"Is it just me, or have we gone longer than usual without a mission," Thumper asked.
"There aren't a lot of missions at the moment," Redding answered, "And Steele has to rotate them around the teams."
"Yeah, yeah," Thumper sighed.
"You know, most other soldiers would be ecstatic at the chance for a break," Daniels pointed out. Thumper glanced at Houston before responding, "True. It's just hard to readjust."
"Well, Bravo team should be back from their recon mission soon," Redding stated, "So we may have something coming soon."
"That's a maybe, not a definite," Thumper said. Redding shrugged.
"You're quiet about this," RT said to Boone.
"Why would I have an opinion on this topic," Boone said, annoyed.
"Because you're a part of this team too," RT said. There was silence.
"I mean—," RT started. Boone cut him off, "Obviously, less missions means its easier to do my job."
"You make it sound like your duties are different from ours," RT said, scratching his head.
"My job as an AI is to protect you guys," Boone stated, frustrated, "That's all."
"Less missions won't make that any easier, Boone," Thumper stated, "As Alpha team, we get the riskier stuff most of the time."
"Fill us in," Steele stated. Sandman plugged a USB drive into the central desk. A hologram map appeared above it, showing the layout of an industrial city.
"It's worse than initially reported," Sandman stated.
"How so," Redding asked.
"It's not the location of a rebel base," Sandman continued, "It's the entire city."
"That is troublesome," Steele thought aloud.
"See these factories here," Sandman started, pointing to a large section of the map, "All but two of them are for weapons manufacture."
"And the other two," Redding questioned.
"One is for clothes, the other makes fine china," Sandman shrugged.
"That's… oddly unrelated," Redding muttered.
"Any weapons caches," Steele asked.
"There's a small stash in practically every building," Sandman started, then pointing to a church in the central area, "But the largest one by far is here."
"Of course they'd hide them there," Steele sighed, shaking his head.
"It's not very original," Redding commented, then sighing, "Where's the creativity?"
"Over here," Sandman responded, pointing at a shack on the outskirts. Steele gave a small chuckle, before returning to the situation, "Anything of interest beyond that?"
"In fact, yes, thanks to Vecoli," Sandman stated, arms crossed, "He's got a knack for eavesdropping on the right people." Steele and Redding's faces relayed their curiosity.
"Apparently, this location in question had a major hand in helping to build a cruiser for the rebellion," Sandman continued, "And they still have the records for the route it takes AND the blueprints."
"Ah! Well, show us," Steele urged.
"That's where we hit a snag," Sandman sighed. Steele cocked an eyebrow. Sandman pointed to an oddly blank area of the map, "This is the area in which they keep the information. It's shielded from scans and network infiltration, which pissed off Kikuchi. Also, the surrounding area is full of guards and thermal cameras."
"So how many guns are we talking," Redding asked.
"With a population of about five hundred," Sandman said, calculating, "I'd say about five hundred and twenty active, if you include the auto turrets."
"Are your men rested and ready to go," Steele asked, looking at Sandman.
"Rested and restless," Sandman responded.
"Good," Steele said, "Because you will be backing up Alpha team." He looked at Redding.
"Dante III should be refueled by now," Redding stated, "I've tried shoving more than one team into our bird and it was quite uncomfortable."
Beatrice and Dante III landed in a clearing on the outskirts of a jungle. The teams exited their ships.
"A jungle, huh? Nice touch," Daniels commented.
"RT, you're on guard duty," Redding stated. RT's shoulders relaxed a bit.
"Kikuchi, same," Sandman commanded. Riku Kikuchi, wearing blue armor with orange accents, saluted.
"I'll go set up," Zion Moss said throwing his sniper over his shoulder and leaving the group, his white armor shimmering slightly in the sunlight.
"His camo always makes my eyes hurt when its not active," Thumper stated.
"So, where are we heading," Redding asked, checking her magazines and popping them back into their respective guns.
"About six miles that way," Sandman said, pointing towards the heart of the jungle.
"So we get to take a leisurely stroll before work," Thumper joked. Vecoli huffed and rolled his eyes. Sandman nudged the shoulder piece of his black armor.
"Got it," Vecoli responded with a huff, then, "Follow me."
Vecoli led the group, followed by Sandman, Redding, Daniels, Thumper and Houston, while Boone and a soldier in grey and black armor, Harrison, brought up the rear.
"Do we have to worry about security on the way," Thumper asked.
"No," Sandman answered, "We found a route that will avoid that."
"Hope you like walking ten miles," Vecoli stated.
"I thought you said it was six miles away," Daniels questioned.
"It is," Vecoli responded, "But its going to be a ten mile walk to avoid the traps and cameras." Daniels shrugged.
"How are we looking," Sandman asked over the radio.
"Clear," Moss's voice responded.
"Good so far," Sandman muttered.
"Hey, Captain," Moss's voice asked.
"What is it," Sandman asked, a little on edge.
"What do you think is for dinner tonight," Moss asked.
"Are you kidding me," Sandman murmured, face in hand.
"I think its lasagna," Redding answered.
"God dammit," Moss's voice exclaimed, "When are we gonna get some damn fried chicken again?"
"Make sure we don't lose anybody, and I'll pull some strings with Vinny and Brad," Thumper said over the radio.
"Fuck yeah," Moss's voice cheered.
"Uh oh," Vecoli stated, suddenly stopping. The group stopped with him, staring at the hole in the ground in front of them.
