Zone 10: Project Genesis
Chapter 4
Ralph's POV, R.R.T.S Headquarters, Air-pad, 5:45pm.
As I stood by at the air-pad it was becoming apparent to me that this was more then a standard drop off. A medical team was preparing themselves and behind them near the entrance was a fire team. This had to be something else.
As we all waited for the chopper, we soon began to hear it's blades coming from the distance. Everyone got in position as I stood by as a standard guard.
The chopper was shaky. It came in pretty fast, and as it neared the pad I noticed the door had blood on it.
Getting my M9 out from it's holster, I raised it to my front as the chopper itself roughly landed before us.
Almost immediately, the fire team moved up to pilot's door to go for the handle.
Pulling it open, the leader to the team panicked as the pilot himself came out into his arms.
"Medic!" He shouted as it was clear he was barely alive.
Upon moving in, I found the man was bleeding bad from somewhere, but as I managed to get my eyes directly on it; the men were moving him to a stretcher.
However, the second they got him placed, my eyes widened to see the pilot had a chunk of his neck missing. It was covered in dry blood, but as I leaned over the shoulder of a fellow marine, I began to feel fear as I saw the muscles under his blood were turned black.
"Get him inside!" Ordered the lead medic as the others began to run him through the door.
Everything in my right mind was telling me to follow, and in haste, I made my way after them just in case the lieutenant was right about what he said.
Normal POV.
As blood trailed inside from the brain dead pilot of Super 2-7, the marines on duty began to approach the chopper itself. Their goal now is to secure it.
Inside the chopper however stored something only the crazy believed existed. With deep breaths going through it's flat nose Project made himself home in the chopper's crew section, hunched in the middle of the sealed off part of the chopper.
As he looked for his moment to move, the sound of his prey could be heard outside. All it would take to find him would be to open one of the doors leading inside the chopper.
"Secure the chopper private!"
Private Jeremy Fredric's POV, 5:49pm.
Putting my rifle down to my side, I made my way for the chopper's crew section to find the door slightly jammed.
"Ughh!" I grunted as I pulled as hard as I could.
It quickly became a problem for me as my CO came over to shout.
"What's wrong!?"
Looking into his eyes I replied.
"The doors jammed sir."
Giving the door a look, my CO took the handle to pull for himself.
Getting no results, he ordered me.
"Take it with me Private."
Nodding, we both got a hold of the door and pulled.
With our combined strength, the door finally slid open for us.
Getting our eyes refocused, my CO and I looked in to find it empty.
Nodding, my CO ordered.
"Get this baby cleaned and refitted. General Hoffer wants it airborne in twenty."
Nodding back, I watched as my CO left me to my duties.
Ralph's POV, Medical bay, 5:52pm.
The medics ordered me aside as I tried my best to see what was going on.
"Put pressure on his wound!" One ordered to another as General Hoffer came in to ask.
"What's going on!?"
Upon looking back, the lead medic replied.
"We barely got a pulse sir! He's fading! He's lost too much blood!"
Moving in to see for himself, I noticed his confused face as he addressed himself with the missing chunk of skin. Noticing the black on the inside of his body, he asked the medic.
"What's wrong with him!?"
Putting pressure on the open wound he replied.
"I don't know sir! His body is shutting down! I need adrenaline!" He stated as another medic handed him the shot.
Quickly injecting the man, we all witnessed by; as his vitals increased slightly.
Quickly reacting to it, the medic looked to Hoffer to state.
"I need you to move out of the way sir!"
Obeying, General Hoffer moved backwards towards me to order the man.
"Do whatever it takes son to save this man!"
"Yes sir!" Replied the medic as Hoffer took me by the arm to ask.
"What happened?!"
Beginning to drag me away and towards the door, I replied in equal confusion.
"He landed the chopper out at the pad and when the team moved in he was already out-cold."
"So he said nothing!?" He questioned fast as I nodded and watched as he took a moment to look away in thought.
Coming back to me, he ordered.
"Alright, I don't know what happened yet, but I need you to go check in with the pad team and help secure my bird."
"For what sir?" I wondered as he looked back at the pilot to reply.
"I'm sending a team back to VEX HQ to try and confirm the situation."
In concern, I replied.
"With all due respect General, you sent Charlie and Alpha team in already and we got nothing from them. That's fourteen men sir and now we got a pilot who comes back with a chunk missing from his neck? Sir? I don't want to rude, but sending more men may just be a bad idea."
Looking directly into my eyes, Hoffer then asked.
"So what do you think Corporal I should do about this?"
Watching my tone I replied.
"I think the lieutenant may have been telling the truth about what happened there and we should...?" I was cut off almost as fast as the medics were working.
"The lieutenant lost his whole team. Is going on eighteen hours no sleep or food. And he's shell shocked. What he told me and what he must have told you is a bunch of crap!"
"So how do you explain this sir?! It's a little ironic!"
Growing enraged Hoffer shouted.
"I don't know and I don't care! But I intend to find out! That's why Bravo team is getting prepped and their getting ready to go find out!"
"But sir!" I tried to to say to him as he made his way out the door to stop and yell.
"But nothing! Now you do your fucking job Ralph and get out to that chopper!"
Staring right into my eyes, I replied in obedience.
"Yes sir."
