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Post by Eliora on Aug 7, 2022 15:26:23 GMT -5
“Dr Joseph Rutherford, what exactly is SOBEA?” The inquisitive human reporter asked after she had been chosen amongst the multitude trying to enter the compound. She was beyond excited. As always, she was the only one willing to take on these sorts of stories with the others feeling as if they weren’t worth their time or quite frankly too afraid to handle them. They tried but could never understand her fascination with the “oogey boogey “stuff. She didn’t mind, as she stood in awe at one of the few humans who openly admitted to their existence and not as a fairy tale either.
The young woman wore a white camisole with Khaki dress pants, black flats, and a matching khaki suit jacket that she took off due to the heat. A few loose tendrils of her brown coily curly hair fell around her face as the rest of her hair rested in a tight bun in the back and a pair of black rimmed glasses that accented her face.
“Well, it would seem as though you know my name, but I don’t know yours.” He stated with a raised brow as he looked down at her.
“My apologies. My name is a Jessie Vickers. I work at the Sunrise Daily for FSM (Free Spirit Media) on channel 11. One of the top channels for the local news” Jessie proudly beamed causing Dr Rutherford to chuckle softly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you dear girl.”
After a moment of thought, he answered her question. “SOBEA stands for the Scientific Organizations for the Biogenetic Engineering of Anthropomorphism. It is a collective body of individual medical and scientific research facilities that is dedicated to developing cures and medicine from all walks of life. We are all pieces of one big puzzle. The answer for ailment in one could be found hiding in the DNA of many others.”
Jessie looked at him wide eyed. “So, you create human animal hybrids?”
Rutherford couldn’t help but laugh at her question. You can not create something that already exist, though you can create something new from something that already exists. As much as he was intrigued by their genetic makeup, he hated shifters especially wolf shifters given his historic dealings with them. He was more into tearing apart their genetic makeup rather than putting it together. But either way he had to maintain the façade of being the helping hand to all concerned with his findings. “I wouldn’t dare do such a thing. That was all Mother Nature’s doing.” He said laughing off her question.
Jessie wanted to ask more about that but took the hint and continued her interview. “Have you made any major discoveries in your research recently?” She asked, eyes sparkling. Dr. Rutherford thought about it, running over all the projects he had going on now, none of which could be released to the public yet. “Nothing new at this time.” He spoke.
Jessie nodded her head and continued. “Does the public have to worry about any zoonotic diseases now that anthromorphs and shifters are a thing”? There was slight concern in her voice.
Rutherford looked at her closely and knew that her concern and questions were shared by many. The point of this interview was to ease these concerns and answer these questions. He sighed as he thought carefully about the words, he would say next. “Zoonotic diseases already existed, that is not something that just magically came about now that we know they exist. To think such a thing happened is ridiculous and very ignorant. “ He said with disdain at the thought that people were such idiots to think something of the sort. Again, that was the reason for this whole interaction, to help try to quell such nonsense.
“But how do you know the Zoonotic diseases came from actual animals and not an anthromorph or shifter?” Jessie asked, playing devil’s advocate. Dr. Rutherford’s irritation at the line of questioning was tangible but they had to be asked. She gave him a sheepish smile as looked at him expectantly.
“I don’t. We don’t. That is one of the things we are researching so that we know the what and the how, so if there is a danger my team and I will work with the appropriate authorities to put an end to that danger.”
“Do you have any thoughts about the comments and opinions of your naysayers?” Jessie blurted as she looked earnestly into the face of the man who claimed he could cure the world. For years now the medical world has been seeing massive leaps in treatments and cures thanks to Dr. Rutherford and his colleagues. It all started when the existence of shifters and other supernatural beings had come to light.
It was a shock to the entire world. Fear ran rampant and the Super naturals, as they have been termed, were actively being hunted. Of course, where there were hunters, there were sympathizers that set up societies and networks to help them. The war to create safe spaces for them was not easily won, especially when they decided to fight back and make a stand and name for themselves. Agreements could not be reached on many things and ended up with a lot of segregated areas.