"Poor, poor bastard," Sandman stated, placing a hand on Vecoli's shoulder while looking into the hole. Vecoli shook his shoulder free, "It was a basic trap. His own damn fault for falling in." He started leading the group around the hole. The others glanced in, seeing one of the rebels impaled at the bottom. Houston squirmed a little at the sight, Thumper placing his hand on her wrist. The group continued on, avoiding more traps and obstacles. After a while, Moss's voice came across the radio, "You guys are taking forever."
"We've got extra baggage," Vecoli snapped back. He paused for a moment, before turning to Redding, "No offense to you guys." Redding glared at him.
"Well, guess I'm taking a beating when we get back," Vecoli said.
"You bet correctly," Sandman responded curtly. Vecoli shrugged, "At least it'll be by someone with pretty eyes."
"We're in the middle of a mission," Sandman growled. Vecoli shrugged again, "I try to live with no regrets." The others rolled their eyes.
After walking for a few hours, the group approached the tree line. Vecoli held up an open hand to halt the others. Redding moved up to where he was.
"The church is over there," Vecoli whispered, pointing to a building that couldn't be anything but.
"And the command center," Redding asked.
"Somewhere that way," Vecoli answered, pointing. Sandman approached Vecoli's other side, then leaning across, "We'll draw distraction."
"We're gunning for the plans," Redding responded. Sandman and Vecoli nodded, before Sandman waved Harrison to join them and the three vanished.
"Do we rush," Thumper asked.
"No," Redding answered, "We wait."
"What are we waiting for," Daniels asked.
"You'll know," Redding stated.
"Plus, you don't want to accidentally find one of Vecoli's traps," Thumper pointed out.
"You wanted to rush," Redding said, eyebrow raised.
"You can be spontaneous sometimes," Thumper shrugged.
"So, Jim, poker tonight," one rebel asked his buddy as they were patrolling.
"No way, man," the other rebel responded, "My wife'll give me hell if I lose any more money!"
"Aw, come on, man," the first rebel started begging, "It won't be fun without you!"
"That's because you know you'll take me for all I'm worth," the second one responded back.
"Oh, come on," the first guy said, turning away, "I won't take THAT much from ya." There was no response.
"Maybe if you played more, you'd get better," the first guy shrugged. Still no response.
"Huh," he questioned, turning back. The other rebel was gone.
"Jim," the first guy asked, concerned. Suddenly, his head twisted around as his neck snapped. His body fell silently onto Sandman's arms.
"At least Jim wasn't as fat as you," Sandman whispered, laboring to drag the body quickly to cover.
"That's because Jim had a wife to stay fit for," Vecoli whispered, slipping past Sandman to quickly assemble a trap. Sandman paused for a second. Vecoli looked up from his task, "Why do you think I keep my figure in such good shape? Gotta make a good impression." An eye roll and sigh were Sandman's response. After dumping the body, Sandman turned to the radio, "Harrison, ready?"
"Uh, yeah," Harrison's voice nervously responded.
"Good. The turrets are down and the traps are almost ready," Sandman radioed again.
"Just need to set one more," Vecoli stated.
"Once you do, send Alpha the updated layout," Sandman instructed.
Redding quickly opened the message she had just received.
"What's this," Daniels asked.
"Vecoli's traps," Thumper stated, opening up his copy.
"Give me a moment to overlay it," Houston said. Everyone's HUDs updated to show the positions of the traps on their maps along with line of sight overlays. Redding nodded, then over the radio, "We're set."
"Decoy, moving out," Sandman's voice responded. Nothing happened.
"I said 'Decoy, moving out,'" Sandman's voice growled.
"For the record, I despise this plan," Harrison's voice stated.
"No idea what you all are doing, but duly noted," Thumper said into the radio. There was a moment's pause, before they heard voices rising in alarm from across the base. So far, a lot of angry shouting.
"Odd, I don't hear any gunfire," Daniels commented. The shouting was getting louder and closer.
"Stay hidden," Redding commanded. Suddenly, Harrison went streaking past them. Nude. A group of angry rebels was chasing him, hoping to run him out of town. All Alpha Team could do was stare in disbelief.
"What kind of decoy did I just witness," Thumper asked in a whisper, after the group had passed. A few more stragglers were bringing up the rear. One of them tripped and fell right in front of them. He turned his head, and noticed the boots. The rebel started to jump up into a crouch in alarm. A bullet zinged right over Redding's shoulder, before piercing the rebel's forehead.
"As precise as ever," Redding said into the radio.
"You know it," Moss's voice answered.
"You could've radioed a heads up so we could move," Boone said. Redding quick grabbed the body and dragged it into the trees, out of sight.
"Nah, would've be too time consuming. He would've raised the alarm," Moss's voice said, "And I'm aiming for a chicken dinner."
"We've got another group to raise hell with," Sandman's voice announced. Suddenly, the church exploded.
"Well, that'll definitely pull some distraction," Daniels stated in awe. Redding frowned, muttering, "Explosions are supposed to be my thing…"
"You should be good," Sandman's voice announced.
"Move out," Redding commanded, leading the group. Most of the rebels were distracted elsewhere, allowing Alpha Team to focus on avoiding Vecoli's traps. Halfway to the building, a rebel leapt out from behind a shack. As he landed, the ground below him erupted, tearing him to pieces.
"Oh shit," Daniels stated.