Heading off to god only knows, General Hoffer soon left my sight for me to look back at the medics who continued to work on the pilot. From where I stood, I could see his vitals dropping rapidly. Everything was telling me to stay, but being a soldier was my duty. Making my way out the room, I forced myself back out to the chopper to find the pad empty and the soldier on duty missing.
I knew the guy who was suppose to be here. He's not the type to disobey and order.
"Jeremy!?" I shouted as I approached the chopper to find the doors shut.
Stopping in front of the pilot's door, I took noticed of the blood still on the handle and gently reached for it with my left hand.
Slowly opening the hatch, I looked inside to find the front empty.
Gently putting my gun back in it's holster, I picked myself up onto the side step to get a better view inside.
As my eyes looked around, I spotted the comm system was covered in drops of red and a rag laid on the copilots chair drenched in blood. Guy must have tried his best to hold it back while flying here.
Gently lowering myself back onto the pad, I made my way for the crew door.
As I neared, I found something sticking out of the door.
In confusion, I leaned in to see it was a thin black strap of some sort.
"Jeremy?" I said in concern as I reached for the handle.
Grabbing a strong hold on the door, I began to pull to feel it was jammed slightly.
"Ughhhh! Come on you!"
With all my strength I pulled as hard as I could to widen my eyes as the door suddenly shot open with the strap falling to the edge of the chopper floor.
Focusing my eyes inside, I found an AR-15 resting on the deck of the chopper.
Slowly reaching in, I pulled on the rifle's grip to find more blood resting on the gun's frame.
Bringing it in to my face, I widened my eyes to feel the blood was warm.
"Oh shit." I mumbled as I looked ahead to see a shadow coming from behind me.
In speed, I turned to find Jeremy no less then a foot behind me with part of his neck missing.
Before I could even react, he lunged sending both his hands towards me. In confusion, I brought the rifle up sideways to force his grip onto the barrel and the butt of the gun instead of me.
"Raughh! His teeth were covered in red goo as I was forcefully pushed back into the chopper with him beginning to go for my own neck."
"Jeremy! Stop!" I ordered him as he kept pushing.
With my back bending backwards into the chopper, I panicked and sent the rifle aside forcing him to fall into me. But before he could get his chance, I ducked out and ran around to face him from behind.
Slowly turning for me, I shouted.
"Stop Jeremy! It's me! Ralph!"
Giving me a snarl of his voice, I went for my sidearm to point it at him.
"I'll shoot!" I stated as he took a step forward.
With my hands shaking, I held back from the threat and began to back up towards the edge of the roof as he kept coming for me.
Placing myself no more then five feet from certain death, I began to panic as he charged once more sending me off my feet and onto the ground under him.
My head dangled off the side of the building as he tried to pin his head down into mine.
He was going to try and kill me. I had no other choice.
Sending my knees up under his stomach, I pushed my hands up on his shoulders and watched as I sent him over my head and off the roof.
In shock, I immediately turned to look as he plummeted down over ten stories to smash into the pavement below.
Breath after breath of anxiety left my system as I pushed myself back to my feet to make haste for the entrance leading back inside. I had to inform the General before anything else went wrong.
Normal POV, Medical bay, 6:05pm.
Three men tended to the pilot, but after five minutes of trying the man died out from blood loss. Or so they thought.
Focusing now on examining what could have gone wrong, one of the medics panicked in complete fear as the pilot lunged forward biting deep into his forearm, taring the flesh off his bones as the other two pinned him back down to the bed.
Backing up to the nearby bed, the infected medic looked down to see the missing chunk to his arm as his friends asked.
"You okay!?"
Feeling the instant burn in his body, he shook his head and stumbled to stay on his feet.
As this went on, the pilot began to spit up blood and try his hardest to keep lunging at the men in front of him.
With barely enough to keep him down, the lead medic shouted.
"We need help in here!"
In a split second, the pilot broke free and sent his body forward grabbing a hold of the man's neck and pinning him to the ground in front of the bed.
Blood squirted out as his teeth ripped into his skin. The only remaining man who could only try and help now, went forward wrapping his arms around the pilot to scream.
"Get off him!"
As the dying medic now choked to death on his own blood, the pilot took advantage and bit down into his suppressor's arm.
"Aghhhh!"
Dragging him down into the side of the bed, no one could help as his hands pushed deep, breaking through his chest and beginning to rip into his ribcage.
Stumbling to the door, the man who was first bit made his way out for help, unknowing it was already too late.
Ralph's POV, General Hoffer's office, 6:07pm.
General Hoffer sat idly by at his desk as I barged in to get his immediate attention away from his paperwork and towards my clearly shown fear for what just happened.
"General Hoffer sir!" I shouted as he got up from his desk to approach me.
"What is it Ralph? What happened?" He asked sensing something was wrong.
Breathing heavy still I replied.
"We have a problem sir!"
Urging me to keep going he ordered.
"Well out with it son! What is it!?"
Looking into his eyes I went to reply, but was cut off by the loud speaker that was placed in the corner of his office.
"All teams on alerts! We have a code red situation!"
"What the...!?" Questioned Hoffer as the man on station went on to order.
"All combat teams, report to med labs! We have a code red! I repeat code red!"
