette became suspicious after she couldn¡¯t find a trace of where he¡¯d been taken. Deciding something was afoot she left the incident for the moment planning on coming back to it eventually.


    After conquering mount everest in 2008 at the age of 23 the Collette suggested they take to the zone to put their exploration and survival skills to the ultimate test under the hidden guise of rediscovering what she found a year ago. Infiltrating with their trusted survival equipment and hunting weapons including back up pistols, shotguns and a semi automatic rifle they were introduced to the zone by operatives posing to be from the cerberus organization.


    Upon entering the operatives disappeared and the 3 friends were left on their own to survive. Collette tried to appear calm but her mind was in turmoil. Remembering her professor disappearing without a trace she started connecting the dots as what could have happened to him. She no doubt was on the watch list of those that made him disappear and she¡¯d placed herself and her friends in a potentially lethal situation. On the verge overwhelming frustration with being so blinded by curiosity and wanderlust to what could have really been going on she pulled herself together on Benedict''s order to move out.


    Marching through the zone on alert the group found their first prey. Successfully bringing the mutated boar down Collette began dissecting the boar eagerly as her curiosity took over once. Stripping away the flesh revealed mutations not thought possible in the boar to the point where it could be considered a species entirely onto its own, more astonishing were that certain structures where exactly the same as those found in the leg sample a year ago.


    Mesmerized by the dissection which also caught Valentine''s attention saw him collapsing next to her with a thud while cooking the meat over the fire. She then found herself and Benedict thrown the to ground. 3 outlaws began rummaging through their equipment and as Valentine came to one of the outlaws took explicit interest in Collette. Immediately put on guard with his continued stare the outlaw ignored orders to leave after the smash and grab and began clawing at Collette¡¯s protective suit.


    Collette however didn¡¯t feel shocked, afraid or even threatened, only a rush of adrenaline fueled by disgust. Bearing her teeth pushing the pistol into it¡¯s holster to chamber a round ripping it forward into the outlaws stomach she fired until he stopped squirming. Eventually managing to throw the dying man off herself accompanied by a few more gunshots she saw her two friends getting to their feet having dispatched the other two outlaws.


    The terrors of the night had only begun unfortunately and shortly after shaking the shock of the ambush off to grab the outlaws equipment terrifying aberrations of humans turned feral beasts appeared. With a soul piercing scream the next assault began as the group covered their sectors in a panic. Even in the rush of combat Collette realized the origins of the leg sample.


    What could possibly have created such devastation to the human body or mind haunted her throughout the fight almost seeing her fall to the creatures. With Benedict finally ordering a retreat the 3 friends found themselves running for their lives through the forest stopping only to witness a tear in the night sky followed by a tremendous groaning.


    Unsure what it meant other than that it couldn¡¯t be good the friends continued running before running into another pioneer panicked by the sight. Collette saw the man and brought her new rifle to fire on him in the mad panic. Benedict ordered otherwise as the pioneer ordered them to follow him narrowly avoiding a friendly fire incident. Charging through the darkness arriving at a manhole leading into a collapsed tunnel the scream tore apart the landscape breaking the resolve of the group leaving them paralysed in terror. Once it had passed the 3 looked to each other not sure what to feel apart from regret. Offering a canteen of water the man introduced himself as Noah and under his guide the 3 friends flourished in the zone.


    Though the years were rough on the group of friends once the despair of not being able to escape had passed they found themselves well suited to surviving once being taught about the area. They became quite renown pioneers as they made numerous and major updates to the public bestiary studying the creatures of the zone as a group of hunters. Collette was the undoubtable brain trust of the group, every entry her friends made you could be sure was accurate with Collette¡¯s keen mind cutting through the flesh and mysteries of the zone. Her eccentric character developed to the point of being highly unsettling to those unfamiliar with her, amplified by an uneven laugh she¡¯d developed over the years.


    Though absolutely fascinated by the zone Collette shared her friends wishes to leave. Even though she knew the madness and bedlam in the flesh she dug through in her quest of discovery was steadily wearing her down she had to continue while she remained if only to make the zone safer for others. Trying to convince her friends to join cerberus to discover as much as they could before figuring a way out her pleas fell on deaf ears as both Benedict and Collette had different ideas.


    All agreed to continue as simple pioneers however on Noah¡¯s hint that he may just know a way out of the zone and that all he needed was help with one last job so they could all leave. Just some unfinished business he said. With each kill Collette unsheathed her scalpel with increasing enthusiasm which she knew was ultimately detrimental to her health. She continued regardless unsure how long her psyche would hold out before falling to the madness that her samples had no doubt fallen to as well. She found herself in turmoil when she wasn¡¯t wrist deep in a corpse convincing herself all that mattered now was to escape before all she had left was her samples, as precious as they already were.

 Bio: Sparrow

    Sparrow


    Name: Malika Okoro


    Blood type: A-


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: [N/A]


    Pastimes: Studying, video games, reading


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  2/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  3/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  3/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  3/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 4/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     2/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 2/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  4/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Exceptional Researcher</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born Nigeria 1986 June 9. Raised in a poor village in the north Sparrow spent most of her childhood before school helping out the family. Not having much time outside of her household duties left her with little to no friends which could be viewed as a mixed blessing with the volatile nature of the neighbourhood. As a result the free time she had was spent in books her family managed to find. At the age of 5 however Sparrow was already set on the path to becoming a brilliant scientist.


    By a series of random events Sparrow¡¯s parents came into the possession of numerous textbooks varying from elementary science to theoretical proposals. Before being able to sell them Sparrow developed an absolute fascination for the contents of the books studying them whenever she had a free moment. Beginning her schooling she was quickly sent into higher years and finished secondary education at the age of 15.


    Still eager to advance her knowledge and desperate to find somewhere she could study in peace she applied for a scholarship. Finding it was quickly accepted within the week she was escorted to the capital by a security detail. The long drive gave Sparrow plenty of time to look over her tortured country and in numerous traffic jams to observe withered faces presented with the ordeal of day to day survival that she felt all too well.


    The project she was assigned to for her scholarship was to study and treat unknown contamination in certain water supplies after a 6 month course. It was here she also met her security advisor Ricus Clark who was in training as an operative at the age of 21. It wasn¡¯t long until Ricus and Sparrow discovered they both sought out to provide a better quality of life for their fellow countryman and quickly found each other as friends as well as colleagues.


    Spending most of her time focussed on her studies her free time was spent with Ricus who taught Sparrow how to shoot after she insisted he teach her. Being no stranger to the instability of the country she knew the importance of being able to defend herself. Over the months she became a competent shooter if not great one over numerous weapons platforms.


    During this time her drive to help others grew exponentially with the time she spent with Ricus. Whether they were eating, shooting or relaxing if only for a moment Sparrow would try to explain the science behind her ideas to improve the quality of life for others while Ricus went through counter insurgency tactics and battlecraft to make the land safer for everyone. While they argued occasionally about the effectiveness of each other''s methods both enjoyed debating and fine tuning their ideas.


    By 16 Sparrow was already in a field scientist role working a promising job which promised to later become a government position. Preparing to move towards one of the flagged water sources with Ricus¡¯s security detachment the force stopped on Ricus¡¯s command as he demanded a sweep of the area. Soon after the first man of the detachment fell.


    Another shot cracking past sent Sparrow into a panic diving into the ground. Though she was no stranger to the sound of gunfire thundering through the air she never underwent a form of trial by fire. Scrambling to a ditch and folding out a personal defence weapon Ricus already had the force falling back to their vehicles. Recovering everyone and taking off the unknown aggressors made no pursuit.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    On reporting the incident Sparrow¡¯s project was immediately terminated without any statement or debrief. Upon hearing the town that used the flagged water source as it¡¯s supply was quarantined and cordoned off from the world both Ricus and Sparrow sought out answers. Returning to the now dry water source Sparrow collected a soil sample while Ricus planned to infiltrate the cordon alongside his squadmates.


    Finding help from other concerned officials and soldiers it wasn¡¯t difficult to be provided equipment on the side to complete their objectives. Everyone wanted answers and Sparrow and Ricus seemed to be the only people willing to search for them. Provided with a laboratory and hazmat equipment Ricus penetrated the cordon while Sparrow researched her samples.


    What she found was baffling. The sample reacted with micro organisms in that it rearranged them into something else entirely but had no apparent quality that would cause something so drastic. Infuriated she continued for hours on end looking for some variable that would be causing the phenomena she eventually witnessed the forces at work.


    Taking a step back with pen in hand it hovered above her note book unsure what to write. Looking back at the microscope she dared not to look again. She wasn¡¯t sure what she witnessed but something primal instructed she should be afraid. Going back to the notepad words failed to form in her mind to report her findings. Frustrated she closed her eyes and let her hand do whats was instinctual opening them to find an infinity symbol carved into the paper.


    Wracking her mind over what it could mean trying to break down the resistance in her head that pleaded not to look over the edge for an answer she was interrupted by one of the officials alerting her that Ricus had returned. Moving through the building Sparrow found him wounded and alone in shock looking at the ground dead eyed. Trying to get his attention met limited success and questioning what he saw only earned a string of stuttering as he tried to describe what had transpired. With a spark of intuition she showed him the infinity symbol.


    With a flash in his eyes he quickly grasped her notes in panic breaking through his stutter with great difficulty only to stutter ¡®the depths¡¯. Shortly after Ricus was escorted to a quarantine bay where Sparrow ran the same tests on his equipment finding the same results. Ordering a blood sample from him found the same results again.


    Still unsure what exactly the contaminate was Ricus remained in quarantine for a week until it was determined he wasn¡¯t infectious. Now calm Sparrow pursued further questions about what Ricus had seen only to be met with the same stuttering. Regardless of his inability to recount what he witnessed he did state it must be destroyed, regardless of the cost.


    The following year the two covertly went about searching for more information about the unknown contagion that saw a village wiped off the face of the earth. For Sparrow it was simply to figure out what happened to her friend while to Ricus it became his only motivation in life. He could not allow what he¡¯d seen to be witnessed by others. Those became the only words Sparrow would ever hear from him day in day out.


