Below Six
Chapter 1
Emancipation.
Hightailing through a dense patch of needle leaves sodden army issues made the occasional splash into the small stream as loose rocks and stones turned underfoot causing the lithe blonde to eat dirt and inhale dust on more than one occasion. Once again finding herself nose to dirt, the fatigued woman raked in a lungful of dusty air. Chancing a fleeting glance over her shoulder, she quickly placed palms to dirt, propelling herself forward. Stumbling her feet struggled for traction as the hazy beams of flashlights cut an eerie swathe through the leafy foliage and twilight mist encompassing her. Cresting a small hill breaking free of the treeline she slid freely down a slope, loose stones and rocks causing a natural landslide aiding her escape from her pursuers and onto the abandoned highway below, hands on hips she walked a tight circle trying to regain her breath and make sense of the unfamiliar world around her.
"Damn it"
Dropping to her haunches Emma raked her fingers through dirty tangled strands
"I recommed finding immediate medical assistance Commander, your temperature is elevated-"
Scrabbling backwards across the gravelly asphalt on palms and heels Emma frantically scanned her surroundings for the source of the exotic voice
"Commander, I am detecting increased levels of adrenaline within your system. Dangerous heartrate, laboured breathing. Scanning immediate proximity for threats… zero threats detected. Commander Swan you must calm down. Commander."
"Who are you?" So many questions flooded Emma's mind as the undernourished but attractive brunette worked diligently around her
"Dr Faye Black," the woman replied calmly "But call me Faye. How`re you feeling soldier?"
"F-freezing" Emma shivered, noticing the cannula inserted into the back of her hand "Wha… happened?"
"Sorry Swan right now there's no time to explain-"
"No time to explain?" Emma forced herself away from the Doctor and over the side of the gurney, inadvertently jerking the canula free crimson trickled freely from her fingertips pooling at her feet, legs refusing to cooperate fully she crumpled to the floor
"God, damn it, Swan! I'm trying to bloody help you." Laced with concern Dr Blacks thick English accent echoed around the sterile room as the disoriented blonde scrambled across the cold steel floor. Backed into a corner she drew her legs tight to her chest, wrapping her arms defensively around them
Another Doctor, pistol holstered upon his thigh quickly muscled into the sterile room
"Swan…" Hands raised he took a few hesitant steps towards her "Calm down. We`re trying to help you. You must calm down"
Studying the thin blonde Doctor through heavily lidded eyes nothing about him suggested sympathy, from the determined set of his jaw to the narrowing of his eyes there was nothing about him Emma trusted, nor did she trust Dr Black, even though both claimed they were trying to help her the rising anxiety within her gut suggested otherwise
"If you're really trying to help then start by explaining, what the hell's going on?"
Black cast a worried glance towards her colleague, a flicker of understanding passing between them only heightened Emma`s distrust of the duo tenfold
"Commander. Commander Swan. Can you hear me? Preparing neural shock in 3. 2…"
"I'm ok." Emma stammered scrambling to her feet "I'm ok"
"Temperature 38.9 all other vital signs returning to within normal parameters. Recommend seeking immediate medical assistance"
"You've got to stop popping into my thoughts like that" Emma chastised her breathing near normal "At least until I get used to you, in here" she tapped her temple with her index finger "You scared the shit out of me"
"My apologies Commander."
Emma waved the thoughts away
"And stop with the Commander shit"
"How would you prefer I address you, Vanguard?"
Wiping her sweaty brow with the back of a dirty hand Emma exhaled tiredly
"Vanguard? Swan will be fine. Is coalescence always this, difficult?"
"Our extended cryo-sleep has unfortunately had multiple detrimental effects on our interface, and your persistent resistance to my presence-"
"You act like I'm resisting you intentionally" Emma interrupted
"Is making a smooth coalescence, difficult"
"Unbelievable" Emma whisper-shouted throwing her arms up "Un-fucking-believable. Ok. For one second imagine you're me-"
"Impossible. You are Commander Emma Swan. United States Marines Vanguard Initiative, and I your Naval Officer Analytic Hub, or Noah for short. It is imperative we coalesce smoothly for our symbiotic relationship to flourish and reach its full potential"
"Symbiotic relationship. Huh."
"Commander?"
Pulling a pair of binoculars from her messenger bag Emma scanned the horizon. The only sign of civilisation was black smoke rising against the darkening sky, which usually meant danger, but pulling the hood of her leather jacket over her head that's the direction she started walking, towards the smoke.
SQ
Locksley sprang upright. Shoulders heaving, he was unsure if the scream that startled him awake was real or merely one of thousands that haunted his dreams? Tipping his black cowboy hat above his sweaty brow he raised the night vision scope to his tired eyes. Holding the walkie to his lips it crackled into life
"Killian. Leroy. You copy?"