"Keep moving," Redding commanded. The group approached the building, sneaking over to a pair of double doors. Redding looked at the doors with a pondering look. She quietly chuckled to herself. Thumper waved for the others to follow him away from the doors. Boone moved a little closer to the doors, looking around. Redding glanced at him curiously, before a video display popped up on her HUD, showing Boone's visuals. She grinned mischievously.
"How long do you think this drill will be," one rebel asked.
"This ain't no drill," his leader responded.
"Yeah, that's what you said the last time," another rebel in the group said, then in a mocking tone, "And we all missed out on pizza because it 'weren't no drill' or whatever."
"One of these days," the leader started, "It won't be a drill. And when that happens—." Suddenly, the doors exploded, engulfing the group of ten in flames.
"See, the problem with Vecoli's explosions is that they are uncontrolled," Redding stated, walking through the new hole in the wall, "There isn't any finesse to them." Boone popped off a few rounds from his rifle, effectively taking out the three survivors of the blast. Thumper, Daniels, and Houston rejoined them.
"Ok, we're in," Thumper shrugged.
"The overlay still shows us our surroundings, so we aren't there yet," Redding stated, then turning to Boone, "Thanks for the inside eyes."
"Yeah, yeah," Boone muttered.
"According to the overlay, the blind spot is two floors up," Houston stated. Redding lobbed a grenade over her shoulder and down the hall, causing it to stop at a corner.
"Shi—," some random voice shouted as it exploded.
"We should start heading that way," Redding shrugged.
"Point," Thumper asked.
"Yes," Redding answered. Thumper started leading the others.
"Is that good enough," Harrison asked over the radio.
"Yes," Sandman responded, "Circle back."
"So now we wait," Vecoli stated.
"Unless we hear other wise," Sandman added.
"I'm a few yards away changing," Harrison said into the radio, "No peeking."
"Not interested," Vecoli's voice said with a huff.
"Ok, lets see," Harrison muttered as he pulled his suit back on, "Top half, bottom half, boots, boots… Where are my boots?" He heard rustling behind him.
"Wha—," Harrison turned around in alarm. Before his eyes was one of the rebels. Behind the rebel was Sandman, who had grabbed hold of the aggressor and shoved a knife into the base of the man's skull. At the same time, Vecoli had appeared behind Harrison and placed his hand over Harrison's mouth, stifling the shout that tried to break through.
"Missed one," Vecoli stated.
"One of your traps failed," Sandman said, dropping the rebel's body to the ground.
"I'm betting more on one of his buddies taking the hit for him," Vecoli said, pointing at Sandman, who simply gave him a look.
"Don't do that," Vecoli said.
"You know, girls don't want a Mr. Perfect," Sandman said, arms crossed.
"You're making it sound like I messed up one of my traps," Vecoli stated, then with a chuckle, "Which I never do."
"You should probably take advice when someone gives it to you," Sandman said with a growl.
"Only when its relevant," Vecoli responded.
"Shouldn't we be checking on those proximity traps," Harrison suggested, bored with the current conversation.
"Correct," Sandman said.
Two floors and countless grenades later, Alpha Team was close to the blind spot.
"How many grenades have you used," Daniels questioned. Redding shrugged, "Lost count."
"Well, how many do you carry," Daniels questioned again.
"That's a number you don't want to know," Thumper answered. Daniels gave a perplexed look.
"She'll also nab yours if you don't pay attention," Boone muttered. Daniels and Houston quick checked themselves, before giving each other a panicked look as they realized their grenades were gone.
"Shit," Daniels whispered.
"What do we do," Houston whispered profusely.
"You take these and keep a better eye on them," Boone grumbled, handing them each a grenade.
"Where did you-," Daniels started questioning.
"You'll stop right there before a certain little rabbit discovers his are missing," Boone whispered. Houston started to panic.
"And his were next on Redding's list, anyways," Boone stated, to keep Houston quiet.
"How much farther," Redding asked.
"According to the scans, that opening over there leads to the blind spot," Houston said, pointing. The group carefully made their way across the hall.
"Clear," Thumper said in a questioning voice.
"I doubt it will stay that way for long," Redding stated.
"So we just need to go through here," Houston questioned.
"Wait," Daniels stated. He stepped closer to the side of the opening, looking at a device along the side.
"What is it," Redding asked.
"I don't think we can safely pass through," Daniels responded. Redding tilted her head.
"They have an extreme radiation field set up, being contained by an energy shield," Daniels began to explain, "Any organic matter that tries to pass through is in for some lethal trouble."
"Fuck," Thumper said.
"How badly does it affect electronics," Boone asked.
"Right," Daniels exclaimed, "You should be fine!"
"But he won't be able to signal anything out," Houston stated, "There's an area jammer in place."
"As long as he comes back, he shouldn't have to," Thumper pointed out. Houston pulled out a USB drive, "You can use this, to save space in your storage."
"Sure," Boone muttered. He took the USB and stepped through the opening.
"Come back to us," Redding commanded.
"I have no plans on getting left behind," Boone huffed, before heading down the hallway.
"I don't like this," Moss said into the radio.
"Bad feeling," Sandman's voice responded. Moss shrugged a bit, "Bad setting. I can't keep eyes on them."
"They'll be fine inside, just control the doors," Sandman's voice commanded.
"Come on, chicken dinner," Moss muttered.
Boone moved carefully down the hall.