    What he saw was constantly on Sparrow¡¯s mind. Even with all her knowledge she watched her friend constantly throwing himself back into the wild to find something to destroy. It wasn¡¯t frustration or depression that caused her to hesitate in her attempts to help though. Each step forward was accompanied by that same primal fear of witnessing the microorganisms rearrange. Unable to describe exactly what was causing it but apart of her held a shattering revelation waiting to be unveiled.


    At the age of 17 with the report of another village going dark Sparrow joined the task force put together by Ricus acting as first recon. Driving to the village there were no traffic jams, raiders or animals, only a void of life as the village was visible in the distance. Reaching the outskirts and disembarking they immediately came under fire. Still unaccustomed to being under fire but surviving previous firefights Sparrow quickly found her feet though the creatures that came from the buildings tested even the most hardened veterans.


    Unimaginable beasts once men charged forward unrelenting in their advance, uncaring for the fire saturating them. The only common factor between them being a red coral that burst from any wound inflicted once someones suit was penetrated. Eventually the creatures were brought down.


    Terrified the soldiers quickly fell back to their vehicles now they were given the chance to escape the nightmare but Ricus had already charged forward into the village. Chasing after him Sparrow quickly found herself in the middle of a firefight between two unknown forces. Moving under fire she found Ricus clearing out a building of operatives only to be mortally wounded.


    Trying to stabilized her friend as he rasped for breath more operatives entered the building. Prepared for the end she noticed they were unlike the others Ricus felled and began assisting both Sparrow and Ricus back towards a NH90 helicopter. Exfiltrated from the village bombardment burnt it down to look like a purge as they flew over the horizon.


    Reaching a shadowfall base Ricus was taken away for emergency treatment and Sparrow given a debrief. The forces at work were explained to her and the treatment they would attempt to provide Ricus. After going through her file provided by an officer it was evident the force had been looking to recruit both her and Ricus for quite some time while they were doing their own work. Putting the file down the officer laid out the situation to her.


    Sparrow was provided a irrefusable offer to become apart of their organization and enter a community of the scientific elite. In this organization she could go beyond her previous expectations and save the world rather than just help her country. She would be given the opportunity to research a field completely untouched by anyone to date for the betterment of mankind.


    Though the opportunity was incredible she accepted reluctantly struggling even to agree verbally. Listening to the officer and what was to come filled her with an overwhelming primal fear that she was about to discover irrefutable facts that would bring forward the revelation barred away in her mind. With Ricus¡¯s death days later as they failed to venerate him in a reaper unit it only brought to mind what devastating effect her discoveries would have on her mind and the world at large.


    Pushing through regardless she allowed her thirst for knowledge drive her forward. At the very least she owed herself to find the answer as to what her friend endured. As to what so many others had to endure. The mystery of infinity would be uncovered, even if it meant losing her mind in the process.

 Bio: Bisso

    Bisso


    Name: Hiroki Sasaki


    Blood type: B+


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: [N/A]


    Pastimes: Training, reading


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  4/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  4/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  4/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  3/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 1/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     4/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 5/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  3/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Specialist Marksman</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born Japan 1976 May 25. Raised in a traditional family Bisso began life as a man of faith from the moment he started school. Every day followed the same schedule in assisting his family in the care taking of their shrine and common shinto practices. Life couldn¡¯t be simpler throughout his primary schooling.


    His life became slightly more exciting during his secondary schooling where he took an interest towards martial arts. Slowly as the years went by shinto practices were being replaced with sparring and exercise as Bisso became more infatuated with learning how to fight. With the support of his family finding time to continue their practices while he wasn¡¯t training he developed an exceptionally calm mind while practicing.


    It wasn¡¯t long before Bisso was introduced to tournaments as his martial skill rapidly progressed reflecting the amount of time he spent practicing. Even though he was inexperienced compared to most competitors an irrepressible will and unbreakable resolve found him on the podium in most competitions.


    Continuing to train day in day out Bisso reached a professional level of fighting. Under the moniker of the warrior monk he found his calling in life at the age of 20 in participating in a respectable level of combat sport while also taking over the majority of his families shrines duties. Consulting the idea of turning the courtyard into a training area for martial arts school to contribute to the shrine the family quickly went about providing for the venture.


    By 21 Bisso was leading his own martial arts school and shrine in the countryside. The school quickly rose in reputation and saw a healthy amount of business and pupils. The school became his absolute passion in combining worship with training. Even amongst his busy schedule though he enjoyed time away with family and friends dispelling the idea he was a religious fanatic.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Everything went smoothly for another 4 years. Enjoying a social event at the shrine at the age of 25 during a festival the night was exceptional. Filled with friends, food and drink as well as a strong contingent of his pupils and their families the night reached its peak with the first fireworks display interrupted only by the yells of two children bursting in from a gate.


    Moving over to the comotion Bisso found the children absolutely distraught. Asking them the same question earned the same reply. There''s a man in the woods. Prying for more details or reason for such panic earned the same reply through sobs. With the police called the guests quickly dispersed to another venue recommended by Bisso as his assistants saw people out.


    Unsure as to why the two children were so terrified regardless of appearing unharmed Bisso immediately set out to find the intruder who dared interrupt the night. Grabbing a lantern attached to a staff not wanting to waste time finding a torch he set out into the darkness. Walking through the serpent like paths trying to choke out the light licking the canopy of trees it wasn¡¯t long until he found a distorted silhouette of a man up ahead.


    As it approached with such outlandish strides Bisso assumed it to be some sort of demon at first regardless of hardly being considered a superstitious man. As the light unveiled what was behind the cloak of darkness he realized it could be no such thing. With such vicious talons tearing through tortured burnt skin the glassy eyes shivering in it¡¯s melted face shone with the revelation that no god would allow it¡¯s creation and no malignant spirit could conjure such a thing.


    Petrified it wasn¡¯t until the flash of it¡¯s scythed arms and malevolent scream brought the rush of action. Instinctively raising the staff in defence while stepping away saw it split in two seeing the lantern tumbling to the ground. Recoiling in shock saw the creature push the advantage drawing first blood.


    With the lantern starting a small fire Bisso found his resolve tested for the first time in his life. Parrying and dodging a flurry of slashes saw him accumulating terrible lacerations mounting up to a grievous amount of bodily harm. Desperately trying to understand what the beast was his mind was reeling preventing him from mounting an effective defence until any hope seemed to be smothered as he was forced to his knees while managing to drive one of the fractured halves of the staff into the creature.


    Sending it back into the darkness to evaluate it¡¯s wound Bisso found the final test of the fight was at hand. With substantial blood loss and damaged sinew any attempt to rise to his feet brought about the aberration attacking him to the forefront of his mind. Sheer determination became replaced by palpable fear with every attempt to move as the thought of seeing that creature again rendered his attempts futile.


    With the sound of leaves and twigs being crushed rapidly alongside a beastial grunting he found himself able to drive the need to understand the creature from his mind. With the fire from the lantern at its peak and the last of his strength he commanded damaged sinew and rendered muscle to drive him upward with the remaining fractured half of the staff. With a thrust of perfected technique and absolutely desperation he found his weapon impaled through the skull of the creature.


    Collapsing onto the fire the creature fell still smothering the light leaving Bisso in true darkness facing the real test. Surrogate thoughts immediately bombarded his mind threatening to break his mind as it already had his body. Getting to his feet regardless of his wounds a wet slap around his rib cage and previously inconspicuous gelatinous predator begin tightening its grip while slipping back threatening to tear away the skin. With the pressure about to overcome his ribs and rip away what they protected a shot tore through the night.


    Released from it¡¯s grip and watching the creature dissolve on the ground soldiers assisted Bisso as the rest engaged what other otherworldly predators stalked the woods. Withdrawn to a helicopter and quickly bandaged up he watched out the open door as they flew over the hills and away from the fireworks that promised such a fantastic night that he might not get to enjoy ever again.


    Returned to the base of operations the soldiers originated from Bisso was made aware of the task force that saved his life and saw shadowfall as the only hope the world had after what he witnessed. On completing his training Bisso quickly established himself again as an indomitable force pushing through the worst the abyss had to offer now he¡¯d been given the knowledge and training to combat it.


    Every day he continued the same routines as he did a child though it was no longer a form of faith and enjoyment. Training was completed purely for the sake of survival and socialising to keep his comrades in check for the next confrontation with unmentionable horrors. Continuing his shinto practices brought many to believe he maintained his faith but in those eyes that were so intent in murdering him he saw nothing bringing about a terrible revelation he sealed away. Now it was simply a tool to maintain his mind in between his exposure to the ravenous depths.

 Bio: Terra

    Terra


    Name: Mateusz Kwiatkowski


    Blood type: A+


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: [N/A]


    Pastimes: Exercising, shooting, training


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  2/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  3/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  3/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  4/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 4/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     3/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 3/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  4/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  1/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Specialist Breacher</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born Poland 1989 November 17. Raised in a rural area Terra led a very athletic life from the moment he could walk. From exploring paddocks and woodland to taking part in local sporting events he was a machine of a child pushing himself to his limit for as long as he could remember. At the age of 12 he received his first rifle, a slug gun for shooting cans.


    Practicing every day after going for long sprints keeping himself in excellent shape he found speed shooting to be calling in life. At 16 he was already competing in winter biathlons mastering his shooting while exhausted. By 18 Terra immediately signed up with the army looking for greater challenges.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    The rigors of training proved to be no hurdle though the discipline of the role had him on the ropes. Used to being the best without peer he found he clashed regularly with ranking officers demanding his absolute obedience. Few occasions saw actual reprimanding action though it saw him listed and marked for any serious incidents.


    This notice became an advantage however when higher ups witnessed his battlecraft and combat ability during exercises. Impressed with his performance he was transferred to the Jednostka Wojskowa Komandos¨®w for specialized training and evaluation. Pushing through he found himself enlisted into the unit at 20 years old.


    Serving alongside his fellow soldiers he found himself known on a first name basis by most soldiers in the battlegroup by excelling on the field and the friction he caused with higher ups. A model soldier in the field but internal politics held him back with his elite attitude. He aspired for leaders that led by example and found few that fit his criteria causing backlash as he called out those he thought to be cowards.