What was more of a shock was that Dr. Rutherford and his colleagues had known of their existence long before the rest of the world. He’d come out and admitted that his facilities were not actual wildlife sanctuaries but were homes for the creatures that he’d rescued from death. Many people believe he only admitted to his knowledge and connections with the otherworldly creatures to try to get ahead of the wave of a global realization. Others didn't think he was simply helping them out of the kindness of his heart. He was a doctor known for his accomplishments in genetic engineering and genetic diseases as well as a few side “hobbies”. It was these side hobbies that garnered so much scrutiny from the public.
Dr. Rutherford looked at Jessie and she could feel a shiver run down her back as she forced herself not to take a step back. His eyes were blue and cold as ice as he looked down his straight and narrow nose at her. The hairs on her arms stood on end and her heart began to race. Every nerve in her body was screaming danger as he gave her a long look. Jessie was the only reporter he’d allowed inside his facilities simply because he knew she was familiar with some of the shifters on a personal level. He figured she would be a key player in trying to sway said naysayers to his side. If he could convince her that his work was in the best interest of all concerning parties, then he would be free to continue his research.
Dr. Rutherford gave Jessie what he thought was a charming smile but was very much as dangerous as the DNA of the creatures that coursed through his veins. “Well, Ms. Jessie, was it?” He asked with a lift of a crisp brow. When she nodded her head, he continued to speak. “If every scientist, doctor or researcher were to stop their work each time there was some random person who didn't agree with what they were doing, then we as a civilization wouldn't have made any advances in the technologies that we enjoy today or advances in the medicines that allow terminally ill patients with more time with their loved ones or even cures to diseases that would have otherwise resulted in death.”
Dr. Rutherford gave a wry chuckle. ‘I say that to say this, those minor obstacles aren’t enough to stop me from reaching my goals in bettering the future of civilization, no matter what appears. The work that goes on in my facilities is done on a voluntary basis. We provided housing, education, safety, food, etc. They can walk around as they please, they are not prisoners here nor my guinea pigs.” he said with slightly narrowed eyes and an edge to his voice.
When Tala shifted on her feet beside him, he cleared his throat and continued. “We build community here. Believe it or not, many of the workers here are not even human. Tala here, “He said and motioned to Tala who smiled and gave a small wave. “Is a shifter and has no issues with being here. As you can see, she is not being held in chains.” He said in a sardonic tone and Jessie gave a small uncomfortable smile. “Also, you can see, there are others who walk around in their other forms or partial forms, whatever makes them feel comfortable.” He gave a nod of his head indicating he wanted her to look at the people around her.
Jessie looked around at the smiling faces of those who were going about their business as if all was well and it very well might be. Who was to know? There was a half-shifted cheetah walking past and noticed her looking and gave her a beautiful, fanged smile as she continued to walk past. Jessie couldn't help the answering smile that tugged at her lips. She saw a tall well-built man with long brown hair with honey blonde highlights, some of which were locs, a black wife beater and black jeans. He wore no shoes and had startling grey eyes that were locked on to her as if she were a tasty morsel to be eaten.
When he gave a seductive smirk and headed her way, she began to blush profusely. “Well, hello there gorgeous, do you like what you see?” He said with a bit of a purr as he licked his lips.
“My apologies, I didn't mean to stare. I really like cats and you have very definite feline qualities.” She softly, though she couldn't keep the intrigue from her voice.
“Oh really? You have a good eye because I am all cat, baby.” He said, making a soft chuffing noise as he made a quick movement to inhale her scent deeply. Jessie gasped and turned bright red as she scrambled to get her thoughts together.
Dr. Rutherford rolled his eyes yet was thankful for once that Emmanuel was making himself useful to him by disarming the little reporter. The colleague she had brought with her to film, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves as they watched the show Emmanuel was putting on.
“Uhm sir, I don’t know your name.” She said as she reached for something to focus her thoughts.
“Oh, where are my manners? My name is Emmanuel.” He said with a soft growl as he reached out and gently grasped her hand. He turned it over and kissed the underside of her sensitive wrist. When her pulse jumped, he smiled against her skin before licking it gently with his rough feline tongue. He took another whiff of her scent and gave a knowing grin at the sweet difference that was now there.