Everything is wired in here, he thought to himself, No network hacking, I guess? Coming up upon a corner, Boone cautiously looked around it. Spotting a camera, he quick shot it out before moving into the room. The far wall was lined with monitors, below which was a control center.
"Bingo," Boone muttered. Checking the room first, he quickly moved over to the control center. Plugging in the USB drive, he started copying over all the data. Every so often he rechecked the room.
Would they really entrust all this data to be safe like this? What if someone found a way through? Where's the backup plan, Boone pondered to himself. There was a sudden beep. Boone turned to notice that the copy was complete.
Now to just get out of here, he thought, unplugging the device. A hidden door in the wall to his left opened.
"How long do we wait," Thumper asked.
"As long as it takes," Redding answered, staring at the corner Boone had turned. Thumper gave her a look.
"It hasn't been that long," Houston pointed out.
"Well, yeah, but we have no way of communicating with him," Thumper stated, "So if something goes wrong—."
"He'll come back," Redding stated.
"I'm sure he'd find a way to signal us if he were in trouble," Daniels stated. Thumper shrugged. Suddenly, the group heard a loud crash from down the radiation-blocked hallway. The others turned their attention. Boone came running around the corner. Before they could sigh relief, his torso was sliced in half by what appeared to be a giant blade. His top half fell forward, as what was chasing him trampled his bottom half. The creature was bulky, with scythe-like appendages for hands and four massive legs to carry it. As Boone landed, the USB drive went flying out of his hand and down the hall, skidding to a stop outside of the barrier.
"Boone," Redding yelled. Boone looked at the creature and back at the group, trying to pull himself towards them.
Not this, not this, Boone thought in panic. Thumper, Daniels, and Houston began firing at the creature, who seemed to only become enraged. It reared up, aiming to slam down on him with its front feet.
"He's not gonna make it," Daniels stated in panic, "He can't even jump from the armor." Redding suddenly plunged her right arm through the barrier. Thumper gasped in horror. As the creature stomped down, Redding suddenly turned away. Daniels and Houston watched in horror as the top half of Boone's body was smashed to bits, as Thumper rushed to Redding.
"Boone," Daniels muttered. He turned to notice that Redding's accents had turned green. Boone's hologram was on her shoulder.
"I've overridden the climate controls in the armor, so right now her arm is being super-cooled," Boone was telling Thumper.
"We need to get her back, ASAP," Thumper was saying. Daniels gave a small sigh of relief. Houston reached down and picked up the USB drive, "Then let's get going!"
"RT! Emergency evac, pronto," Thumper's voice shouted over the radio.
"What's going on," Sandman's voice asked.
"We got the data, but there was an incident," Thumper answered, strained.
"Fuck, there goes my chicken dinner," Moss sighed, getting ready to pack up his sniper.
Redding was laying on one of the med bay beds. She looked at her right arm, which was bandaged up past her shoulder.
"I see you're awake again," Thumper said from his desk, frowning. Boone was also observing, from his projection cube. Redding turned onto her side, away from them, "I'm going to rest now."
"Nuh-uh, not this time," Thumper said sternly. Redding eyed him over her shoulder.
"What you did back there was completely reckless," Thumper began lecturing.
"It's not that bad," Redding shrugged, looking at her arm.
"Not that bad," Thumper exasperated, "Do you know just how much dead and cancerous flesh I had to remove from your arm? You should be thankful you still have it! Had it not been for Boone's actions, it could have cost you your life!" Redding just glared at him, "One of my men was in danger. I did what I needed to do to protect him." Thumper growled softly.
"I'm not one of your men anymore," Boone spoke up. Redding looked at him in shock.
"I am an AI, a computer program," Boone continued, "Trying to save me should be the least of your priorities. Your safety needs to come first." Thumper gave him a sad, but thankful look.
"I am not worth the waste," Boone finished. Redding growled loudly, "I told you to never fucking say that." Boone's eyes narrowed, "I'm going to go check in with Daniels." He disappeared from his cube. There was a moment of awkward silence.
"Can I have my laptop," Redding asked, breaking the tension.
"What for," Thumper asked, curious.
"I need to work more on my research," Redding answered.
Boone appeared on Daniels's console. Daniels looked up from his work, "Ah, Boone. Is she awake?"
"Yeah," Boone muttered. Daniels gave him a questioning look.
"I can't believe how reckless she's being lately," Boone complained, "I've seen her figure out difficult situations without having to risk her own life, but now she's endangering herself for some computer program." Daniels tilted his head, thinking with a smirk on his face. Boone stared at him, "What?" Daniels chuckled a little, "You sound very human right now." His face turned a bit more serious, "To be honest, though, Redding wasn't the only one with thoughts of going through that barrier back there." Boone was taken aback, "What?"
"In that moment, you were human, at least to the rest of us," Daniels explained, before taking on a quizzical look, "Were you afraid?"
"Huh," Boone asked.
"I mean, did you feel the fear," Daniels added, "Because you very much acted it." Boone looked away, "Even if I did, it doesn't matter."
"Doesn't matter," Daniels asked, shocked.
"I'm just a—," Boone started saying. Daniels cut him off, "None of the computer excuses."
"Huh? I… uh," Boone stuttered. Daniels sighed, crossing his arms, "I'm sorry I couldn't figure out a different way around. And I'm sorry you were in a situation that frightened you." Boone glared at him, "I'm not some little kid…" Daniels chuckled nervously, "Sorry, still learning how to handle the situation. Most AIs I've dealt with have been less… emotionally-developed."