    It was surprising that Terra held his position for as long as he did without being discharged due to his poor conduct off the battlefield but again this saw him selected for another specialist role. Commanders of the JWK caught wind of a secretive organisation looking for exceptional soldiers to defend the world from what was considered paranormal threats. Seeing this as an excellent way to wash their hands of the disruptive soldier Terra was transferred to task force shadowfall at the age of 22.


    Being one of the few who joined the unit already with commando training the course was condensed simply to bring him up to speed so he would be capable of fighting the horrors he¡¯d be set up against. Cocky and arrogant he blew through the folders of horrors he would potentially face noting their capabilities but otherwise proceeding unphased. Concerned as to whether he was taking the threat seriously Terra was deployed as apart of a milk run so to speak in collecting a dead drop in the zone.


    Deploying with two veterans insertion went exactly as planned. Repelling down into the grass around the outskirts of the zone in the dead of night the two veterans kept a close eye on his actions as they proceeded towards the dead drop. Keeping up with the other two and in tight formation they acquired the dead drop within the hour and set out for extraction.


    Returning the group found themselves stalked by a group of abyss jaegers. Prepared to fend them off themselves the veterans found themselves surprised by Terra¡¯s resolve and cohesion during the fight. Even while being ensnared he remained calm and efficient escaping using a by the book method without assistance. Returning to base shortly after any thought of him being a disobedient loose cannon was dispelled earning the trust of his comrades and peers.


    Even though he completed a successful operation alongside his comrades he still conflicted with officers. To resolve the matter the commander of the task force at the time, Chairman, took Terra out as a trainee on an operation.


    Deployed alongside the elite of the elite and the commander herself in a combat operation Terra developed an absolute respect for the task force and its command. Failing to keep up with the group he found himself under strict discipline and intense training regimes that he followed piously. Within the unit he found leaders worth following.


    Over the year he proved himself as a candidate for the reinforcement squad for rotation in the zone for standard duties. Psyched to prove himself to the unit he studied the horrors once more to make sure he was ready for what he was about to face. In his mind only death would stop him serving his new commanders and was convinced he would pass the test of facing the abyss like any other he¡¯d been presented before.

 Bio: Karte

    Karte


    Name: Luca Moretti


    Blood type: AB+


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: [N/A]


    Pastimes: Training, cooking


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  3/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  3/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  3/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  3/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 2/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     5/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 4/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  4/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Specialist Soldier</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born 1981 Italy January 17. Raised in the city Karte took a strong interest in cooking since the age of 6. Spending his time being taught by his mother how to prepare meals he became very close to his family. Spending time with his extended family in the country saw many a banquet of which he contributed to and each year added another plate of his creation to the table.


    Growing up every year rolled in like the last. School would go by with the holidays arriving allowing everyone to come together followed by more time to learn even more recipes turning his mind into an encyclopedia of fantastic meals. Cooking for his friends he became a neighbourhood favourite among the local children. It was a good life.


    Going on into secondary schooling Karte developed an appreciation for chemistry. Enjoying the course and spending his time away from the stove studying he achieved a very impressive record in the subject landing him straight into university. With money being an issue however Karte was able to apply for a scholarship from the army.


    Training alongside studying he didn¡¯t care much for the army life. Too much shouting and exertion though he did enjoy the comradery of it all. During survival exercises he became a favourite in the cohort preparing any meats expertly with whatever resources the team could scrounge up. With stomachs full of quality food Karte was a beacon of morale in that he could provide food that would make you forget about the world around you regardless of the conditions.


    At the age of 24 however while serving his final year of owed service Karte found his country calling upon him. Even with his immediate family distraught over what could happen to their son Karte held his confidence he¡¯d return home with the trust he had in his comrades to get the job done. Any nerves were settled during the briefing after how simple the operation would be as well.


    Assigned a basic patrol operation they were simply sent to observe and report on any disturbance in the mountains near the french alps. Loading up in trucks they sped off towards their objective happily chatting away. The long trip saw the men enjoying games of cards interrupted by the occasional bump and happy chatter even in the cold. Arriving the squad was dispatched into the mountains with ample equipment for a week at an observation post. Marching through the mountains was almost leisurely as they proceeded as friends rather than soldiers on the hike. Most noted they would have to get together again to do the hikes in the alps without all the combat equipment.


    Setting up for the night before the final hike to arrive at the outpost position a fantastic meal was produced from the local game and herbs. Laughing no man was placed on watch or even mildly alert. The mission wasn¡¯t officially starting until they reached the outpost so even the officers joined in the fun the soldiers took part in. With a wild night of antics Karte saw everyman as a close friend. Reminiscing over his plan to open a restaurant he encouraged the men to visit one day for a free meal. With the night continuing with laughter and antics. After a tent almost caught on fire the men were sent to bed by superiors with no one on guard throughout the night.


    Waking up to the snow building up gently on the tent Karte saw the sun rising so gently over the slopes. The snow carried a blood red tinge with the morning breaking the night and like any other day in the corps he went about packing away his tent alongside everyone else. Ready to move an hour later the sun carried itself through the sky but still held that blood red tinge.


    Moving through snow drifts that had built up happy chatter became replaced by quick glances and strange reports as they approached the outpost. Some of the men began reporting figures dashing through the snow to disappear under the sheets, another swore he saw a glint in the distance. Going from an easy stroll Karte proceeded with one hand clutching his rifle.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Reaching the outpost they quickly set out their equipment and assigned guard and patrol duties. The blood red son continued through the sky even as it set adding another uneasy layer of tension to their duties. With the sun set and darkness returning Karte went about preparing a meal for his troubled friends as another group set out. With the meal ready for their return Karte dished out the sizzling comforting broth to those who stood guard or on support duties. Waiting patiently for the patrol to return looking over the snowdrifts a blizzard was approaching. Dipping a finger in the broth a while later to feel it¡¯s frigid embrace he took his concerns up with an officer.


    Learning that the same strange figures had now been seen by most in the squad the officer agreed to send only a small search party as their communications expert attempted to hail command. Selecting a few close friends Karte set out in search of the missing patrol through the growing snow drifts and stinging wind.


    Pushing through the lights from the outpost quickly dissipated as the blizzard kicked up. Concerned with their hopes in navigating back one member of the search team insisted on returning though Karte and a few others refused to abandon their missing friends. Stumbling through the snow holding their rifles tight it wasn¡¯t long until they found long trails of blood in the snow.


    Though not fresh it¡¯d only been minutes since this blood had been spilt. With rifles readied the team set up a perimeter to radio back only to find it useless in the storm. Sending back two runners the remaining few took off into the blizzard in a desperate search for their friends. Wading through some of the snow drifts off beaten paths it wasn¡¯t long until they found what remained.


    Their fellow soldiers laid eviscerated being covered in snow visible only by the stained blood that remained. Unable to evaluate the overall damage it was still clear the men had been torn apart. Searching for survivors only revealed the incredible amount of violence that must¡¯ve taken place. With some men entirely devitalized few held down their stomachs which arose into discernible fear.


    Accounting for the dead they made their way back to the camp terrified over what could be stalking the mountains. Running back to the outpost where the terrain allowed them to back up the rocky outcrop their outpost resided on the guard waving them down from above quickly fell with the crack of a gunshot.


    Panicked and fatigued the Karte and the men of the search team sought out cover below the outpost searching for their aggressor. A few more gunshots followed before silence in the night. Terrified and listening to their officer report the shooter hadn¡¯t been found the men sat deathly still against what cover was available to them on the hill.


    Waiting in the darkness of the night with the blizzard clearing saw a few take life endangering peaks expecting to witness a sudden assault. The calm of the night only reinforced the constant terror of death waiting. Anyone could be next, all it would take was another crack in the distance though the next sound to be heard was expected at all.


    A sudden scream followed by the disconcerted cries from the outpost in general. Within seconds the rocky outcrop turned into an altar of sacrifice as blood ran down the hill. With one of Karte¡¯s search party charging up to see what the commotion was he stood still shocked to the core before stumbling back on himself. Without firing a shot he turned and ran down the hill without saying a word.


    Following his lead Karte and the men alongside him abandoned everything but their combat equipment and charged blindly into the night. An hour later saw the remnants of the force collapsing into the snow drifts trying to reclaim their breath. Looking around at each other they all held questions for each other trying to assert what happened until all fell silent looking towards the man who ran to the top of the hill.


    He sat still as pale as death. He didn¡¯t utter a word. Even when he was questioned, threatened and consoled, not a sound passed his lips. Trying to pry Karte only saw the skittering eyes of someone who had seen what could never be taken back. Helping him up he followed only after being pushed along.


    Following the long hike back to their extraction point with haste the survivors came under fire once more. Diving into snow banks rounds traced around them though there were no casualties. Every time a man tried to move he was rewarded with a shot landing beside him. Hopelessly pinned they laid in the snow for hours.


    With hyperthermia settling in Karte ordered the men forward regardless of the risks. Moving as quickly as they could no more shots followed after them. Convinced they were safe and clear the men let their guard down once more to catch their breath. At wits end everyone did their best to hold together what was left of their resolve, all accept for the man who witnessed the hill.


    Walking dead eyed back towards the hill the men called out to him in panic. Taking the initiative Karte ran towards him to stop his detached marching though a blur in the far off closing the distance saw him reevaluating the situation. Seeing multiple beings appear charging forward had him command the remnants of his team to the front and in seconds they were firing with unwanted abandon into the hoard.


    Attempting to bring it down saw them at the skin of their teeth as some of the tormented creatures collapsed mid leap towards them desperately trying to defend themselves. Seeing his friend still walking forward and past the creatures towards the hill Karte took a moment for a final attempt to save his friend firing at his leg.


    The shot landing true though did nothing to stop his march. Continuing on as nothing happened caused a lapse in Karte¡¯s focus shocked by the outright lack of any reaction and found himself tackled by one of the creatures being thrown into a sheet of ice. A sharp impact to the head saw his vision fading though one of his squadmates managed to tag the beast seeing it laid dead atop of him as the world went black.