Pushing by me, I followed the General back down the hall to watch as we were cut off by Echo team who was also being followed by Foxtrot and Omega towards the med bay. Grabbing a hold of my arm General Hoffer asked in force and concern.
"What happened!?"
Looking back into his eyes I replied.
"I was attacked at the air-pad by Private Fredric! He tried to eat me sir!" I stated as his eyes widened and looked back at the men running towards the med bay.
Getting straight, I asked.
"You still think the lieutenant was lying sir!?"
Looking right back at me, he shook his head and stated.
"I'm going to head to the medical bay to see for myself; just what is going on! You go link up with him and await further orders!"
In confusion, I questioned.
"But sir!"
Making his way backwards the General replied.
"I'll be fine Corporal! Just go find the lieutenant and report in once you have him!"
Nodding, I made my way back towards the barracks to find another combat team making their way by me and towards the med bays. This is fucking insane.
Rushing my way down the hall, I approached Shadow's barracks to find it shut tight.
Quickly going for the handle, I pulled it open find him sleeping on his bunk. How isn't he up? He must be exhausted if the loud speaker isn't waking him.
Making my way to his side, I began to shake his shoulder.
"Lieutenant!? Wake up!"
It took some effort, but with enough force his eyes began to open.
Shadow's POV, 6:13pm.
Feeling someone shaking me from my slumber, I opened my eyes to find Ralph over me with a scared look all over his face. Seeing that I was now awake he stated.
"We got a problem!"
Gently making eye contact, I felt my heart drop as I saw something behind him.
"Come on! Get up!" He begged as I was frozen in place.
Noticing my fear, Ralph slowly turned to find the one thing I never hoped to see again in his face. Standing more then three feet above him and weighing over five hundred pounds, Ralph's eyes widened as Project sent his claw to the side of his waist, sending him over into Kid's and Borne's bunks.
Looking right back at me, I fell off the side of my bed to pin myself into Rosin's.
Project stared at me harder then anyone has before. His skin was a darker brown and I could see his wounds. Some of his flesh had been burned off his body from the blast of Zone 10 and among him held the scars of the bullet holes we all had the chance of giving to him.
With his body tense and ready to take me, I began to panic as he sent my bunk to the side to clear the space between us.
In a want for my life, I began to search for anything to defend myself with, but in the short time I had I was unable to locate a single thing. Leaving me helpless and alone until I heard from my side.
"Shadow!"
Looking over to find Ralph downed on the ground, I widened my eyes as he managed to toss me his M9.
As fast as I could, I scrambled it off the ground next to me to point it directly at Project's chest.
"BANG! BANG! BASH!"
With only two rounds off, Project took them like they were nothing and cut the rest off by slamming his knee into my neck.
"Ughhh! Ahhhhh!" Gasping for air, Project took his time to slowly reach for the gun that was now loose in my grip.
Taking it from my hand, I watched as he squeezed it in between his palm.
"Snap!"
The barrel didn't stand a chance. The gun lasted no more then three seconds, and in force the butt and the frame all broke off into pieces and components.
Without a smile, Project released the now useless sidearm and I watched with widened eyes as it scattered the floor in pieces.
Keeping his knee pinned deep in my throat, I began to try and fight back by sending my fists into his leg in hopes he would release me.
Taking no effect and running on pure anger for what I did to him, Project responded by sending his hand down to my head.
In pain and lack of air, I was then forced up by the skull with his thick claws wrapped around my head.
Immediately I began to kick my feet, and with a small growl Project readied his right hand for the kill.
Seeing his claws pull back, I widened my eyes as Ralph came out from the side to tackle into his waist.
Now caught off guard, Project released me and I quickly fell back to the ground to look for a way to help Ralph; who was roughly tossed into the wall and back down to the floor.
Locking his eyes back on me, I ran for the stairs leading to Cruz's quarters.
Taking his lead, Project pursued in behind me to follow me through the door.
In force, I turned to find him charging. I had no time to react or think, and was slammed back first into Cruz's desk.
Finding his laptop on my side, I took it into my hands to slam it down on his thick skull.
Feeling no pain from my attempt to hurt him, I widened my eyes to watch as he sent his hand into the side of my head.
"BASH!"
I never hit the ground harder then that. Everything spun in my dome as Project reached for me from above.
Just as he managed to get a hold of me, we both panicked as Ralph came in again to try and help.
Jumping onto his back and wrapping his arms under his chin, he shouted.
"I got you lieutenant! Find something to kill this thing!"
Crawling my way over to Cruz's footlocker, I opened it to hear Project slam his back into the wall with Ralph taking the hit.
Focusing back on the footlocker, I reached inside to find Cruz's old M1911 at the bottom.
Upon checking the clip, I pointed it back at Project to see his one good eye rest on me.
"BANG! BANG! BANG!"
Blood dripped out the holes in his chest, and in reaction to the pain he reached back to grab a hold of Ralph and send him over his shoulder and towards me.
"Bash!"
Connecting to me, Ralph and I fell over to watch as Project made his exit for the door.
In all my speed, I tried to aim at him again.
"BANG! BANG!"
The rounds hit the wall as Project was too fast and managed to slip by and out the room.
Rolling off my side, I got up to run for the stairs to see Project trying to get in a vent that was in the corner of the ceiling.
Taking aim as he got the cover off and tried to get in, I fired off the last two rounds into his ass.