"What," Boone asked.
"They had less of an understanding of emotions, therefore a 'gentler' approach was normally better for them to comprehend," Daniels stated, then shrugging, "I only ever had experience with newly-created AIs." Daniels eyed up Boone, "Although, you do them shame. You've retained all knowledge and understanding from your human mind."
"Uh… Is that a good thing," Boone asked.
"Many researchers would love to examine you," Daniels chuckled, "It's as if you simply transferred your existence from a physical one into a digital one."
"What, like the Matrix," Boone asked, sarcastically.
"Well, reverse-Matrix," Daniels pointed out. Boone's hologram shrugged. Daniels chuckled at the small gesture, then with a sigh, "Watching you do stuff like that gives the feeling that your soul is still stuck here." He tilted his head, "Maybe… It still is." Boone gave him an unamused look, then with a huff, "It still isn't worth people risking their lives for."
"Huh," Daniels questioned.
"I already died, so no one should be dying for me," Boone explained, "Right?" Daniels frowned, "I guess." There was a moment of silence.
"Could you do me a favor," Boone suddenly asked.
"Sure," Daniels responded.
"Can you make sure that no one dies for my sake," Boone asked softly. Daniels sighed, "If that's what you want, I'll do all that I can." Boone looked up at him, "Thank you." Daniels shrugged, "That's what friends are for." Boone gave him a small, surprised look. Daniels smiled in return.
"You guys got your hands on it," RT asked, staring at the game box in his hands.
"Well, Garrett did," Johnson said, jabbing a thumb at Fredericks, who was grinning from ear to ear with his arms crossed proudly.
"It's the latest in the Adventure Maps series," Fredericks explained.
"Dude, we've gotta play it," RT stated.
"Let's play," the three of them shouted excitedly.
"Oh, wait," RT said, then slightly dismayed, "It says we need 10 players…"
"What kind of game puts a limit like THAT on it," Johnson asked, incredulous.
"This one," RT responded, holding up the box.
"Well, let's get some more players," Fredericks said excitedly.
"Why are we here," Vecoli asked. Him, Sandman, Houston, Thumper, and Redding were standing in the game room. Everyone was in their armor except for Redding, who was wearing running shoes, tan cargo pants, and a red tank top. Her bandaged arm stood out.
"I honestly didn't know we had a game room," Thumper muttered.
"We needed more victims," Johnson said with a mischievous chuckle.
"I thought we needed more players," Fredericks asked in confusion. Johnson sighed heavily, "You ruined it." Fredericks paused, then, "Oh." RT brought Daniels into the room, who had Boone's hologram on his shoulder.
"Why are we here," Boone asked.
"A game," Thumper stated, bored.
"I'm out," Boone stated.
"Wait! We need you," Fredericks exclaimed.
"Yeah, I'm with Boone on this," Vecoli stated.
"B-But," Fredericks stuttered.
"I'm not much of one for games," Redding stated, "I'd rather prefer just working out." Thumper looked at her, "You're not allowed to do any of that yet." Redding growled in annoyance.
"Perhaps a workout of the mind would be ok," RT suggested.
"A… what," Vecoli asked.
"You could practice fighting… in the game," Johnson exclaimed, picking up on what RT was trying.
"And strategy," Fredericks added in, also understanding. Redding sighed, "I guess."
"No," Vecoli stated. Sandman grabbed his collar and pulled down hard and fast.
"Fine," Vecoli choked.
"You guys have fun," Boone said, "I'll be off doing… something."
"You too," Fredericks exclaimed.
"Uh, how," Boone asked, "I'm an AI."
"It's a new feature," Fredericks said, practically hopping up and down, "Being able to have an external AI join your party!" Boone stared at him.
"N—" Boone started.
"Pleeeeeeeeease," Fredericks begged. Boone looked at the others.
"Just do it," Thumper grumbled. Boone sighed heavily, "Let's get this over with."
"So what kind of platform is this game played on," Daniels asked.
"Augmented virtual reality," Johnson stated.
"Aw shit, I don't like that machine," Thumper said, shoulders hanging, looking over at a circle of ten seats.
"Let's plug in," Fredericks said happily.
"I really don't like this," Thumper stated, in the game's load-in screen.
"Just shut up and help us get through this," Vecoli gruffed.
"This whole mind controlling your game character instead of your actual body is like some sort of Japanese cartoon idea," Thumper complained.
"It's called anime," Johnson clarified.
"Whatever," Thumper sighed. Redding was looking around.
Where's Boone, she thought.
"10 out of 10 players," Fredericks thought out loud, looking at a pull down menu in front of him. He thought for a moment, "Should we let the computer match us to classes, or do we want to customize?"
"I'd prefer customize," Johnson commented.
"PICK WHICHEVER IS QUICKER, DAMMIT," Vecoli shouted. Fredericks, Johnson, and RT sighed.
"Computer it is," Fredericks said, pressing a button. The group was warped into the game. Johnson appeared first, with a sword and shield along with plate armor, with a strange voice announcing, "The Knight."
"Yes," Johnson said, fist pumping. Next was Fredericks, in cloth and leather armor carrying a bow and quiver, "The Archer." Then RT, in half-plate armor with a lance, "The Lancer." Then Vecoli, in cloth and leather armor with a sword, "The Mercenary." Sandman, wearing all black cloth armor and carrying kunai, "The Ninja."