    Coming to moments later all that could be heard was the crunching of the snow. Trying to move saw no result. Worn down to breaking point in the cold embrace of the snow all he could hope for was that his squadmates would find him. Feeling his body fail to the cold he felt ready to leave the world as footsteps rapidly approached him. Lifted out from the snow from under the corpse and under the shoulder of another soldier he was quickly lifted into a helicopter. Dazed and reeling from exhaustion he passed out again during the trip.


    Waking up again in a medical facility he was made aware of his teams grim fate and how task force shadowfall recovered him. Provided with the ultimatum of being sent back without the memories of what had happened or serving alongside them to combat the threat. Trying to recollect what descended upon them brought no image but a terrible terror instead.


    Rather than buckle to fear however Karte¡¯s first thoughts went to his friends that had perished so easily then his family. Questioning operatives of the task force they made it aware to him that the threat was still real to the world and could very well consume it. That alone was enough for Karte to agree to their terms and fight alongside them.


    Every operation from there on he served with absolute conviction determined not to let that same horrible fate that ended so many fall upon anyone else. Though he couldn¡¯t recollect the beasts he originally saw he became well acquainted with them zealous in making sure not another soul had to witness them. He would make certain that those same dead eyes that walked off into the abyss wouldn¡¯t take hold in anyone else ever again even if he had to traverse it himself. There would be a way to end to the madness, there had to be.

 Bio: Fusion

    Fusion


    Name: Lars De Graf


    Blood type: A-


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Wizard


    Pastimes: Tinkering, motorcycling, drinking


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  2/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  4/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  1/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  1/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 1/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 1/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     5/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 1/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  1/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Trained Technician</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born 1974 June 5 Finland. Raised in a brutal family environment of constant abuse Fusion found himself suffering mental illness from a very young age. He became very adept at hiding his emotions and focussing on being what others around him wanted him to be. While this actually saw him became somewhat popular with his peers he always felt that he never had any true friends. Working through his school career he developed a strong interest in pulling apart any mechanical items he could get his hands on as an escape for his mind.


    Continuing to follow his passion he became quite a skilled mechanic and gunsmith which saw him excelling in hands on classes. Working as hard as he could regardless of his home life or personal issues he achieved a surprisingly impressive academic record which he took to the army seeing it as an escape from the issues which plagued him. After training he quickly saw himself as an armourer maintaining a variety of weapon systems. His ability to salvage parts earned him the callsign Fusion while some just referred to him as the wizard.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    During firing drills on the range he was stationed on the misuse of a a heavy machine gun saw 3 soldiers wounded in training. It was this moment Fusion met his future partner as the on station nurse tended to the wounded soldiers. The two enjoyed the brief company they experienced with each other and after running into each other a number of times on base the nurse Alkilina persuaded Fusion to take her out for drinks where Fusion admitted to some of his issues as well as Alkilina mentioning she suffered from hemophilia.


    The two became fast friends and for the first time in his life Fusion felt he had someone there for him. Alkilina quickly became an irreplaceable force in Fusion¡¯s life as he began to open up on all the issues that had plagued his mind to this point. One night Fusion found himself in a drunken stupor after an overwhelming rush of PTSD. Noting Fusion had been off for the last couple of days Alkilina went round to find him in his state. After looking after him through the night Fusion woke up to breakfast and a concerned friend.


    At this moment Fusion recalled every moment of distress in his life to Alkilina though he remained calm no matter what he recounted while Alkilina simply sat and listened. Shortly after Fusion apologized for putting such strain on her and she simply replied that she just wanted to see him happy. After admitting that a life with her would complete him the two became romantically engaged and married 3 years later at the age of 24.


    Fusion took to life with an incredibly positive attitude afterwards and even though he¡¯d been through hell things worked out to be ok, fantastic even. Every day he¡¯d return to a warm home and loving wife and couldn¡¯t ever ask for more. While the couple attempted to have children Fusion found out at the age of 26 he was sterile. Disappointed he was reassured it wasn¡¯t an issue as long as they had each other from his wife and continued on carefree and optimistic.


    At the age of 33 however Fusions perfect world came crashing down upon receiving a call that his wife had been involved in a car crash. Speeding over on a motorcycle risking life and limb to at least see his wife one last time he burst through the hospital to the emergency room regardless of security trying to apprehend him. Entering the theater he saw the blood soaked body of his wife covered in wounds which refused to clot as security finally dragged Fusion away.


    A year after the event Fusion had already made an attempt on his life after his mind broke under the stress of reliving the sight of his dead wife in his mind every night. Developing debilitating hemophobia he found himself discharged with support benefits from the army driving him to two choices. Either push himself to the point where he couldn¡¯t feel the loss of his wife anymore or give in to the constant stress. Choosing the prior he saw the zone as an ultimate test in that it would either provide challenges preventing him from going back to that place in his mind or kill him outright, either way suited him.


    Arriving in 2008 he found his skills were in high demand as there were few equipment specialists in the zone especially those with an aptitude towards weapons. Fusion quickly found himself working as an armourer once again repairing anything handed over to him quickly building a reputation as a reliable technician. Though away from the challenges he craved for he found that his PTSD and depression quickly subsided and his optimism and carefree nature returned in the zone while constantly focussed on repair jobs.


    In 2009 Fusion also met Sparrow who saw Fusion frequently as a returning customer asking for maintenance jobs for the weapons of her entire team. After a few visits the two warmed up to each other where Fusion saw Sparrow as the daughter he never had while Sparrow respected the man''s optimism and big heartedness. Fusion ended up owning a very prosperous repair shop on the cemetery ships island living in what was considered very comfortable conditions for the zone.


    Sparrow however continued to pressure Fusion to leave with her to find the comfortable life he deserves. Unsure on how to proceed all he remembered was the crushing stress of reliving the memories of the sight of that body. He believed however that maybe he could make it in the real world now he had worked through his issues in the zone but if the stresses returned in force he wouldn¡¯t be long for this world. Sticking to what he knew he for the moment he remained biased to remaining in the zone but is still open to Sparrow¡¯s pleas to leave.

 Bio: Bronci

    Bronci


    Name: Jonas Lange


    Blood type: A-


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: [N/A]


    Pastimes: Training


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  4/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  5/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  5/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  5/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 4/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     5/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 4/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  5/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Exceptional Operative</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born 1952 February 2 East Germany. After the country was split between superpowers following the end of World War 2 a massive emigration movement into West Germany saw the slow but certain closing of the borders. With Noah¡¯s birth into a family consisting solely of his parents and new younger brother his parents conspired to emigrate themselves to the west to give their children a better life. 3 years of planning failed to bear fruit however and with the completion of the internalized railway in the country the Berlin wall had begun construction in 1961.


    Overwhelmed by the anxiety of what they thought to be failing their children Bronci¡¯s father attempted to find a breach in the wall still being constructed in the dead of night. After 3 days the family assumed him captured and no doubt placed on the watch list of the secret police. With a knock on the door a week after Bronci¡¯s father went missing assuming the worst Bronci¡¯s mother hid the children while comforting his brother so he wouldn¡¯t give their position away to the officials that entered the building.


    Shortly after his mother revealed where the children were hiding opening the closet with tears streaming down her face though not of despair. Taking them by the hand, giving them a final hug and asking Bronci to protect his brother she handed them over to the mysterious well armed officials who promised to give the children a better life in the West. Playing on their mother''s fear Bronci and his brother were assimilated into a clandestine organisation without suspicion as residents assumed the family was taken by the state.


    While his brother was deemed more suitable for an academic role Bronci was thrown into brutal combat trials at the age of 9. Fighting from there on every day of his life he fell to every other child in the program who had started from a much younger age than him. Battered, bruised and bleeding day in day out with minimal medical care the only relief he saw was in being able to see his brother in which he¡¯d be given advanced medical treatment to appear as if nothing were wrong.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    As the years went by Bronci earned beating after beating after beating from his opponents. Rather than developing depression or suicidal tendencies tempted by the knife left in candidates quarters pushed by the conditions he was exposed to he persevered striving to one day beat every single other candidate in the facility as retribution for what they did to him and his brother. Every day that went by the beatings became less and less severe as he learned how to better defend himself and eventually began to successfully defend himself from his attackers even if he still wasn¡¯t beating them.


    At the age of 18 as ¡®enlightenment¡¯ approached Bronci felt as if he had the capability to find his brother and flee the complex. In his attempt he managed to elude the soldiers in the facility and almost made it to the containment area where his brother was held before being subdued by a silenced gun turret. Passing out due to blood loss he again woke up in his room without any wounds and a set of instructions in front of him. He¡¯d been given a second chance to prove himself to try escape again. If he succeeded he and his brother were promised freedom, if he failed he would be enlightened.


    Seeing no alternative Bronci immediately attempted to escape by himself and succeeded without issue. Upon exiting the facility he was held at gunpoint by a soldier before relaxing his guard and instructing Bronci back into the facility letting him know he passed the test. Being walked into a room he found himself looking through a 2 way mirror where all the other candidates who fought him sat excited for enlightenment. After being instructed to use the syringe on the table every single candidate entered a vegetative state before being dragged out.


    Demanding an explanation the soldier explained to Bronci that the candidates had been enlightened in that they would not have to bear the burden of what the soldiers themselves did or what Bronci was about to. The candidates had their memories erased and motor skills crippled not remembering anything when they would awake in an asylum. They went on further explaining they served the arbitrator who controlled the unknown forces of the universe only made aware to their organization.


    Kneeling before him the soldiers congratulated Bronci on proving to be the best in the cohort though Bronci took no notice of them. He continued staring through the 2 way mirror watching the staff move the unconscious bodies of his rivals. Upon the realization of what just occurred it struck a chord of absolute pride in Bronci. He had beaten every single candidate regardless of the beatings they inflicted on him so regularly. With newly formed pride and the trust that his brother would be kept safe as part of the agreement Bronci went on to more specialized training.


    For another 6 years Bronci continued to train day in day out. Accustomed to body breaking beatings and soul crushing sessions he became one of the world''s deadliest warriors alongside his new comrades in arms. Every man he worked or trained beside knew the burden of their war and formed unbreakable bonds. In the evening of their final day of training Bronci was informed of his brothers fate. Now that any doubt was removed from his mind Bronci devoted himself entirely to the cadre of warriors fighting for the arbitrators will.