The device crackled with static
"We`ve got husk"
Legs and lungs burning from the unexpected exertion Emma's chest heaved
"Testing. 1. 2. 3 testing"
"I hear your thoughts Commander; Unfortunately, I cannot read your mind the two are quite unrelated. No, I am not omnipresent, nor am I an auditory hallucination"
"Right because clearly everyone hears voices leading them on jaunt across the Commonwealth to the origins of an unearthly scream"
"Vanguard Swan. Multiple contacts. Zero threats within thirty clicks. Twenty clicks to target. Proceed with extreme caution"
Emma slowed
"You might just might prove useful yet" She smirked
Continuing at a clip along the narrow-overgrown trail Emma drew her pistol, hesitantly approaching a prone form laying almost hidden beneath the undergrowth.
Pulse weak and thready beneath cold fingertips, blood oozed from a bulging purple wound in the shaggy brown-haired boy's hairline. Checking for further injuries Emma's abdominals tightened, the boy's ankle rested beside a rock at an unnatural angle.
"Scans indicate no serious injuries. Hostiles are inbound 5 clicks and closing"
Using what remained of her little strength Emma hoisted the unconscious boy over her shoulder. Inhaling a few deep breaths, she adjusted quickly to the additional weight.
"We've got this. Right?"
"Yes Commander"
Emma drew her pistol, already a deadweight within her grasp it almost slipped from her grip, such was her exhaustion. Pointing at the rotting husk she gently squeezed the trigger, the approaching abomination staggered momentarily before falling lifelessly to the ground.
"Me?"
"You did not require assistance"
Unwilling to see what further abominations emerged from the darkness Emma headed towards the unmistakable crack of gunfire.
"Tell me you heard that?"
"Yes Commander. Proceed with extreme caution"
"Caution's my middle name"
"Florence is your middle name" Noah stated casually
"What the fuck? There is a line and you just crossed it"
"Apologies Commander did I say something inappropriate?"
"You know you're NOT funny. Right?"
Warily approaching what appeared to be a ramshackle settlement Emma watched in disbelief as three men atop an ancient rusted bus took turns shooting into a small herd of mindless husk clawing the perimeter.
A horde was massing on the highway just over the next ridge, and these idiots were whooping and hollering like it was the fourth of July celebrations, but more importantly they were wasting valuable ammunition. As if scripted from a cheesy B movie the leather-clad idiot of the trio overbalanced plunging down into the midst of the flesh thirsty herd.
Hurtling towards the downed man a rancid leg unexpectedly severed mid-thigh flicking high into the air, the remaining stump gushing dirty tar as relentless, rotten arms scratched frantically at the earth dragging the incapacitated abomination determinedly towards the injured man.
Gently placing the boy on the dusty ground Emma rested a gentle palm against his cheek
"I'll be right back kid" She promised
"Florence Commander"
"Oh ha-ha." Emma smirked "You're still not funny"
Striding towards the frantic husk clawing towards the injured man Emma unsheathed the bowie knife strapped to her thigh and without hesitation thrust it through the husks fragile temple.
Standing stationary, Emma closed her eyes. Senses enlivened she drew an even breath, the pistol kicking in her hand several times as she slowly exhaled. Eyes blinking open the remaining husks lay dead each with a bullet through what remained of their heads. Chest heaving the blonde returned to the boy and attempted to lift him into her trembling arms.
"Stop" Locksley ordered, his rifle trained on the deadly stranger "What've you got there?"
"Commander. Vitals critical"
Darkness clawed the edges of Emma's consciousness, slipping between darkness and light she dropped to one knee
"Shut it Locksley" The injured man huffed kicking himself free from beneath rancid remains "The bloke just saved my bloody life. Can't you see he needs help? Hey mate, you alright?"
Kneeling Jones resisted the urge to place a reassuring hand on a dusty shoulder
"Yeah and that means shit Jones, and you know it. I won't ask again, mate." Spat Locksley
Head drooping Emma fought the darkness with all her might. Trembling fingers working her hood to reveal a mane of blonde. Jones huffed indignantly as Leroy and Locksley, mouths agape leered at the knockout blonde
"Holy shit Killian! Seems like being indebted to the fairer sex is your lot in life" Leroy crowed
"Aye, so it would seem" He begrudgingly admitted stomping his feet to rid himself of rancid husk remains "And a handsome lass at that, regardless" He complimented unable to avert his eyes from the fresh bruising around the blondes eye, "I owe you one lass."