"Nothing new there," Vecoli commented. Houston fazed in, wearing a long robe and wielding a wand, "The Magician." Thumper was next, wearing all white and carrying a staff, "The Cleric."
"The what," he questioned.
"I NEED A HEAL," Fredericks, Johnson, RT, and Houston all shouted in unison. Thumper sighed, "Oh, that." Daniels appeared next to Thumper, wearing cloth armor and holding a weird contraption, "The Mechanist." Redding joined in, wearing minimalistic armor and wielding a giant double axe, "The Barbarian."
"Excuse me," she questioned, looking at the sky.
"Sounds about right," Thumper muttered, believing it to be under his breath. He discovered he was wrong when Redding glared at him. RT looked around confused.
"Where's Boone," he asked. The others looked around as well.
"Did he lag out," Johnson asked.
"So it'll let us play with less than ten," RT questioned.
"Wait, do you mean I can leave," Vecoli angrily questioned.
"The Mounted Paladin," the voice announced. The group turned and stared. Boone was garbed in plate armor and carrying a war axe and shield, sitting atop a white horse.
"Ok, that looks cool," Vecoli commented.
"What?! I thought I had the coolest class," Johnson roared.
"Any 'Mounted' class is rare to get matched with, due to its difficult controls," Fredericks pointed out. Johnson glared at him.
"What now," Boone questioned, annoyed. Fredericks pulled up a menu in front of him, "Well, I started us in a Quick Hunt. Our target is… Oh."
"What is it," Houston asked.
"We are finding and battling a giant dragon," Fredericks answered.
"That doesn't sound quick," Vecoli complained.
"And we're probably going to have to grind hardcore, aren't we," Houston asked. Thumper gave her a quizzical look.
"It auto set us to level 50," Fredericks answered.
"Oh, well that's a lot closer to where we need to be," Houston shrugged. Thumper was very befuddled by this point. Houston noticed his face.
"I've been playing this series since I was a kid," she chuckled.
"I didn't realize you were a gamer," Thumper stated.
"Oh, of course I am! Austin liked his FPS's, but I prefer the action/adventure type of games," Houston explained, getting a little quieter. Thumper nodded, immediately dropping the subject.
The group was following a path through the woods. Fredericks, Johnson, and RT were leading, with Houston, Thumper, Vecoli, and Sandman in the middle. Boone and Redding brought up the rear. Redding kept glancing up at Boone. The looks didn't go unnoticed.
"What is it," Boone questioned.
"Huh," Redding asked.
"You keep looking at me," Boone asked, frustrated.
"Its… been a while," Redding answered.
"Since what," Boone questioned more, confused by what she meant.
"Since you looked…," Redding couldn't find the word.
"Human," Boone suggested.
"Yeah," Redding muttered.
"Don't get used to it," Boone stated. Redding glanced at him.
"It's only a computer character that you see," Boone explained, "Doesn't change the fact that I'm still just a program."
"Bu—," Redding started to object in anger.
"DRAGON," Fredericks screeched, cutting off Redding. The group came to a sudden halt. Ahead of them, curled up in a clearing, was an enormous red dragon.
"Going by his coloring, I'd say that's a fire-dragon," Houston stated.
"You'd be correct," RT responded.
"Which means I need to use water spells to do any damage," Houston said, bringing up a menu of her spells, turning her wand a deep blue.
"By the way, how do I attack," Daniels asked.
"You summon machines," Fredericks answered. Daniels still looked confused.
"With the box thing in your hand," Johnson clarified.
"Oh, this," Daniels said, looking at his contraption.
"Yep," Johnson responded.
"And me? How do I fight," Thumper asked.
"You don't," RT stated, "All you do is heal everyone else."
"So, what I normally do," Thumper sighed.
"Just make sure you focus tank," RT stated.
"What," Thumper asked.
"Them," Houston said, pointing to Johnson and Boone.
"Exactly," Johnson responded.
"I'm what now," Boone questioned.
"Wait, let's make it a little easier for him," RT said, "Just worry about healing Johnson and Boone. Everyone else, keep an eye on your HP. If it gets low, call for a heal, at which point Thumper will heal you."
"That's a lot easier to understand," Thumper sighed.
"Are we ready," Fredericks asked. The others nodded.
"Good, because I already shot it with an arrow," he said, scratching his head in embarrassment.
"You did WHAT," Johnson roared. A giant ball of fire landed right next to the group.
"Shit," Vecoli shouted in alarm.
"Move," Redding commanded. The group scrambled into the woods behind them, hiding behind trees.
"I have a question," Thumper began asking.
"What," Sandman asked.
"How are trees going to stop fire," Thumper continued. Him, Vecoli, Sandman, and Daniels exchanged concerned looks.
"Why are we discussing the validity of a video game," Redding asked.
"Point made," Thumper responded.
"Hey, how are you hiding your horse, Boone," Daniels asked. He was met with silence. The others looked around.
"Uh, where'd he go," Johnson asked. Fredericks peeked around a tree, "Over there!" The rest of the group cautiously peeked as well. Boone was riding away from the group, drawing the dragon's attention.
"Is he running away," RT asked.
"Didn't realize you guys had a decoy on your team," Vecoli smirked.
"Not normally," Redding responded.
"You say that only because you just crash head first through every situation," Thumper stated.
"That's not true and you know it," Redding argued back.
"Oh, really," Thumper questioned.