"BANG! BANG!"
Letting out a loud roar, the gun's receiver went back and I was forced to watch as he escaped through the maze of vents.
Making his way behind me, Ralph asked.
"Where'd it go!?"
Looking to the open vent, Ralph then asked.
"What the hell was that thing!?"
Putting the empty M1911 down to my side I replied.
"Project! The thing I told you about that wiped out my whole team on Zone 10!"
"I thought you said you killed it!" Stated Ralph as I shook my head.
"I thought I did! Nothing should have survived!"
Following me down the stairs, Ralph then questioned.
"Why is it here!?"
"Why else!?" I replied in anger as he went silent.
Making my way for the door, I stated.
"He wants me. He must be trying to finish the job he started on Zone 10. Oh my god...Amy."
Stopping in an instant concern, I turned to Ralph to ask.
"Where is she?!"
Giving me a confused response, Ralph replied.
"I don't know. She must be around here somewhere."
"We have to find her!" I stated in fear as I stepped out into the hall.
Making his way out behind me, Ralph questioned.
"We don't have time. The base is being attacked by those things as we speak lieutenant."
Looking to the left and then to the right, I replied.
"I can't just leave her Ralph!"
Grabbing onto my shoulder, he shouted into my face.
"We can't risk it right now! If she survived these things once lieutenant she's probably already getting out of here! That's what we need to do now! We can find her but we need to get to safety first!"
Pinning myself back first into the wall to think, I remained silent as screams could be heard off in the distance.
Taking my side, Ralph gripped me to say.
"She'll be okay lieutenant. I promise we can go after her after we get out of here alive."
Staring into his eyes sensing he was telling the truth, I slowly began to nod my head.
"Okay...okay."
Giving me a pat Ralph then asked.
"So what do we do now?"
Picking up my posture I replied.
"We need to get our hands on some weapons. Contact Hoffer and inform him we'll be at his position as soon as we get some gear."
Nodding to my order, Ralph went to his comm as I began the lead to the armory.
"General Hoffer it's Ralph. I have the lieutenant sir, but we have a really big problem."
Speeding my way towards the door, Ralph stayed close as the General replied.
"No shit we have a big problem! My men are going down like flies over here in medical! Where are you!?"
Making my way towards one of the weapon lockers, Ralph replied.
"We're at the armory getting fitted. Where are you?"
As I looked around the locker, I took back a strong hold of my worn black combat vest, and tossed it on to hear Hoffer reply.
"I'm with Echo team! We're falling back to the air-pad! Get your asses over here so we can leave!"
Taking a hold of a G36C and an M468 for Ralph, I handed him over the rifle as he replied.
"Yes sir. We're on our way."
Putting down the comm link, Ralph watched as I got all the ammo I could carry out and into the vest pouches. Grabbing some for himself, he asked.
"What's the plan?"
Loading my rifle and putting it over my shoulder, I looked back to him to reply.
"We finish here, then make our way to that air-pad like he said."
Taking a few clips for Cruz's handgun, I reloaded the weapon and continued on with my plan.
"Then we need to get some reinforcements to quarantine this building. If the infected get outside this infection can spread to the rest of the city. We can't let that happen."
Grabbing a couple grenades and putting them around my belt, Ralph then questioned.
"What about that big guy? He doesn't seem dumb enough to stay here."
Nodding as I put the M1911 in my holster, I took back a hold of my rifle to reply.
"He won't. He'll follow us. I know he will."
Sensing some fear in him, I finished getting loaded up and stated.
"We're going to be okay. Just stay close and aim for the head."
Nodding, Ralph followed as I ran for the door. Looking back into his eyes before we could leave, I ordered.
"Remember, aim for the head. Don't let them get close and you'll be fine."
Giving me another nod, we pushed out towards the end of the barracks to hear gunfire going off from further down the base.
Staying at my six, I peered around a corner to see it clear. Ralph followed as I moved in; to continue his position behind me as we neared the next turn.
Ralph's POV, 6:25pm.
I stood right next to the lieutenant's side as he hesitated to turn down the next hall. Watching as he seemed to be focusing in on something, I glanced down to see him take hold of his combat knife. Moving a foot back, I widened my eyes as he sent his blade around the edge to pierce the head of an infected who seemed to be wandering aimlessly.
My whole body jolted back as he sent him off the wall and to the ground under him.
Putting his blade back in his vest, I locked eyes on him to see him nudge his head forward for me to take the lead.
Nodding to his command, I took the front now and led us down the hall where we were now nearing the action.
Peeking out the side of the wall, I widened my eyes to see blood everywhere. Soldiers from Echo and Foxtrot were laying dead with infected at their ribs, and as I just stared in shock Shadow came around to see for himself.
Just as his eyes took notice of the situation, both him and I panicked to see that big fucker he called Project making his way around the corner. Immediately the lieutenant took the wall across from me to order.
"Shhhh."
Nodding, we both continued to watch as he took his nose to the air above him.
"Sniff! Sniffffff! Urghhhh?"
Sensing something wrong, I looked over to see Shadow prepping a grenade.
In confusion, I watched as he got it in his hand to look back at me and whisper.
"Go for the chopper kid."
Shaking my head I replied.
"Your coming with me."
Looking me dead in the eyes, he replied.