    Fighting every day of his life either sparring with his comrades or using incredibly advanced technology in black ops the world was never aware of Bronci was eventually assigned to the zone years in advance, his mission unknown. Infiltrating by drop pod in 2001 the pod immediately disintegrated the moment Bronci disembarked. Securing his drop zone and looking to his communicator for further orders Bronci found the communicator to be dead. Testing the device to find nothing wrong with it he assumed he was cut off by the organization he dedicated his life to as nothing to date would be capable of jamming it.


    Overwhelming despair immediately filled his mind as the only logical explanation for being cut off without explanation was that he was abandoned due to being deemed inferior or a liability. Bronci immediately became overwhelmed searching for a reason why his dedication was treated with such malice. Having dedicated his life to the cause at the same level as his brothers it seemed an absolute disregard to his very being.


    In the distance the screams of the damned could be heard converging on his position. Still distraught Bronci naturally set up a defence on instinct regardless of his emotions. Considering his life to be a waste Bronci felt once more what he did in his first days in the program. An urge pressed him to give up and end his own suffering but that same fire burned brighter than ever for vengeance.


    That day Bronci began his life as a simple pioneer surviving the zones horrors that seemed so intent on murdering him. While he still believed in his organisations goal he swore to enlighten every single man he once called brother or sister to release them from the perverse dedication instilled by the arbitrator demanding their lifelong service.

 Bio: Marcus

    Marcus


    Name: Bob Lawrence


    Blood type: O+


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Sarge


    Pastimes: Reading, studying, exercising


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  2/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  2/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  2/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  2/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 2/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     2/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 2/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  4/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Specialist Tactician</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born 1974 March 5 in United State of America. Raised in a well off family with a long lineage of military tradition Marcus grew up with a strong sense of morality. Always intervening in fights breaking out in school he found himself apart of them more often than defusing them. With a strong sense of right or wrong he became a compass for his close friends guiding them through whatever turmoil was afflicting them.


    In his secondary schooling he became engrossed in paintball. Competing with a team of friends his combat ability was competent at best but it was his ability to read the situation that made him such an asset. Noticing every sound and movement he was able to paint a picture of the battlescape in his mind that he could read without misinterpretation. Pairing his extraordinary battle sense with his tactical aptitude he often dictated the story told by the battlefield once his friends caught onto his prowess.


    Finding great success in the competitions he participated in he went to further his families military lineage by working his way into an officers program. During his education he found himself to be a textbook example of an excellent officer providing superb responses quickly resolving the challenges he was faced with.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Completing training as a highly capable candidate he was exposed to his first trial by fire shortly after. As a soldier he performed his role adequately however as an officer he found his theory quickly falling apart in practise. While reading the battlescape exceptionally well and providing quick and surgical plans he held very little presence on the field.


    Under fire with the situation beginning to deteriorate Marcus desperately tried to affirm his command being met with limited success. His mediocre participation in the fight offered little respect from his comrades and his polite nature lacked the ability to demand action. As such only a few under his command saw merit in his decisions while the rest remained lost in the chaos of battle.


    Surviving the fight with no dead though a few casualties brought his ability to command into question. Attempting to integrate him into support roles away from the front line resulted in a loss of what made him such an exceptional officer as he had to rely on others to be his eyes and ears over the radio preventing him from rapidly formulating precise decisions.


    As such Marcus found himself in a sort of dead space where he was held up by his training scores though held back by his lack of presence. Growing frustrated with not being given the opportunity to prove himself in the field as a standard rifleman or allowed to be apart of higher level operations development he left the army to find an occupation where his skills would flourish.


    Through a series of strange events Marcus found himself in the mercenary scene as a tactical advisor on the field. Forced into another firefight Marcus desperately tried to assert control of the situation only to find the under trained and ill disciplined forces he was fighting beside ignoring his orders. However a man by Yeti fighting alongside him saw the value of his orders and made sure every man followed his plan.


    With Yeti bellowing out over the battlefield it took only a moment until everyone followed Marcus¡¯s orders. With Yeti¡¯s presence following Marcus¡¯s every word the battle quickly followed his script ensuring no one ended up wounded and the objective was taken in a swift assault. At the end of the battle Marcus made sure to fight alongside the awe inspiring soldier who demanded respect with his actions ensuring Marcus¡¯s orders would be carried through.


    Over time the two men developed an unshakable cohesion where Marcus would provide what was required on the battlefield while Yeti procured the means to get it done from their men. After numerous battles the two agreed to form their own team to get the most out of their abilities. It wasn¡¯t long until they formed a close knit team whose abilities covered any action required by a military force from standard battle duties to covert actions.


    After numerous successful operations Marcus set out to provide one last big contract to provide the well earned reward of a comfortable life for his men. Seeing the zone as the perfect survival exercise he accepted a basic reconnaissance contract focussed on ecological reports. Being provided with a means of insertion and supplies with a decent payout for what the job required he eagerly stepped into the corrupt land.


    The second the long grass swept along his shins however something felt terribly amiss. Performing their orders to the letter and surviving without issue nothing should¡¯ve brought about such a feeling. It was unexplainable until the shear unbelievable nature of the zone revealed itself.


    Creatures once human assailed them in the night and the nature of forces taken for granted fluctuated without care for reality. The absolute mind bending nature of the area threw a haze over the perfect image Marcus had for the battlescape he now found himself in. His orders became hesitant and reinforced with numerous back up plans that would be nothing short of paranoid in any other situation. No longer was he a confident commander without doubt.


    Fighting on he did his best to provide his team with what he thought to be the best action though always questioning it. Though he maintained his teams respect in his decisions he knew it was only a matter of time till the zone threw something at him that he couldn¡¯t provide an answer for and on that day the blood of the lost would be on his hands. Every cry followed with the overwhelming anxiety as to whether it was the right call. Only time would tell if the script he wrote would fall apart in the heat of battle.

 Bio: Line

    Line


    Name: Ming Liu


    Blood type: AB-


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Shitshooter, Lance


    Pastimes: Shooting, drinking, socialising


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  2/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  4/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  3/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  2/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 2/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     2/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 1/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  3/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  1/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Trained Marksman</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born China 1984 November 25. Born into a patriotic family Line threw all his efforts towards his schooling. Studying hard he enjoyed a very successful academic career without any notable events outside of it. Graduating as one of the top of his class he went out to fight for his country. Being found to be an exceptional shooter he was quickly made a marksman.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Fighting in numerous engagements Line was known for fighting by the book no matter how unique the situation became. Though an excellent soldier such inflexibility held him back no matter the feats he achieved. Becoming a soldier of renown within the regulars he often questioned officers on why he hadn''t been given the chance to attempt selection for special forces units.


    Constantly being given half truths and convenient lies in an attempt to keep him content with his position Line slowly became more and more disillusioned in the leaders he served. Irritated he went on to volunteer for other units seeking exposure for his skills hoping to be noted by an officer of renown or special forces soldiers at large.


    It was in these efforts however that Line found himself apart of a false flag operation gone horribly wrong. Preparing to fight for a hospital in the country that was supposedly taken over by a terrorist organisation it was quickly revealed with the lack of contact that his force was being presented as the terrorists over the news.


    Set up as a political group opposing the regime the army itself quickly arrived to quell the incursion his force had apparently made. Under fire from an overwhelming force Line and a few others managed to find a hole in the cordon before the hospital became properly encircled. Watching the situation unfold the occupants were quickly eliminated driving a resurgence of militarism within the country.


    Unsure with where to go or what to do the survivors went their separate ways simply hoping to survive. Still determined to find himself held up as a legend of a soldier Line fell into the mercenary sector convinced he wouldn¡¯t be hunted down so long as he kept his mouth shut. Surviving for a year he assumed he was correct in his assumption.


    Gaining a reputation for himself in the mercenary sector only resulted in frustration. Being remembered for his by the book nature rather than excellent shooting saw employers and team leaders reluctant in rehiring him. Constantly pushing back with an arrogant attitude only made his situation worse until meeting a certain group of mercenaries.


    Fighting alongside them only for a few hours Line found himself appalled by their battle conduct in how unprofessional they were post engagement. Finding himself at wits end and reprimanding the squad he just fought with brought around little more than a laugh and compliment on his shooting. Confused not sure how to react Line simply continued fighting alongside the same team.


    Over future firefights he found himself breaking away from his by the book nature if only to keep up with the rest of the squad. Being forced out of positions as his team advanced forced him to adapt to the situation showing his true capabilities. Still impressing the squad regardless of not being used to adapting Line found himself fitting in with the others even while remaining largely unimpressed with their antics.


    Finding his way into the zone with the others had surprisingly little effect on him. Though constantly on edge with the feeling something was always lurking in his mind the irritation certain characters of his squad provided offered a perfect distraction. Unsure why the others were so perturbed at times saw him pushing to further demand a disciplined approach to their work.


    Fighting on otherwise relatively unaffected like most who entered the area Line continued on as anal as he was before. Always cleaning his rifle, always adjusting his sights, always perfecting his conduct. With the help of his squad adapting to the volatile nature of the zone he provided unparalleled support against what human threats remained. His predictability and arrogance however see himself at constant risk to the forces that tear away at the reality he believes to be a constant.

 Bio: Havoc

    Havoc


    Name: Owen Taylor


    Blood type: B-


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Volatile, Ed


    Pastimes: Studying, pyrotechnics, tinkering


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  4/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  1/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  3/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  3/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 2/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     2/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 3/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  3/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Trained Sapper</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born United Kingdom 1988 September 26. Born into a family of renowned engineers Havoc quickly picked up the spanner by the age of 3 while playing with childrens construction sets often forgoing the instructions to create his own inventions and toys. Beginning his schooling however it wasn¡¯t long until he developed an addiction for adrenaline.


