"We may just be getting off this island." He said; not to himself, but to anything listening.
"And then what sir?" Alucard replied. He had been sitting motionless in proximity to the speaker and unknown to him as well for a while now.
"Then we do something Alucard. Though I'm not sure what exactly we shall do."
"Of course Morpheus." He responded. It was getting very boring being restricted to the island, and just the thought of escape would be a welcomed hope, which he had given up months ago. This island was destined to be their tomb.
No one knew how to make a boat safe enough to hold on water. And Luna was a three at best; there was no way she could hold them all, and it would take a long time for her to recharge enough to go back for more. Judging by the land mutants, there were bound to be creatures just as fierce in the sea. The divide and conquer method wouldn't work here; it didn't even have a chance.
"You seem as if you doubt this Alucard."
"It would be near impossible for Kate to amplify Luna to the point where carrying all of us would be a good idea."
"You can fly, and I could always swim; that's two people from their load already."
"I could never allow you to swim that distance unaided sir."
"Then have patience, I guarantee you that we'll leave before tomorrow is through."
Alucard turned and began walking. He had serious doubts. Luna couldn't be used to their fullest desire at her current level, even with their Amplifier. It was a long day, and sleep would be greatly appreciated.
"Guard him." He said as he raised his hand level with his shoulder. His shadow became much darker than it should have been capable of in the understated light of the setting sun. It appeared slightly higher than the land it rested on, and despite the uneven terrain, formed his perfect double. It saluted him and turned into a shapeless mass that went quickly back to where Morpheus was still sitting.
"If I know him right," Alucard said to himself, "He'll be awake until the sun is in the middle of the sky, just thinking of any and all things he can."
"Damn it!" Caine shouted. "If I tell you I want you to go hunt for food, you had better show me results! I'm starving; we all are! But you all seem to be tired, or too hungry to move. It's sickening."
Every single one of his drones was cowering far from him. After all, no one wants to be used as a discus.
"You will not fail me again." He said with an assurance only a dictator could muster when talking to his soldiers.
He turned and began walking back to Coates; back to Dianna. The second he took a step toward the school, they all scurried off. Caine knew it, and didn't care. After his demonstration, they would be looking for any way to get food possible.
He grabbed one of the few morsels of food left in the industrial freezer. While it was running, it was used for everything. It was good that Jack had suggested they put a lot of water in, because the temperature of liquid changes slower than solids. Now it was moderately cool, and something could be put in here to last longer than things put outside.
He entered Dianna's room to, "Well your little speech was pleasant. I certainly hope none of them try to flee."
"They won't. One thing they know not to do is try to run." Caine said with assurance. He had found one useful freak among the trash; one that could hound any of those who fled relentlessly. No one wanted to be brought back to Caine after they left; they knew it would be horrible.
"Well if you're so sure, oh fearless leader. By the way, what are you doing with that?" She said, indicating the scrap of food in his hand.
"Something for you." Caine said.
"I thought this was based on ration system" She said while tearing a large chunk out of it, which didn't say much; it was only a squirrel.
"Why would you even care?"
"I just want to know that I'm taking it from someone. What other motivation for asking is there?"
That was what he liked about her. Even in unimaginable hunger and weakness, she had a mean streak comparable to that of her old self.
He got close to her ear and said, "I never want you to leave me, and I will do anything to keep you."
"Now that sounded weak." She said. He thought he heard a faint touch of pain in her voice. Whether it was from pain of hunger, or pain of emotion, he didn't know. And he wanted to protect her, or take most of it himself.
"I love you."
"I know you do Caine. I know you do."