"I'll be there, but I need to slow him down."
Looking back to the infected, I widened my eyes as some of the dead began to rise.
"Go." Ordered the lieutenant as I looked back to him to order.
"You better come back."
Giving me a nod Shadow urged.
"Just give me five minutes. Now your going to run on the count of three."
Nodding, I placed my gun up to watch his fingers as he began to count down.
Three. Two. One.
With a sharp turn, I widened my eyes and ran passed the lieutenant as he released the grenade to send it down the hall towards the infected who caught a glimpse of me passing by.
Shadow's POV, 6:29pm.
Running the corner with my rifle up and the grenade out, I took aim on Project as he spotted the explosive and jumped his way into the medical bay for cover.
"BOOM!"
The infected before it's radios were turned to nothing but mere paste, as I ran the corner into medical to find Project making his way further in towards ER.
As I took aim, he looked back to send a nearby medical cart that was in his running path back towards me in hopes to render me unconscious like he did to Rosin.
From past memories, I ducked under and opened fire as he made it towards the entrance to ER.
"BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!"
Catching his leg, I got a glimpse of him fumbling down to the ground. Taking my chance, I ran after in hopes to find to him down, but to be cut off by two infected medics who snarled for me to meet their teeth.
In speed, I dropped them with two well place shots; to push my way by to find Project trying to bust through the ER exit door with his weight.
Taking aim as he prepared his charge, I opened fire taking half my mag with it, to watch as he sent the door off it's frame to head out into the halls beyond with over five more rounds placed in his meaty back.
Blood dropped off his wounds as I stopped halfway to the door to see more infected reacting to the noise and making their way in through where he created his exit.
Showing my teeth, I opened fire.
"BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! Click!"
With their bodies dropping and one more infected left, I charged, sending the butt of my rifle through the side of his head.
Keeping my momentum, I blasted out into the hall to see Project a good distance away and cutting another corner.
Taking my chances, I pressed forward after him to reach for my my sidearm.
As I gutted it down as fast as I could, I sensed more infected about to make the turn at me and immediately, I jumped by them with the gun raised to open quick, successive shots.
"BANG! BANG! BANG!"
Connecting a round to the lead infected up front, I sent the last two behind him to drop his trailing comrade.
Finishing my side leap, I rolled back on my feet to run forward passed the growing corpses.
Putting back my pistol, I retook my rifle to reach in my vest while still running.
Letting the empty mag in the chamber drop to the floor under me, I pulled out a fresh clip to slam the receiver forward and turn into Project who decided to wait for me this time.
His claw sent itself forward, but ducking my head under; I rose to send my rifle down onto the back of his arm to watch as he lowered it to the floor.
Growling at my attempts on his life, he sent his body back into me and into the wall next to my left.
Dropping my rifle to the floor from the force, I reached for my blade and sent it deep into his shoulder.
"RAUGHHHHHH!"
Screaming out in pain as I leaped up on his back with help from the deepened knife, I pulled it out and tried my best to send it over his shoulder and into his chest. But just as it got halfway through his skin he sent his claw back to grip onto my vest.
Widening my eyes, I was sent over his head and right into the wall, connecting my spine to the corner in enough force a part of the concrete came off.
As I landed, Project managed to tear out my blade and drop it to the floor under him.
Quickly charging forward, I pinned my shoulder back into his gut to now send him back first into the wall.
Gripping onto his rear, Project sent his fists down into my spine.
"BASH! BASH! BASH!"
With each blow I gagged up air, and after his third hit he took hold of my back to send his knee forward into my face.
"BASH!"
Blood splashed out of my nose and mouth as he then grappled my neck.
Taking hold of his mitt with my left hand, I kicked up into his arm to reached down with my right hand to try and grab a hold of my sidearm.
Just about to crush my throat, Project widened his one good eye to watch as I capped off the four remaining rounds into his upper body.
"Click!"
By the time my clip ran dry, he had released me and I had managed to crawl for my G36C. However when I was taking it into my arms he had already ran for the nearest point of safety from the bullets I was about to send in his direction.
Grabbing a hold of my knife and getting back to my toes, I continued the pursuit which he was leading further into the base, and as I kept giving chase it was getting clear the infected all around the area had heard the shots and were now converging on my position. I heard the snarls behind me as I followed after Project who left his small trail of blood behind.
Ralph's POV, Air-pad, 6:35pm.
Running up the stairs with dead infected under my feet, I got up to the pad to find the General and two men holding their ground by the chopper with only a few infected left among them but plenty of their own dead.
Near the pilot's seat was a tall white hedgehog. His quills looked a bit jet legged but under them you could spot the black streaks he possessed in full. With his rifle held to his chest in the crouched position, he reloaded with an infected nearing his side. Alongside the General was however a trooper from one of the combat teams. He looked like an Echo but with his black quills drenched in sweat and getting in his eyes, I couldn't tell. However through his sweat and the lowering sun, thin yellow streaks I could spot with the mix of his energy being burned while being rushed by two charging infected.
Raising my rifle, I brought my sights to his aid to open fire on each with a single round.
"BANG! BANG!"
Dropping in front of him, the soldier lowered his weapon as I spun towards the infected who was about to lunge at our reloading comrade.
"BANG!"