Tala narrowed her eyes at Emmanuel and growled low in warning. Emmanuel chuckled and slowly let her hand drop as he put his hands up in surrender and took a step back. His eyes were downcast, and head was slightly bowed. “My apologies Lady Tala.” he said in an insolent tone.
Jessie’s eyes widened and for a moment she was afraid that she had disrespected their culture in some fashion. Tala sighed and rolled her eyes and soon Dr. Rutherford chuckled to draw attention back to himself. “Do not worry, these two have a love-hate relationship. They both love to hate each other and hate to love each other. Surprisingly they work well together. Tala is a close assistant and advisor, while Emmanuel handles and maintains the security for the facilities. He proves himself useful from time to time in the lab.” He said with a soft chuckle.
“As you can see, they have no qualms with working here or living here. I am also certain none of them would be so carefree in some place where they were being held against their will or mistreated.”
Jessie smiled and nodded her head. She was liking SOBEA and saw nothing wrong. They did a bit of a walk through around the different facilities on the compound. It was bigger than she’d have thought, and Dr. Rutherford and Tala answered any questions she had. Emmanuel even seemed willing to answer some of her questions as well. They were able to film their walk through for the most part though understandably they couldn’t film the housing and living quarters and some of the labs due to the sensitivity of their research, but overall SOBEA was willing and very open to them.
Once the interviews concluded, things went back to normal as per usual. After the story had been ran several days later, it was well received though there were still those who pushed and refused to believe the story was authentic.
~
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Post by Eliora on Aug 7, 2022 15:27:36 GMT -5
The sound of sharp claws being dragged across a desk could clearly be heard coming from Sia’s office as she glared dangerously at her TV. Her anger needed an outlet, but none were willing, in this instance, because if they were to volunteer it was a death sentence. “How is that sonofabitch still alive!?” She roared as she dug her claws deep into her desk though even the desk moaned at the strain.
“Stupid fucking humans. They only think of themselves and the money they can line their pockets with.” Snarling Sia swiped her desk chair and sent it flying through the window. She could clearly see the irony there but that didn’t stop her from being filled with pure rage and disdain for the humans that supported that monster. Not to mention, the very active hunting groups that were making themselves known. Sia decided to be a safe house for those seeking asylum, but only long enough for them to be escorted to a sanctuary. She’d began working with Black Ash to get the people to safety.
She knew for a fact that SOBEA was no haven and the people there were in fact that bastard’s guinea pigs. Just because their chains and restraints weren’t physically seen didn’t mean they weren’t there. Back in the day when she was locked up there, they had no problems with using actual shackles, though because the opportunity of having his guinea pigs come to him freely and the public being none the wiser if he could get most of the public’s approval, which he was in the process of doing. He would no doubt make good use of the hunter factions if he hadn’t already. It was frustrating to see how things were playing out as Anthony had advised.
She knew that she and her people weren’t completely safe, though with Black Ash, her political connection and even her insider connections, she had some semblance of safety she could claim. Of course, now though the number of human customers has dropped considerably once they found out that her babies weren’t furries. It still gave her leverage though she didn’t sweat it too much. She’d closed her doors for a while and discussed the future of business with all the King’s Palace’s residents. They had wanted to keep their doors open, it’d allow for donations from sympathizers and income as well as show that they were not afraid of what was to come.
She had to deal with protesters and hunters more often than she would have liked. Due to the attention that was on her, she couldn’t handle pesky unwanted guests as she normally would have because of the consequences that would come with that.
“M’lady,” Mateo called to her with slight uncertainty. She took a deep breath and looked around the room at those who were present. She could feel their worry and their fear, and it made her want to destroy the very world they lived in just to keep them safe but knew her hands were tied to a certain degree. It was nice to have a mate who ran a human trafficking business despite trying to get away from it. Now more than ever it was needed.
She unclenched her fists and only then realized that her hands were bleeding from her claws digging into her palms. “You all have nothing to fear. Come hell or High water, I will protect you.” She said fiercely earning more than a few smiles.
“We will do the same for you and the young Miss, Madame.” Tommy said in a silken voice though his eyes were hardened at the thought of a threat to his mate and family. There was resounding agreement from the others as Sia gave a sad smile and sat on her desk, allowing Mateo to treat her hands.