"You can even ask Caboose," Redding said, then as an afterthought, "When you next get the chance."
"That sounds enlightening," Boone said in annoyance. The group turned and looked at him.
"Wait, if you're here…" RT said.
"You suck as decoy," Vecoli stated.
"Who says I was running decoy," Boone responded.
"Then what were you doing," Johnson asked.
"Figuring out where to hit that thing," Boone said in annoyance.
"Shouldn't we be moving," RT asked. Everyone looked at the dragon, who was eyeing them all up.
"Yup," Fredericks stated loudly. The group scrambled deeper into the tree line, just in time to avoid the dragon's fire breath attack.
"Ok, so weak spots aren't too difficult to determine," Fredericks stated, "At least, not with this group set up."
"Really," Thumper asked.
"Sandman's class has just the skill for it," Houston pointed.
"I'll guess its called 'Identify'," Sandman asked, looking at the 'Spells' menu. Houston nodded.
"But that skill has a cast time," RT stated.
"So, we need to draw aggro," Johnson responded. Thumper, Daniels, Redding, and Vecoli watched the conversation in confusion, while Boone merely looked bored.
"How about Houston, Daniels and I attack," Fredericks suggested.
"I'll shield," Johnson said.
"I can boost crit," RT shrugged.
"What if the dragon catches onto Sandman," Redding asked.
"Good point," Fredericks said, thinking.
"Then Vecoli will take the hit," Johnson shrugged.
"I… what," Vecoli questioned.
"To be honest, your class is the least useful in this fight," Johnson shrugged. Vecoli growled, "Why can't it be Thumper? You guys said he can't attack."
"You do NOT put your healer into the fight if you can help it," RT pointed out. Vecoli growled some more, crossing his arms.
"Speaking of which, get ready," Johnson said to Thumper.
"Me," Thumper questioned.
"Well, yeah, I'm gonna be taking a lot of damage, man," Johnson shrugged.
"Ok," Thumper said, somewhat following what was going on.
"What do we do," Redding asked.
"Just stay back for now," Johnson said.
"Yeah, you're the heavy hitter, so we'll probably need you later," RT stated.
"And me," Boone asked.
"We just need me for now," Johnson said.
"You might be a tank, but your shields aren't as good," Fredericks said. Boone's boredom looked unfazed.
"Let's go," Fredericks commanded.
Fredericks, Daniels, and Houston rushed out of the trees to the dragon's left, with Johnson moving as fast as he could behind them. The ranged fighters began attacking the dragon, with Daniels summoning an archery mechanoid, while Johnson put up his shield in front of them. A couple of attacks hit before the dragon turned on them. Opening its mouth, it spewed bright yellow flames at them. Johnson's health bar dropped to three quarters.
"Wow, it hits hard," RT muttered.
"Johnson's health is still going down," Redding commented. Her, RT, and Boone stared at Thumper.
"What," Thumper asked with a shrug. RT looked at Johnson, then back at Thumper. Thumper looked completely lost. Redding sighed.
"Wow, healer, Johnson's health is so low," Boone said in a mocking tone, "What should we do about that, HEALER?"
"Ah, that," Thumper chuckled nervously. He began casting a healing spell on Johnson, who shouted in their direction, "Took you fucking long enough!"
"Are we having fun yet," Vecoli huffed.
"Its not that bad," Sandman shrugged, waiting for the spell to cast. Vecoli sighed heavily in annoyance. He peeked over Sandman's shoulder, "How much longer?"
"I don't have a timer," Sandman stated. Vecoli huffed.
"Could you be quiet," Sandman asked, getting annoyed by Vecoli's attitude.
"Maybe I don't want to," Vecoli huffed. Sandman growled. Suddenly, the underside of the dragon's stomach began to flash red.
"Yeah! That's its weak spot," they heard Fredericks shout. The dragon spun towards the two and unleashed a fireball.
"Shit," Vecoli and Sandman shouted. In a moment of panic, Vecoli pushed Sandman to the side and took the full blast of the attack.
"He was kind of useless anyways," Johnson shrugged. When the flames cleared away, Vecoli was still standing, arms thrown in front of his face in an attempt to shield himself, his whole character flashing red.
"He's still alive," most of the group questioned out loud.
"I'm still alive," Vecoli muttered to himself.
"Oh, he must have the 'Force of Will' perk," RT stated.
"Wow, lots of rare rolls today, huh," Johnson commented.
"Force of Will," Daniels asked.
"He can survive one deadly hit," Fredericks explained.
"But only one," RT emphasized.
"MOVE YOUR ASS," Redding shouted. Sandman, having gotten back on foot, dragged Vecoli back into the trees.
"What's the plan now," Thumper asked.
"RT," Fredericks shouted.
"On it," RT answered back. He looked around at the group, then at the dragon, then back at the group, pondering.
"I've got an idea," he stated after a moment. Turning towards the group of ranged attackers, he shouted, "I need Houston!" Houston bounced over as Daniels summoned another mechanoid.
"Why is everything flashing red," Vecoli asked.
"My guess, low health," Thumper said, turning and casting a healing spell on him.
"You're starting to pick this up," RT stated with a smile.
"What do you need me to do," Houston asked excitedly.
"We need a water enchantment on Redding's axe," RT stated.
"I'm on it," Houston said, starting to cast a spell.
"My axe," Redding asked.