    While performing adequately at school he didn¡¯t excel until his secondary schooling. Offered an area of learning that he already knew so well he took on all the hands on classes he could. Becoming exceptionally competent in metal work he took his ideas to personal projects to find his passion in cars and the rush the roar of the engine provided.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Assembling his own go kart he became exceptionally intune with the mechanics of vehicles and engines. As a part time mechanic for a go kart racing team it only reinforced his passion. Reaching the end of his schooling however he looked to the army for a stable income and job security.


    Immediately entering the engineers corp he found himself captivated by culture the sappers held and quickly amongst friends as an irrepressible dickhead always ready to try solve situations with ridiculous engineering solutions. Though he was a prime candidate his larrikin nature held him back, constantly being reprimanded for whatever ridiculous antic he was trying to see through.


    Taking his time to modify vehicles of the regiment to get the most of them running getting the most out of their capabilities he also saw himself on the front line as a sapper who got the job done regardless of combat intensity. Operating under dangerous conditions without any regression in his ability saw him sought out by numerous commanders and officers to help complete their objectives.


    Such a promising career however was cut short by a shenanigan too far. Tasked with disposing of a cache of explosives Havoc and his squadmates decided to provide a fireworks show for the local forward operating base occupied by a squad of soldiers they often quarreled with. Relying on his squad for their expertise in explosives it wasn¡¯t long until the sky was filled with explosions and smoke.


    Taking off in one of their modified infantry vehicles they quickly sped away before the other squad could react. On hearing the news of their exploits few contained themselves upon learning of how many soldiers spent the evening cleaning themselves up in response to the massive explosion. It wasn¡¯t long though until Havoc and his friends were found out.


    Attending his court martial for misconduct Havoc¡¯s name was slapped with a dishonorable discharge. With him and his friends disbanded they attempted to find work in the civil sector only to find it a fraction of what the army offered. Over time Havoc decided on finding work in the mercenary sector to chase that rush he was so fond of.


    Performing a few contracts most put aside his dishonourable discharge for his skills as an engineer though most decided against rehiring him due to his larrikin attitude. It wasn¡¯t long however until he found a team that were more than happy to accommodate his excessive nature for his skill set.


    Fighting alongside his new friends he took a new appreciation to his art. Providing them with demolitions advice he became a very close friend to the teams explosive expert Baron. Together the two fueled each others ridiculous ideas leading to some extremely unorthodox solutions to numerous engineering or explosive disposal challenges.


    On entering the zone Havoc found himself quickly rendered irrelevant in his own eyes. With little to no requirement for engineering prowess he went out attempting to fight alongside his team. Finding his skill to be below the others he fought from more of a support role being able to survive though not able to directly contribute well.


    With the time dragging on that he spent in the area the nagging feeling he was more or less useless grew exponentially. With the support of his team and close friend he managed to push through in an attempt to become more than just a sapper and a legendary soldier. He convinced himself once he left he would be up to the same standard as his friends. Burning with new hope he fought on hoping to be given the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with them again.

 Bio: Sandworm

    Sandworm


    Name: C¨¦sar Vargas


    Blood type: B+


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Boogeyman, Aardvark


    Pastimes: Weapons, sightseeing, reading


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  4/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  1/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 1/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  3/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  2/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 4/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     2/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 4/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  3/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Average Support</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born Brazil 1986 January 21. Growing up in a favela Sandworm quickly learnt the importance of being able to fight, specifically how not to get shot. Taking care to avoid irritating the wrong people he was able to keep his head down for the majority of his childhood. With no formal education Sandworm learnt the law of the slums and how to survive instead.


    Getting in plenty of fights with other children Sandworm quickly became competent in defending himself. More importantly though he learnt how to run to avoid the armed patrols regularly trying to keep the peace and suppress gangs in the area. Learning the environment of the rooftops he became quite agile in being able to launch himself from building to building evading any firefights that might erupt.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    At the age of 12 after a particularly nasty flashpoint concluded he was able to scavenge a pistol from a body. From there he and his friends took part in higher stakes crime holding people at gunpoint for money and valuables. Surviving for a while seeing a substantial increase in their profit and property saw himself and friends grow cocky.


    It wasn¡¯t long until the pistol found itself pointed towards the wrong people. Unknown to Sandworm the local gang had known about his friends and their robberies for quite awhile. Falling into a trap Sandworm was quickly disarmed and forced down by gunpoint himself. With his friends carted off along with him they were offered an ultimatum.


    Irritated by their operations though impressed with how much disruption the group was able to cause they were given the opportunity to work with the criminal organisation they caused so much trouble. With some basic training in how to shoot and general guidance to their operations saw Sandworm introduced to the criminal underworld.


    Now apart of drug running and human trafficking saw him generating that much more revenue but at a much higher risk. Now forced to take part of the firefights he desperately avoided Sandworm became a highly elusive shooter. Quickly picking up and reading a situation provided him with an exceptional sense of cover awareness.


    Though proficient at surviving engagements the nature of the trade and his slowly dwindling friends began to take a toll on his mind. Looking for a way out at the age of 18 Sandworm sought out to steal what he needed to provide an exit for himself and the few still alive that he cared about. Preparing to move on a stash owned by his employers however a raid began as Sandworm and his friends entered the compound.


    Stuck in a chaotic firefight government forces moved through in a brutal assault refusing to take anyone alive. Caught out in the open fire ripped through whoever remained leaving Sandworm and a few left alive to try escape if only with their lives. Gaining the weight of fire if only for a moment Sandworm made a break for the rooftops.


    Sprinting and leaping across rooftops for hundreds of meters he assumed himself to be the only one who made it out. With nowhere else to go as his employers were slowly being picked apart and government forces hot on his trail he left the country looking for work in the only sector he had skills relevant in.


    Fighting throughout south america for months as a mercenary saw himself exposed to more and more mind rending sights. Scarring his mind having seen some of the worst conflict had to offer saw him becoming unbreakable under fire. Taking an appreciation to light machine guns to maintain control of the weight of fire in combat situations made him quite an asset for any team.


    Fighting alongside a new group of mercenaries Sandworm left a strong impression on the two leaders of the team. Being offered a position with them he found stability he¡¯d never known. Quickly becoming friends with the competent fighters he served alongside the sites of the battlefield became less and less pressing on him given the support offered by the tight knit team.


    Believing himself to be unbreakable he found himself unchallenged before entering the zone. Even upon the day of entering he found the whispers on the wind to be more unnerving than any experience he had before. It couldn¡¯t be explained or avoided. Constantly reverberating through his mind even with the rattling of his machine gun it weaved deeper into the cracks finding a way through his fractured mind.


    Pushing through Sandworm maintained his combat ability though his mind slipped further each day. Every morning the abyss promised to unveil such tantalizing secrets held from him and everyone else over the years they lived. All it would take was a peek into the depths. With that nothing would asail his mind ever again.

 Bio: Baron

    Baron


    Name: Adam O¡¯Sullivan


    Blood type: B+


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Boomer, ritalout


    Pastimes: Video games, shooting, shouting


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  4/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  2/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  3/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  2/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 1/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     3/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 3/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  4/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Specialist Explosives expert</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born Ireland 1989 November 26. From a young age Baron developed a fascination for explosives described by his single father who was a explosive ordnance disposal expert. Sitting down and listening to his epic stories and even being taken to the explosives range occasionally drove an absolute obsession over anything that went boom into the boy.


    Making sparkler bombs at the age of 8 the bottlecap fireworks offered little threat to Baron though it wasn¡¯t long until his father tried to instil some sense of responsibility into him. Developing into a model dickhead however Baron preferred to show his friends the wonder of an pyrotechnics rather than heed his father''s words.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    By 12 Baron already knew how to use an aluminum can as the perfect casing for a homemade grenade. Avoiding his father''s watchful eye Baron pursued his love for explosives alongside his closest friends forming a bond of trust that couldn¡¯t ever be broken. Finding an abandoned paddock out in the countryside as the perfect location to test their improvised explosives the group of friends enjoyed many a night camped out before detonating their latest device to celebrate their adventures before taking off.


    Their devices reached the point of throwing the local police force into a panic over the shattering of silence in the night. Searching out the perpetrators Baron was eventually found out at the age of 18. Refusing to compromise his friends the officers attempted to contact his father and threaten him with the serious charges his son faced.


    Without being able contact his father Baron was held in a holding cell for a day until the officers returned with a solemn message. Returning him to the interrogation room they informed him his father had been killed in action attempting to defuse an explosive device. Trying to warp his father''s death into a message to stop playing around with dangerous devices the officer''s plea fell on deaf ears though they thought the message got through.


    Released without any charges pressed his friends quickly caught wind of the news. Distraught his only family was now dead he took a new appreciation to his art. Studying explosives he became an expert in defusal and handling improvised explosive devices while taking exception care and respect in his work in an effort to honor his father''s memory.


    By 20 he became an expert in his field that his friends often used as a referral to anyone in the police force or army to look to for advice. Providing assistance while maintaining his anarchist personality it became apparent that explosives were the only thing he treated with any solemnity as he refused to repress his outrageous character regardless of someones prestige or ranking.


    Seeing the army and police force as too restrictive Baron found his way into the mercenary scene fighting across numerous battlefields. It wasn¡¯t the fight he sought out however but rather the aftermath where he¡¯d accept contracts to defuse the numerous IED¡¯s scattered across the remnants of battlefields, the result of proxy wars and insurgent forces.


    Finding his way across the world he fought alongside a two mercenaries whose leadership went unchallenged by his smartass personality. He immediately respected the two joining up with them as their explosives expert. Given the freedom to go about his business after a contracts completion to disarm and assist communities with EOD work only solidified his position with the team. Forging unbreakable friendships while allowed to continue honoring his father''s memory saw him in the mindset he¡¯d be with the team until age prevented him from picking up a rifle.


    Deploying into the zone on a contract with the others however shook his resolve. The horrible threats the tears proved threw Baron¡¯s purpose off tilt. The fluctuations in natural forces took so many pioneer lives that he witnessed far too regularly. Feeling as if he had some obligation to remove the threats but without that being feasibly possible all he could do was hope to spot the threats before his friends fell to them as well.


    Over time with too many close calls with tears threatening to rip apart, dissolve or consume him and the people he cared about he began to feel as if to be failing not only his comrades but himself. As a master of studying traps and devices it seemed almost like the area itself was mocking him with his inability to adapt and improve.