Slamming the ground in a heap of blood and brains, I lowered my gun to hear from the General.
"Ralph!"
Looking back to him, I got to his aid to help him up from off the ground he was on
"You okay?" I asked as the hedgehog by the pilot seat finished reloading to begin his chance at getting the chopper ready for lift off.
Nodding he replied.
"I thought our gooses were cooked till you got here. Thanks by the way."
Nodding to his kind words, I looked back to the door as he asked.
"Where's the lieutenant?"
Looking back into his eyes, I replied.
"He's said he'd be here in five minutes."
As the words left my mouth, the soldier from Echo team stated in confusion for what the Lt was doing.
"We don't have five minutes! Those things are still coming! They took down most of my team and Omega's!"
Looking back to the General I begged.
"We got to wait sir. We can hold this position a few minutes longer."
Waiting for the order, both the soldiers and I looked to Hoffer as he nodded and replied.
"He has three. If he's not here by then we're taking off."
Nodding with a smile, I looked towards the two other men to urge.
"We should take positions."
Agreeing with me, General Hoffer ordered.
"Take a line here men! We need to hold this pad!"
Nodding to the order, the two hedgehogs and I got lined up in front of the chopper to take aim on the door.
Snarls could be heard coming up the stairs, and as the first infected got up, I pulled the trigger on his head.
"BANG!"
Shadow's POV, Cafeteria, 6:35pm.
Rocking through the double doors, I aimed behind Project who leaped a table.
"BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!"
With the force his body landed on it, the table managed to flip on it's side and each round I fired had hit the metal underbelly. Lowering my rifle just enough so I could reacquire his position. I widened my eyes as he had been smart enough to duck and run along the flipped table towards the next, where he immediately forced it down the same as the other to provide able cover from my rounds.
Growing edgy, I retook my sights to pull the trigger as he reached the end of his trail. Knowing he was trapped I began to approach.
"Time to end this David I stated as I widened my eyes to an infected who had managed to sneak up behind me and leap onto my back.
With it's hands wrapped around my chest, I began to panic as Project took his chance to run for the kitchen doors.
Leaving me once again with the infected, I sent the one on my back over and to the side to aim down with my rifle.
"BANG!"
Cracking his skull wide open with a fresh round, I looked back behind me to find over twenty more slowly making their way from around all the halls and towards the double door where we had entered.
Knowing I was now outnumbered, I ran for where Project went and found him this time entering a vent that was on the floor. It was a food service elevator, and after forcing his body through the hole, I glanced back to find the infected pushing through the double doors and now making their way for the kitchen.
Lowering my rifle, I looked to my side to find the stoves.
"Your not taking me out this easy!" I stated as I ran and began to turn on all the flames for each.
With the gas now combining with one another, I looked back to the service elevator to find Project making his way down.
With the infected now entering the kitchen to find me alone, I reached to my belt to take hold of another grenade.
Pulling the pin, I sent it towards the stoves and jumped for the floor as far away as I could.
Covering my head with my arms, I shut my eyes as the infected had reached my helpless body.
Normal POV, Service elevator, 6:37pm.
Fire drenched the hatch like an ocean wave from hell, and moving his head up, Project widened his one eye to see the flames speeding down on him.
"RAUGHHHHHH!"
Ralph's POV, Air-pad, 6:37pm.
The pad shook under us and we all nearly fell off our feet as all the infected had from the shock wave.
Looking to the General who sat beside me he asked.
"What the fuck was that!?"
Shaking my head in confusion for the answer, we all got back up and continued to fire.
Every infected that got close was leveled with a heater to the dome, but as we began to get pushed by wave after wave coming from the stairs, I heard the hedgehog next to me shout.
"We need to go now! We're getting over-runned!"
As my mag ran dry, the General took my shoulder to order.
"Get to the chopper! We got to go!"
"No! Give him another minute! Hold your ground!"
Both soldiers continued to fire as the General replied.
"In another minute we'll be dead! We have to go now!"
Finding more and more infected coming through, I lowered my empty rifle and shouted in anger.
"Fine!"
Nodding Hoffer ordered.
"Get in the chopper!"
Dragging me to the crew seats, General Hoffer got up to offer me his hand as the tall white soldier jumped in the pilot seat he's been clinging to for the whole battle. As I got in, the remaining soldier from Echo team made his way on behind me.
"Go! Go! Go!"
Handing me his M9, General Hoffer got back as me and the other man began to hold off what we could.
Slowly taking up from off the ground, I widened my eyes to see the lieutenant making his way up the stairs.
He was drenched in black ash and bleeding from his hip as the infected turned to see him standing no more then three feet away.
As fast as I could, I pinned myself to the edge of the chopper to shout.
"Lieutenant!"
Shadow's eyes lit as he saw me waving my arm out the side of the chopper for him.
Shadow's POV, 6:39pm.
Ralph hung out the side of the chopper with blood along his face as I instantly began to blast my way forward through the infected who consumed the pad.
With the chopper ten feet out from the roof, I reached the edge to jump with everything I had.
Reaching out as only air was my enemy now, I came to the chopper with such force I nearly brought Ralph out with me as our hands connected to one another.
Now dangling out with his hand between me and death, Ralph looked behind him to order.
"Help me!"