"Like to slip her one more like. Just like Mills, eh?" Leroy thrust his groin animatedly for additional effect
"Piss off!" Locksley vehemently shoved the dwarf's shoulder "She wouldn't piss on that pirate if he was on fire"
"Aw c'mon Locksley, everyone knows Killian's banging that fine piece of ass. I said, a bang. Bang. A bangity bang. I said, a bang, bang. Bangity bang"
Jones scowled upwards towards his immature friends
"Ignore them love. No respect especially for Mills. Now, what're you protecting so fiercely?"
Leaning into Emma's space she relinquished her embrace. Vision tunelling into a decreasing pinprick, Jones was her last image as the darkness claimed her pulling her into its murky abyss.
"Offline"
"Bloody hell love. Locksley get on the walkie NOW. It's Henry!"
SQ
"David, it`s Archie" The medic spoke into the walkie
"Nolan here, go ahead."
"I need you and Regina at the infirmary immediately, her walkie's off"
"Seriously Archie. You of all people should know better than to interrupt Regina when her walkie's-"
"David!" The medic unsuccessfully tried to interrupt
"-off. I`m always the bearer of-"
"David!" Archie's voice raised an octave his usual mild-mannered baritone forgotten "There's a situation"
"En route. Talk to me Hopper"
Brooding, Regina was filled with regret over the disagreement with her son. If only she had listened to his persistent pleas of being old enough and prepared him for the brutality of the Commonwealth instead of mollycoddling himbut,regrettably she had refused each of his pleas insisting at only ten years he was still, 'much too young to experience first-hand the horrors of the Commonwealth.'
Why couldn`t he understand she only wanted what was best for him? A tightness made the delicate hairs on her neck heckle- 'Mother knows best dear. I don`t want you stained by the Commonwealth. You are going to accomplish greatness'
Taking the stairs two at a time, heavy booted feet flew up the dilapidated building's wooden staircase. Careering into the office the door bounced back and forth clattering into the wall rattling fragile glass before stilling. Shocking Regina from her thoughts the brunette regarded an obviously shaken Nolan with annoyance as he stood chest heaving fumbling for words
"Walkie-husk-Henry-" He gushed
"David. Do you not think I have enough on my mind without a great big oaf careering into my office almost dismantling the door from its hinges, bumbling like a blithering idiot?"
"Henry" David stressed
"Henry?" Regina's stomach lurched. Standing abruptly, her chair clattered noisily to the floor, hand flying nervously to her neck she played with the silver ring hanging on a simple leather strip fastened there "Henry?"
Reaching the infirmary Archie ushered a distraught mother to her son's bedside. Trembling fingers brushed over his unconscious form pushing unruly damp strands from his sweaty brow, while her eyes lingered on the blood-soaked cloth covering his wound.
"Mom" he whimpered
"Shush sweetheart. Save your strength" Regina pressed her lips to his sticky forehead "I'm here." She soothed "I am right here darling" Attention focused on the medic Regina was afraid to ask "Prognosis?" Red rimmed eyes pleaded with Archie for any signs of hope
"Regina, I-" shoulders slumped he refused to make eye contact with the brunette "Katherine suspects a concussion, and worse case his ankle's broken. I'm monitoring his vitals while Doc attends to their saviour. We just don't have the equipment-Katherine and me, we couldn`t-our equipment-if the maker be willing-"
"If the maker be willing?" Regina whispered holding her hand up silencing further explanation, none was needed she'd felt the moisture and heat radiating from Henry's fevered brow "I'm sure you are doing all you can Archie" Her defeated monotone was unable to hide her anguish "Will someone please tell me… what the hell happened to my son?"
"Follow me" David beckoned
Reluctant to follow Regina clutched Henry's hand tightly
"It's ok. I`ll call if-"
"Thank you" reluctantly she relinquished her embrace to squeeze Archie's forearm affectionately "I know he's in good hands"
Following David to the rear of the infirmary, Katherine was busy working on an unconscious blonde
"Kat?" Regina's brow rose in question
"She's taken quite a beating. Contusions. Abrasions. Lacerations. A through and through entered her front upper left quadrant and exited through her back just below the shoulder blade, amazingly missing everything vital. Barring infection and with plenty of rest, she should make a full recovery"
Regina slowly nodded processing the information her best friend and Doctor had related
"And Henry?"
Katherine's lips pulled into a taut line
"Henry's injuries aren't quite as straightforward. He's running a fever, more shock than infection at this stage. Pain relief should help control it." Kat swiped her brow shaking her head "When I'm finished stitching our guests wound Archie and I will immobilise his ankle, hopefully by then the swelling will have reduced. I won't lie, the concussion is a real concern, without proper facilities all we can do is wait"
Regina blinked away tears
"I know you're doing everything you can. Thank you"
Regina's bitter disappointment focused on David who folded his arms defensively across his chest under her scrutiny
"Before we get into this, it isn`t my-"
Raising her hand Regina silenced him before fault could escape his lips. Perusing her unconscious son and blonde her anger was rapidly rising
"From the beginning. Now!"