    Every day that went by the thought of someone or himself falling to one of the numerous tears in reality clawed at his mind. Even so he pressed on pushing such thoughts aside trying to take things as they were. It wasn¡¯t that he was incompetent he reminded himself, this place was something no one could prepare for. As such all there was left to do was take every day as it came defiant to the forces that tried to ruin him maintaining himself as the same happy dickhead he was always known as.

 Bio: Dragonfly

    Dragonfly


    Name: Saman Mistry


    Blood type: AB-


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Pilot, Getaway


    Pastimes: Driving, tinkering, thrill seeking


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  2/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  2/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  2/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  4/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 4/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     2/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 3/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  3/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Trained Pilot</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born India 1985 March 30. Raised in the slums Dragonfly quickly learnt to become independent and provide for himself while helping his family where he could. Learning to drive cars and ride motorcycles from an exceptionally young age he took an immediate appreciation to driving. Spending every moment he could behind the wheel he learnt how to feel where the car was and developed an exceptional spatial awareness for whatever he drove.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Growing up life remained to be the same day to day hassle it always was. Going to school coming home to help around the house to finish his work before going to bed. The only enjoyment he had for awhile was the simplicity of driving only having to focus on getting from A to B. Landing a part time job at the age of 15 he managed to save enough money to buy a sports bike by 16.


    Taking an immediate appreciation to his personal motorcycle he regularly threw himself round whatever quiet streets and roads he could find. Falling into a street racing scene his reputation quickly cascaded into something great. Being apart of a community that understood his passion for speed only reinforced his will to push himself further.


    Winning high stakes races and building up his name he managed to acquire his own garage full of prized cars and bikes by the ripe age of 19. Generating such a reputation in such a small amount of time saw him noticed by more subversive organisations. Offered a massive paycheck to accept training as a pilot while offering his services as a driver he earned his nickname Getaway.


    Transporting hardened criminals initially in boosted old sports cars he found himself entrusted with super cars in high profile criminal operations till eventually he was placed in a cockpit. Finding flying to be just as exhilarating if not more Dragonfly continued to expand his reputation as a professional pilot no matter the vehicle leading him into the mercenary scene.


    With the skills to take the wheel or stick of anything the force he fought for acquired he became a valuable asset to anyone he fought with. During his mercenary years he was even able to get behind the stick of a few fighter craft, most notably a MiG 21. With such a diverse skill set in anything with an engine he was highly sought after.


    Bouncing around numerous mercenary teams he settled down with a tight knit team of mercenaries who encouraged his wild driving and piloting. Finding himself surrounded by the same type of people he enjoyed so long ago he decided to stick around. With him at the wheel or stick the team got into where ever they were required to be regardless of combat intensity.


    Upon hearing of the teams decision to enter the zone Dragonfly almost decided to part ways as the job would have no use for his skills. However for the sake of camaraderie and friendship he decided to stick along to see where the contract would go and if he could further expand his skill set as a competent soldier as well. A greater mistake couldn¡¯t have been made.


    Stepping off into the zone once inserted the vast reality of the situation hit him. He was a rifleman through and through now, nothing else. There wouldn¡¯t be any support runs or pickups, it was just him and his rifle. Unsure how to proceed he found himself to be the competent fighter he hoped to be but the threats of the exclusion zone displayed this was still woefully inadequate.


    As each day went by he¡¯d look up into the sky wishing he was tearing through it away from the desecrated grass that threatened to drag him down into the depths. At the very least hovering above to provide some escape for the men he¡¯d grown to care about. With luck he¡¯d be able to spread his wings and fly again someday. If he could survive this he¡¯d make sure the sky was the only place he ever was after setting foot onto the defiled soil that shifted so unnaturally. There¡¯d be an escape, one day.

 Bio: Skippy

    Skippy


    Name: Brad Parker


    Blood type: A-


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Bogan, Kicker


    Pastimes: Drinking, socialising, brawling


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  4/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  1/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  5/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  4/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 3/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     1/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 4/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  2/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  1/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Trained Soldier</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born Australia 1991 November 30. A happy idiot from the moment he could talk Skippy has always been an irrepressible force of nature. With a booming voice and hyperactive personality nothing could keep him grounded. Even in his early primary schooling he found himself constantly reprimanded for his wild stunts.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Always wearing an injury of some kind his friends supported his antics always ensuring something was bandaged on him. In his secondary schooling he quickly became ensnared in underage drinking which drove him to greater challenges risking his life at some points for the rush of the moment.


    Leaving school early he travelled the country working in outback stations becoming a self proclaimed jackaroo. Working under the relentless sun or in shearing sheds turned ovens he found the work satisfying while providing for himself. Looking out over the vast paddocks as the sun set he found himself missing that rush from his childhood though.


    So in classic form he took off overseas to try something crazy. Backpacking through unstable countries at the age of 20 he quickly found himself in the company of the wrong people who respected his addiction to danger. Finding himself amongst warriors he made friends with various soldiers of fortune across the globe before trying his hand at soldiering himself at the age of 21.


    Under fire in his first engagement with mortar fire saturating the field Skippy felt a rush he never did before. Something so terrifying and surreal that could never be outdone by any of the rushes he¡¯d had before. Charging into battle alongside friends with a sense of comradery never experienced either he went above and beyond as a shock trooper taking on tasks far too dangerous for himself let alone his comrades.


    With a cool head under fire always looking for the rush of combat Skippy became a highly renowned soldier earning his nickname from how eager he appeared charging into the depths of a firefight. With every engagement his prowess under fire grew allowing him to outperform all but the most hardened fighters in close quarters.


    Finding himself fighting alongside another team of mercenaries he found himself under proper leadership providing him with battlefield duties perfect for his role. He quickly found himself officially apart of the team and serving alongside them across the globe always being pushed to greater heights.


    After multiple engagements Skippy earned the nickname Kicker from his new friends due to his apparent disregard for the danger he was presented with. Every engagement was just another rush to him, another challenge to push himself. Plateauing for awhile he sat comfortable in his profession for years until the contract that took them into the exclusion zone.


    The second he stepped foot on the cursed soil something ate away at his mind. Something subvert but definitely there. Every engagement was accompanied by something he¡¯d never felt before, the fear of death. It was unexplainable though unshakable. Every shot that cracked by could be the last, every swipe could be the fatal blow.


    Unable to clear his mind he began to lose what made him an exceptional shock trooper in the first place. Beginning to see his performance declining he came closer and closer to the death he feared in every battle he fought. With time even the rush of combat he loved began to be replaced by the palpable fear of falling over the edge.


    While keeping up appearances as an irrepressible force his will to fight eroded to only wanting to protect his squadmates from the dangers of the breach. Taking point selflessly putting himself forward he forced himself forward even with his hesitation. He knew though with every day that went by the odds were slowly turning against him. The only hope that remained was escape.

 Bio: Yeti

    Yeti


    Name: Aidan Gibson


    Blood type: A-


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Badger


    Pastimes: Exercising, Eating, Drinking


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  3/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  3/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  4/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  3/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 1/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     4/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 3/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  5/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Exceptional 2nd officer</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born Scotland 1962 May 25. Born into a militarist family Yeti enjoyed a variety of sports including soccer, rugby and boxing. Excelling as a captain in the teams he played for he enjoyed a very popular childhood surrounded by friends and supporting family. Finishing his primary schooling Yeti went on to take part in training offered by his father.


    Taught how to hold a rifle and the importance of keeping his boots in top condition at all time Yeti picked up many old tricks and methods taught over generations of soldiering as well as developing a strong sense for battlecraft. Already heavily militaristic himself Yeti began to conflict with other people in his age group after attempting to harass him which proved to be a poor decision.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Finishing school he enlisted the first moment he could in the british army after his family moved there. Training vigorously Yeti saw himself with the potential of making his way into the commandos especially when given the chance to prove himself in the erupting Falklands crisis at the age of 20.


    Finding himself deployed he fought with merit earning the attention of numerous officers looking to take his ability further. However with the ferocity and vigor Yeti fought with he found himself disheartened over the wage he was offered. Surely his efforts were worth more than that. Risking his life fighting as a hero he could do better.


    Returning home he found himself looking for other opportunities finding the mercenary scene as the most attractive at the time. Keeping it a secret from his family who assumed he made his way into special forces somehow he found his calling as a soldier of fortune. A reliable leader amongst the stubborn or inexperienced, most followed his example as a veteran who instilled life saving knowledge when given the chance.


    Making quite a reputation for himself he earned the nickname Papa bear as a veteran fighter who looked out for those he fought side by side with. One glaring issue arose from his practices that prevented him from becoming a legendary leader among mercenaries was his poor grasp of squad tactics and strategy at large.


    With his reputation inexperienced mercenaries assumed him in control of the overall battlescape and the decisions to be made on it. These few instances left teams immediately beheaded of strategic leadership and often saw unnecessary losses due to the assumption the man of highest prestige took tactical responsibility for the squad.


    Disheartened by unnecessary deaths Yeti found himself back on the fringe of mercenary work in an effort to avoid such lethal misunderstandings in the future. Over the years he fought in lesser conflicts keeping his head down until he met Marcus. The man seemed caring and understanding but without the qualities required to assume control of soldiers in the heat of the moment.


    Nonetheless Yeti found Marcus to be an incredibly competent tactical officer who could read a situation as if to be a book laid out on a table. Finding they both had the traits the other desired they made the decision after a few operations of fighting together to form their own team. As second in command Yeti took on the responsibility of maintaining morale, enforcing orders and providing a keen battle sense for their recruits.


    Quickly finding each other working in unshakable cohesion they quickly made a reputation for themselves and the team they led. While Marcus would assess the situation without fault and provide an almost immediate solution Yeti would make sure what needed to be done was completed. Bellowing over firefights, artillery and the screams of battle he became a beacon shining through anarchy guiding the actions of those lost in the chaos of battle.


    Forming a highly diverse and competent squad Marcus and Yeti set out looking for more lucrative contracts trying to find that last big fight that would see them set for life. Finding a contractor looking for ecological and reconnaissance reports of the exclusion zone after years of fighting the two agreed it would be the perfect training run to prepare them in harsh conditions for one last big job.