With my left hand at the ready, a familiar soldier appeared from his side. It was that hedgehog from the hallway. His eyes widened as he saw me and immediately he reached for my hand to help Ralph drag me up into the chopper.
Gagging up breaths of adrenaline from the stunt, Ralph came to my backside to shout.
"That was fucking insane lieutenant!"
Nodding my head as the floor was my best friend, I flipped on my butt to looked into the eyes of General Hoffer who was honestly now concerned with my condition.
Patting parts of ash off my shoulder, he asked.
"What the hell happened to you lieutenant? Where were you?"
Putting my rifle down to my side I replied.
"The kitchen...aghh!"
Ralph and the other began to panic as I coughed up some blood.
In major concern, Ralph asked.
"What's wrong lieutenant!?"
Looking down to my hip, I found a sharp piece of a metal shard sticking out from my side.
Widening their eyes as I went for it, Hoffer shouted.
"Don't touch it! Your gonnna...!"
With pain all over my face, I ignored him, and Ralph and the other hedgehog both watched as I dragged it out to toss it on the floor away from me.
Blood slowly leaked down my side as I felt the infection burning the wound closed.
No one other me knew this, and none of them could see the wound closing due to my black shirt under my vest that was covering it.
In a sprawl for aiding me, Ralph came to my side to order.
"Let me see!"
Not disobeying him, I let my head rest back along the chopper walls, to listen close as he pulled up my shirt to see for himself.
With fresh blood dripping off the quills, Ralph began to feel for the source to find the wound under all the red. His eyes widened slowly as him and the others saw it was gone from my skin without a trace.
"What the fuck?" Questioned Ralph as the hedgehog behind him stated.
"It's gone."
Letting my body continue to relax Ralph asked.
"Lieutenant? What the hell is that about?"
Opening my eyes to find them all on me, I replied in lack of power.
"It's the infection."
Immediately General Hoffer shouted.
"Wait!? Your infected!?"
Nodding my head I replied.
"Back on Zone 10...ahhhh...I was bit. Aughhhh."
"So why aren't you one of those crazies back on the pad?" Questioned the soldier as I looked to him to reply.
"Cause we found a cure."
Everyone went silent as Ralph then asked.
"So you can't die?"
Reaching for my blade, I replied with a shake of my head.
"No. I can die. But this..?"
Bringing the knife to my palm, I dragged a cut across to watch as it began to slowly seal. Everyone, even Hoffer was confused and amazed as the cut disappeared.
"Holy shit." Stated Ralph as Hoffer asked.
"You said there was a cure? Where is it?"
Putting the blade back in my vest I replied.
"I don't know. Only Amy did."
Looking to the side of the chopper in silence, I focused back on Ralph to state.
"When we get where we're going I need you to get me a comm link."
Nodding, Ralph replied.
"Sure. No problem lieutenant. Are you sure your okay?"
Nodding slowly as I dragged myself up, I looked back behind him to the mysterious hedgehog who just continued to watch me close with his eyes. He seemed unsure of what I was.
"I saw you before. In the hallway." I stated as he broke from his train of thought to reply.
"Yeah. My name's Striker. And you?"
Giving off a small smile, I reached out with my good hand to reply.
"Shadow."
Slowly taking it he asked.
"You were on Zone 10?"
Nodding to his question, Striker then asked.
"What are those things?"
General Hoffer seemed to listen now as well as I explained.
"Their the dead. Brought back to life by an infection from Zone 10 that my team failed to protect from getting out. I thought I killed it, but I was wrong."
"Killed what?" Questioned Hoffer as I looked back to him to reply.
"Project 23. A man the scientists on that planet experimented on with the virus. I thought I killed him, but he survived somehow and got here."
Lowering his head, General Hoffer went silent as Ralph stated.
"Guess that's why Alpha and Charlie team didn't come back. Right General?"
Hoffer knew he had messed up and replied.
"I didn't know."
"Yet you let that pilot come back here bit and now all our men are dead!" Shouted Ralph in anger as General Hoffer fell quiet once more.
Taking hold of Ralph I urged.
"It's not his fault. The dead coming back to life to start eating people is a hard story to believe. If anything I'm to blame. I should have killed Project back when I had the chance."
Lowering his tone Ralph questioned.
"How were you to know this would happen? You couldn't have."
Keeping my head down, I went silent as Ralph let out a sigh to ask anyone in general.
"So what now?"
I kept silent as General Hoffer looked to me to reply.
"We get reinforcements to aid in the clean out of the HQ. The police are probably inbound to the scene as we speak."
"They have no fucking clue what's in there!" Stated Striker as I felt something wrong with my head.
Gripping onto my skull in pain, the conversation continued.
"They won't know until I get back there. The building goes under lock-down when a threat over code yellow occurs. Once we land I'll be heading back to inform the teams of what's going on. Once everyone is ready I'll open the doors and we'll move in to clean it out."
"What about the emergency exits? What if they get out?"
Shaking his head Hoffer replied.
"Nothing can get out of there. R.R.T.S. is a military building. And even if something got down that far the automated defenses would activate and solve the problem."
Everyone went silent as I my head was pounding like a jackhammer.
Glancing to me Ralph asked.
"You okay Lt?"
Nodding very slowly I replied.
"Yeah. I just need to rest. I haven't slept since yesterday."
Hinting to my condition Striker added.