"Yeah, we're going to buff you up for a big hit," RT explained, "Next I'll boost your crit rate." He started casting a spell, saying over his shoulder, "Swap out with Fredericks." Houston did exactly that, as Fredericks rushed over.
"Boost her crit damage," RT commanded.
"Going for a KO," Fredericks asked, casting his spell.
"Yup," RT answered. Fredericks rejoined the ranged attackers.
"Ok, lastly," RT said, turning to Vecoli.
"Me," Vecoli questioned.
"We need your Speed Boost buff," RT stated.
"Ok," Vecoli mumbled, turning to Redding.
"But, not on her," RT quickly said. Vecoli looked at him in confusion.
"Boone is the quickest here, so you're going to make him even quicker," RT explained, "And he's going to act as both transport and shield for Redding." Vecoli shrugged and cast the spell on Boone.
"What are we doing, exactly," Redding questioned.
"Boone's going to take you as a passenger and you're going to deliver the, hopefully, finishing blow," RT explained, then shrugging, "Or close to it."
"Can we just get this over with already," Vecoli huffed.
"Three, two, one, GO," RT announced. Him, Vecoli, and Sandman rushed out of the trees, running between the ranged attackers and the dragon, who turned its attention towards them. Boone and Redding, both atop Boone's mount, rushed out of the trees at a different angle. The horse's hooves pounded heavily upon the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust behind them. Almost instantly, the dragon saw them and shot a fireball at them before turning back towards the other attackers. Raising his shield, Boone blocked the attack as his shield broke. He growled as he grabbed the reins with both hands.
"Ok, so that flashing area is where we need to hit," Redding stated. Boone nodded acknowledgement. As they approached, the dragon lifted it's foot closest to them. Boone steered the horse to the side in time to avoid the crushing attack.
"Go! Go," RT and Fredericks cheered. Boone navigated the horse under the dragon, closing in on the weak spot as Redding pulled her feet under herself while casting her 'Berserker' spell.
"So we just watch," Vecoli asked, turning towards Sandman, who was reading a list.
"What's that," Vecoli asked. Sandman gave him a tiny grin before vanishing. Vecoli just stared and shrugged, "This'll be over quick." As the horse reached the weak spot, Redding pushed off and leapt up in the air. She swung her axe, slashing through the dragon's stomach. The dragon shrieked in pain and flashed red. Boone turned the horse around, allowing Redding to quick climb back on as he passed.
"You're flashing red," Boone pointed out.
"Yeah, that spell did it," Redding stated, "But it was supposed to make me stronger." As they cleared the underside of the dragon, they looked back to see it still standing and attacking.
"Apparently, not strong enough," Boone commented.
"Shit," Redding sighed.
"Aw, fuck," RT said.
"It wasn't enough," Fredericks said in disappointment.
"Get ready, its about to pop a shield up," Johnson stated. Suddenly, Sandman appeared at the dragon's stomach and slashed with the kunai. The dragon gave one final death shriek before collapsing. As Sandman landed and turned around, the others just stared.
"Its done," Sandman stated.
"What did you do," RT asked.
"While reading my Spell List, I discovered something called Teleport, and that it boosts my damage if I can immediately hit a weak spot," Sandman stated.
"Damn," Johnson muttered.
"Well, we're done," Vecoli stated, "Can we go now?" Fredericks sighed and pressed a button on his display. The scene around them faded into white as the game shut down.
"I'm out," Vecoli stated, before vanishing.
"That was fun," Sandman chuckled, before vanishing as well. Houston giggled, "Its been too long since I last played!"
"I sucked, didn't I," Thumper asked, shoulders hunched.
"You did just fine for a first timer," Houston said, giving him a flirtatious wink before vanishing. Thumper perked up at that and vanished as well.
"Should be about time for lunch," RT stated.
"Yeah, my stomach's rumbling," Johnson commented.
"Last one there gives up their pudding," Fredericks announced.
"Not me," Johnson said back as the three vanished.
"I should get back to work on the new body," Daniels thought out loud before vanishing as well. Boone had returned to his civvies appearance. He looked over and saw Redding looking around.
"Aren't you leaving," he asked.
"Not yet," Redding answered. Looking at him, she asked, "Is this what its like for you?"
"No," Boone replied dryly.
"Then what is it like," Redding asked. Boone arched an eyebrow as he tilted his head, "Nothing important." Redding placed her hands on her hips. Boone crossed his arms, "A human mind can't handle it."
"Try me," Redding stated. Boone huffed in annoyance.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," he said, before snapping his fingers. Suddenly, everything vanished, being replaced with blackness along with zeroes and ones. There was no up or down, left or right. Redding felt as if she was floating in a manner of terrifying nonexistence, causing her heart to race. As suddenly as it had vanished, the white server room reappeared, with Boone staring at Redding, who had collapsed to her knees while clutching her arms, panting heavily. She looked up at him.
"I told you," Boone stated.
"You deal with-," Redding started.
"I am a program. THAT is my existence," Boone emphasized, gesturing. A moment passed of them staring at each other.
"You need to get your dressings changed," Boone stated.
"And you," Redding asked. Boone shrugged. Redding sighed before vanishing. Boone sighed as well, as a red line travelled up his body. He collapsed to the floor, clutching his face as his entire body flashed and glitched sporadically. After a moment, the "seizure" passed. Boone let go of his face, terror in his eyes. He shook his head and muttered to himself, "I managed to hold that back just long enough…"