"Locksley was sleeping on duty…" David hunched his shoulders folding inwardly on himself "He reported husk at the perimeter. When Leroy and Killian arrived they didn`t realise-" David's excuse sounded pathetic even to his own ears
"Didn't realise what? That husk roam the Commonwealth searching for succulent humans to feast upon?" Regina spat through bared teeth
David rubbed his blonde scruff
"During the furore, Jones fell from the gate into the herd-"
"Killian? Is he… is he?" she played with the ring hanging loosely around her neck
"He's fine"
Covering her mouth with her hand, Regina's head bowed
"Our guest" David pointed to the blonde "Appeared from the darkness carrying Henry-"
"She saved Henry and Killian?" Regina interrupted unable to believe David's account of events
He nodded
"By all accounts she dispatched a small herd at the perimeter with nothing more than a pistol and a bowie knife"
"Who does that? No one risks their own life for the sake of others."
"Beats me?" David hesitantly shook his head
"Any idea where she's from?"
"Nope, she collapsed at the perimeter and I forgot to ask the three dicks-"
"Forgot to ask?" Regina snarled, the incompetence of those she trusted with her life was growing exponentially with every passing second "A stranger has been brought inside our walls and you didn't consider it prudent to ask the three idiots for details? Have we learned nothing-" Regina's breath hitched, eyes welling her voice faltered "Have we learned nothing from events at Concord?"
"R" David tried to placate the irate brunette "I rushed straight to your office while Archie gave me clifftop notes over the walkie. If you'd just answered…" He shook the walkie in her face, his ire rising to match hers "What was I supposed to do? She collapsed while protecting Henry. If only we'd been able to defend Concord, then none of this would have-"
"I am painfully aware of how inadequate our defences were at Concord and how inadequately we are defended here." Regina pinched the bridge of her nose "My son is likely-" Her hands clenched into fists refusing to believe the worst-case scenario. Henry is strong, a fighter "I find the magnitude of your ineptitude unsettling"
"Regina, that's unfair. I had no idea that this would-"
"Happen?" She turned abruptly to face the muscular man who at over six feet towered almost a foot above her "We agreed-you agreed to be responsible for the training and organisation of our guards, guards who are all that protect us from the husks, abominations and villainy that stalks the Commonwealth"
David hung his head, Regina's scathing words stinging more than he thought they would
"I`m sorry"
"Not good enough. Not nearly good enough!" A small vein in Regina's temple pulsated "Their antics could have attracted a horde, we were lucky our guest appeared, or the herd could have easily broken through our meagre defences, and then what?" Taking a moment Regina inhaled slowly "I'm aware of Jones' role in this debacle, but what of Locksley and Leroy?"
"As always alcohol was involved with Leroy, and Locksley well, like I said, he was sleeping on duty and you know he's…"
"Trouble" She interrupted
"Yeah" David rubbed his scruff "Honestly R, they were just blowing off steam… Concord, our people… it's taken its toll. This was just their way of levelling the score."
Regina's patience with the trio and David's pathetic excuses for their blatant disregard for the community's boundaries and continued survival was wearing extremely thin
"I see." Regina's chin quivered her voice thick "Is that how I should explain our future losses to their loved ones, 'the guards were just letting off steam' Their actions tonight put all of our lives in danger, David. ALL our lives. Do you not see that?"
Regina drew an even breath knowing all too well that losing those you dare to love in the Commonwealth was inevitable. Exhaling slowly, she spoke with rare authority
"I want Locksley and Leroy removed from guard rotation until further notice. Make sure Archie is aware of Leroy's relapse and arrange latrine duty for the dwarf, let us see how quickly that sobers him."
"Locksley and Jones?"
"I am tempted to exile Locksley, however…" Regina pondered her choices knowing she could never send anyone beyond the perimeter to certain death "Scavenging."
"Seriously?"
Regina glared
"Better him scavenging resources endangering his own life out in the Commonwealth than endangering our lives with his recklessness here."
"Well, when you put it like that. And Killian?"
Regina's lips pulled into smirk
"Send him to the widow Lucas. Granny will set him straight"
"You are pure evil, you know that?"
"I do" A devilish smirk pilled her lips
"And what about sleeping beauty over there?"
Watching the unconscious blonde, Regina released an appreciative sigh her lips morphing into a sultry smile
"At the very least we owe her time to rest and recuperate"
David nodded his agreement noting Regina's obvious attraction to the blonde, whether she was aware of the attraction herself couldn't be sure?
"And when she wakes?" He asked
"When she wakes… we will see"
SQ