"You look like it. When we land I'll take you to get some proper shuteye. Maybe some food if your up for it man."
Shaking my head I replied.
"I can't sleep with that monster still alive."
Taking my shoulder General Hoffer ordered.
"You need to rest. Any more moving and you'll pass out. Get some grub and take a nap. My men will take care of everything."
Looking to him, I replied.
"Project isn't a simple infected. He's the kingpin. He doesn't die with a simple head shot."
Nodding Hoffer replied.
"He's trapped in that building. No where to go. And with enough bullets I can promise you he'll be dealt with by the time your up and moving again."
"What about Zone 10?" I questioned as he looked to me with a serious face.
"With the men I sent there posing a threat, I'll have another R.R.T.S team move in and clear it out. As for the facility through the portal; I'll hope it's clear and they'll move in to secure it. Don't worry about this. You need to be focused."
Slowly I began to nod.
"Okay. But I have only one request if I'm going to lay down my weapons for this."
"Name it." Urged Hoffer as I coughed up some more blood to order.
"Find Amy. She may still be in the HQ, but I'm pretty sure she got out. I want to know she's safe."
Hoffer lost his calm expression to reply.
"I'll do what I can."
Looking back to Ralph, I pointed at him to say.
"And as for you kid. I'm in your debt."
In confusion Ralph questioned.
"For what lieutenant?"
Giving him a small smile I replied.
"For saving my ass back at the barracks. If it weren't for you I'd be a goner."
Chuckling Ralph then stated.
"Then I guess you owe me one, huh?"
Nodding I replied.
"Yeah. Hehe."
Patting my leg as things went quiet, Striker, who was still looking at my burnt face asked.
"So how did you get so burned?"
Looking over to him I replied.
"When I was in the kitchen, there were too many infected on my tail. I turned on all the stoves and popped a frag. Place went boom." Chuckling down to my core, Striker gave me a smile to state.
"Guess that explains the rumble we felt."
Nodding my head to his statement, I slowly brought back up my hand to my skull.
With the chopper now running smooth, everyone seemed to ignore my pain, and as we slowly came in for a landing no less then a few minutes later Ralph asked.
"You good?"
Letting my hand lower back to my side, I took hold of my rifle to reply.
"Yeah."
Giving me a smile as the door was opened, I followed out behind him and Hoffer to feel a nudge from my side.
Striker walked beside me and urged.
"Follow me lieutenant. I'll take somewhere quiet."
Breaking off from Ralph and Hoffer, I followed him now towards what seemed to be a small barracks.
"Where are we?" I asked in concern as he got the door.
"Fort Beate. One of the smaller air force bases. It's our best bet for quick responders. Here."
Opening the door, I passed him by to see this was some sort of guest quarters.
"What is this?" I wondered as I took off my rifle.
Staying by the only exit, Striker replied.
"It's a spare. Nothing too fancy. I hope you don't mind. No one should bother you."
Gently undoing my vest and placing it alongside my rifle, I approached the bed to reply.
"It's fine. Thank you."
Giving me a nod as he prepared his exit, he stated.
"I'm going to go get some chow. I'll have Ralph bring you something, cool?"
Gently sitting down on the bed I replied.
"Yeah. Tell Ralph to get me a comm by the way."
Nodding Striker replied.
"I'll get right on it. Rest up for what it's worth."
Watching as he shut the door behind him, I immediately put my head into my hands to breath out a loud painful exhale. Holding in what I could from the others, I slowly began to shake in pain to mumble under my position.
"Fucking infection."
Something wasn't right. It was getting worse. I could feel it in my brain thumping like a marching band.
"What's going on with me?" I asked myself as I looked up to see the time from a clock that hoovered above the doorway.
It was going on seven.
Gently trying to lay down, I could now only think of Amy. I hope to god she made it out somehow. I know she's capable of being on her own, but if Project found her I know for a fact he's just as hell bent on killing her as he is me. Well...maybe not now. But she's not a killer. Fuck I'm such an asshole! I should have went after her. At least I could be certain she's safe hate me or not.
Slamming the back of my quills into the pillow under me, I pictured Project. When he stood in front of me with all the marks I burned him with he looked almost human. As if the fire changed him somehow. He looked more coordinated. As if he was truly aware of his control over himself. Even back when I was trapped in those sewers with him he seemed to be learning. Maybe part of David Chester is still there in that hollow demon form he now is forced to be in. Maybe he's in control now and he's adapting. If that's the case then I know he'll come after me with all he has. I gave him what I could in terms of slowing him down, but if Zone 10 didn't faze him then a fucking kitchen fire sure as shit won't. It's just now a matter of how long? How long till he gets out and he tracks me down again? I know one thing for sure though. Next time I'll be sure to kill him. And it won't be for me. It will be for Kid, and all the people he took from me.
Keeping my eyes down, I slowly began to let go. Hopefully this time when I wake up I won't see an eight foot David Chester.
I hope everyone is enjoying this so far. I'll have the next chapter up soon to this story. Please review and let me know what you think. It means a lot. By the way Striker is not my OC. He belongs to my good friend Striker-The-Hedgehog-329. Check out his stories too if you have the time. Thanks again everyone. Writing means the world to me and without all you and your feedback this wouldn't be possible.
mT Shadow.