    Infiltrated into the zone the contract quickly became dubious at best. With no constant reports the team completed their orders awaiting extraction and received supplies instead. With new orders eventually coming through it became clear their employer had no intention on extracting them. With moral falling Yeti made sure to keep the team in good practise reinforcing their resolve and discipline while they figured a way out of their situation. As time went by however Yeti felt both himself and Marcus without the skills to find a safe solution.


    With time ticking by the growing dread of history repeating itself manifested in Yeti¡¯s mind. Every hopeful look and every smile brought on by his reinforcement brought back the faces of so many who relied on him for something he couldn¡¯t provide. Either way a solution had to be found and for better or worse an escape attempt had to be made soon.

 Bio: Fledger

    Fledger


    Name: Mathis Van Damme


    Blood type: O-


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: Agent, Bootleg


    Pastimes: Socialising, studying, music


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  3/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  2/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  4/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  4/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 2/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 4/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     3/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 1/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 4/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  1/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  4/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Trained Operative</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born Belgium 1989 February 16. Raised in the slums Fledger quickly became a master of petty crime by the age of 8. With no formal education only learning how to read and count the only thing he could rely on was himself and a gang of children. Providing for their leader and themselves it was a hard life though it had few fantastic moments.


    Looking to expand his skill set he became an exceptional thief able to break into most stores and leave after scrounging an appropriate amount of loot before someone came to inspect the disruption. Learning the importance of only taking what you can manage and avoiding temptation he excelled far beyond his friends abilities.


    With the leader of the group learning of his prowess Fledger began having more and more of his profit squeezed out of him. At the point where even the food he stole was taken away from him he made his first attempt to leave the group only to be cornered while trying to pack his belongings. With a savage beating he was forced to remain apart of the group and provide for them.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    It wasn¡¯t until he was 12 that he found his first opportunity to leave the dictatorship his child gang had become. Having a run in with the local mobsters as he tried to steal from the wrong people the criminals saw his potential. Providing him with money and a place to sleep Fledger found himself in the hands of someone else.


    Continuing his acts of breaking and entering he was taught all the tricks of the trade from lock picking to how to fight. Though still at the mercy of a criminal boss his colleagues treated him with far more respect than his previous friends. Learning how to shoot sometime later Fledger was on his way to becoming a hardened criminal operative.


    By 16 he was being trained alongside veterans stealing from high profile targets. Becoming highly proficient in the use of pistols and blending in to a crowd Fledger saw himself generating a large amount of income however this saw itself heavily taxed by the crime lords who gave him the opportunity in the first place.


    Becoming close friends with the criminals training him and working beside him Fledger let slip his disgust with his position aspiring for more. Surprisingly the other criminals provided him with an out offering to let him leave with them after their next big hit. Agreeing without further thought the group planned the robbery then a procedure to disappear off the face of the Earth.


    Quickly the last hit became the largest the crew would undertake. Preparing for a full year by the age of 18 Fledger was taking part in a robbery in a major bank. With a network of connections and planning activated he found himself behind the counter posing as a teller until the time was right.


    Waiting till the end of the day the bank sat quiet as security went about their final procedures switching security procedures to those during close. With the time to strike rapidly approaching Fledger went about dispatching 3 guards before letting in the rest of his team through the back. The plan went like clockwork as no alarms were set or shots fired with the entire building secure.


    Cracking the vault a recent shipment of valuables sat ready to be stuffed into bags. Excited Fledger and another of the team crammed bags full of loot while the other six watched over the perimeter hiding away from windows. Giddy with excitement at the amount of money they were about to get away with the two stashing the goods couldn¡¯t hold back their laughter until a gunshot shattered the bliss of the moment.


    Shocked by the sudden turn the lead of the crew ordered them up front as a firefight broke out in the building. Finding his way into the foyer where rounds flew through the air they found themselves under attack by criminals from the mob they intended to escape from. With such a fight breaking out in the middle the city a massive police response followed leading to a 3 way gunfight.


    Losses mounted quickly as each group failed to assert control over the situation. With the firefight turning desperate Fledger and the man helping him pack bags fled into the sewers running for miles before crawling back out into an alley out of breath. Unsure how many survived both men agreed to go their separate ways in their attempt to be forgotten by the world.


    Looking for suitable cover Fledger found a mercenary looking for members for a team. Taking the opportunity immediately he set out to hide amongst the battlefields still raging until things calmed down enough for him to enjoy his hard earned spoils. He found himself surprised by the quality of the men he found himself working alongside though and became roped into more and more operations with them.


    Working alongside competent soldiers who later became good friends he set about trying to be a better soldier while providing invaluable assistance as a specialist operative able to break and enter while also being able to maintain a cover for espionage purposes earning the nicknames Bootleg and Agent. Quickly he became an irreplaceable service within the squad giving them the edge on intelligence and for the first time in his life became apart of a team where he had no fear of it¡¯s internal politics.


    Entering the exclusion zone he found his mind immediately assaulted by susurrant thoughts. Creatures of the abyss made a connection with him after being knocked unconscious by one of the fallen. Their melodies promised such power and revelation that proved too much even for his ambitions. Keeping his regressing sanity to himself not to demoralize the others he could only hope to leave this place before his mind left him first.

 Bio: Duke

    Duke


    Name: Hendrik Smits


    Blood type: B+


    Sexuality: Heterosexual


    Nicknames: SHIC, Rare


    Pastimes: Socialising, video games, shooting


    Scorecard:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Physical


    </td>


    <td>Combat skill


    </td>


    <td>Psychological </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Strength  1/5</td>


    <td>Accuracy  1/5</td>


    <td>Intelligence 3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Endurance  2/5</td>


    <td>Reflexes  2/5</td>


    <td>Bravery 1/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Agility 3/5</td>


    <td>Weapons versatility     1/5</td>


    <td>Resilience 5/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Constitution 2/5</td>


    <td>Battlecraft  2/5</td>


    <td>Wisdom  3/5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>5=Exceptional 4=Specialist</td>


    <td>3=Trained 2=Average 1=Poor</td>


    <td>Overall role: Poor Soldier</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </a>


    Bio: Born Netherlands 1995 September 3. Raised in a poor family his living conditions were livable but substandard. Raised alongside 4 brothers and 2 sisters the siblings all competed for space, privacy or property. Being the youngest Duke often fell out of luck in the brawls that ensured leaving him with the scraps that remained.


    One of his older brothers however always made an effort to look out for him and kept his head above the water, especially at school. Being raised in such a notorious family made Duke the target of bullies the second he started his schooling. If not for his brother he would have been left at the mercy of the entire school.


    Working hard to keep himself afloat in a constantly changing and volatile environment in and out of home he took an immediate appreciation to video games. With his brother digging up an old console at the age of 8 Duke¡¯s life took a turn now he was provided with an escape. Arguments echoing throughout the house or insults from other students rattling in his head faded away every moment he picked up the controller next to his brother.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    While things were rough Duke managed to perform adequately at school while staying out of trouble being the only sibling not constantly reprimanded by authority figures. At the age of 14 however his brother and only constant disappeared. No final words or notes were left by him, just his room cleared out leaving only the console Duke grew to cherish.


    Quickly things degraded. The console no longer provided the comfort he was used to and the voices so content on bringing him down came screaming back. By the skin of his teeth he completed his school certificate and immediately set out to leave home. At 16 he, like his brother, packed his bags in the dead of night and set out for greener pastures.


    Duke immediately found himself at the doorstep of the army somehow managing to lie about his age regardless of screening. There he found it difficult to keep up with the training and disciple but pressed on determined to make something of himself if only at least to find his brother. His struggle to keep up with other soldiers was often noted and had him constantly on watch for any slip up.


    In the same year Duke¡¯s age was determined and he was summarily kicked out of the army. Left on the side of the road with nowhere to go he took what money he had and dumped it into the only thing he was given training to do. By some miracle he found not only a weapons supplier but also an informer who put him in contact with contractors for him to try make his way as a soldier of fortune.


    The first contract he fought for found him under the lead of Marcus who was stunned by Duke¡¯s age. Regardless of initial opposition in taking someone so young into battle Marcus came to the conclusion the boy had nowhere else to go and if he had to fight he might as well with them. Traveling to the site of their contract Duke was quickly exposed to his first trial by fire.


    With cracks splitting the air above and ground erupting with fragmentation Duke threw up within the first minutes of combat. Granted the operation turned south however he was entirely unprepared for the ordeal. However he continued pushing forward against insurmountable fear and ignorance in battlecraft and found himself on the frontline beside his would be comrades.


    As the dust settled and they stood victorious Duke paced about the battlefield completely shattered. The level of violence he¡¯d just witnessed rendered him stupid and shocked but his shaking hands reminded him he was still alive. Though the rifle in his hands claimed lives today it kept him alive. He could do this. Coming round and slapping a hand on his shoulder Marcus shared a brief proud smile before turning disgusted.


    Wondering what was wrong now the fog of battle stress had cleared Duke could smell the problem. Even though he wished so much what he thought the smell originated from wasn¡¯t it very much was as real and irrefutable as the odor proved. Turning around the other mercenaries quickly caught onto what had just occurred falling over laughing.


    It was there Duke earned his nickname and the name SHIC (Shit Himself In Combat) never living it down for a moment. Livid he fought their amusement with whatever leverage he could get. Every day he saw himself relegated to the kid brother of the squad amongst friendly taunting and teasing.


    Though he was driven stupid with anger sometimes the squad treated him like family regardless of their antics and held him with a furtive respect while Duke concealed admiration for his comrades. They provided him with the support he needed to become a highly competent soldier as they fueled his potential powered by an unbreakable will arising either from steadfast or stubborn nature.


    Entering the zone he maintained his stubborn nature fighting each and every statement thrown at him by his comrades as well as the horrors of the conflict they found themselves apart of. Defiant even to the forces of the exclusion zone he pressed on as he normally would. Though he wouldn¡¯t know it he became a beacon of hope among his squadmates proceeding unphased even by the influence¡¯s madness.