“Right. We no longer have the luxury of being idle.” Sia said in a thoughtful tone. “I can’t believe Anthony hit the nail on the head. Dr. Rutherford is so predictable. History is repeating itself and everyone is too busy bickering with one another to even see the bigger picture. He must be stopped.” She growled then sighed.
“We need to continue preparing for new arrivals. Fortifying this place shouldn’t be too hard, with Voss’s help. If push comes to shove, then we head to Black Ash territory to ride out this fucked up storm.” Sia gave Mateo a smile as he kissed the bandage that was on her hand. She gently pulled him forward and kissed the top of his head.
“Kori, I want you to get in contact with Emmanuel and find out why the fuck that old man still alive.” Sia growled the order. “We are also due for more supplies from him.”
“I’m on it, Madame.” Kori said with a curt nod and left the office.
“Tommy, Mateo and Tianna, my daughter is your only priority. Should anything happen to her just kill yourself because if I get a hold of you, you won’t be so lucky.” The trio nodded their heads solemnly before also walking out knowing that Sia’s word were heavy with promise.
“Yaya, you stay with me. “ She said wanting her precious doll with her at all times. She was her balm when things became stressful, and Voss wasn’t there to keep her calm. Yaya ,for her, was like a pet dog or cat to a human. Sia held Yaya very close and stroked her ears distractedly as she continued to give orders.
“Octavian and Alfonso, I want you and your teams to be even more vigilant than you were before. I don’t want the security patrols to be predictable and if they are not shifters than they are not permitted. Those seeking asylum will have the code for entry and will still have to pay at least something. Although I am helping, I am not putting my babies in danger for free. They are also to stay in their designated area with Ro, they are to be stripped of any devices that can be tracked and are to have no communications with anyone unless it is with us.
“The rest of you maintain as per usual and make sure those on your floors are well prepared and fully briefed on the situation and our plans.” After the words were spoken, everyone left to do as they were told. “This is going to be another long day Yaya.” Sia said holding the fox in her arms and burying her face in her neck as she heard protesters coming to their usual spots. The sympathizers will be arriving soon after with their donations.
Sia and her business wasn’t hurting on funds, but she wasn’t going to snub those who were going out of their way to support them. It allowed her to keep money in her pockets. Although her doors were still open, the hours of operation had to be changed just a little to accommodate their “underground railroad” for shifters. Things were dicey but not more than they could handle. She hoped Black Ash was faring well and being safe, knowing some of those fools, they were waging war on hunters and anyone else who would want to get their hands on the likes of them. They weren’t only going after shifters but after any and everything that wasn’t human.
Sia grunted in irritation as she thought about them. Yaya whimpered and held Sia closer causing Sia to sigh. Humans weren’t that special. If anyone ought to be feared, it was those who weren’t completely human. They were better than humans in all manner of speaking. This added to her anger that was turning to hatred, not that it was a far slide given her dislike for them because of her background.
Yaya could feel the mood changes in Sia as they came and went, so she began to hum a soothing melody and Sia smiled as she hummed along.
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Post by Eliora on Aug 7, 2022 15:28:59 GMT -5
Eliora stood baring her teeth and growling as she allowed Anthony to climb onto her back. They were escorting a group of shifters to a Sanctuary secured by Sammy and his gang. The locations seemed to be random and was only shared at the last minute to Black Ash pack members that were helping with escorting. She didn’t mind helping but she didn’t want to have to play pony for this asshole. They may have buried the hatchet and all, but she still hated having any of them touch her. It caused her instincts to kill to surface all because of her past trauma caused by him and his brothers.
Despite part of her wanting to kill the bastard on her back, she focused on the children that they were trying to protect. She gave a once over to the adults and tried to find some sort of emotional connection that would make her want to risk her life for them, but honestly, she couldn’t. To her, they were simply a by product of saving the children.
“Do you all have your personal belongings? We’ll be heading to the meeting place with other members of our team to get you to safety. Do not stray unnecessarily. If you need something or see something let one of us know. We will not be stopping to run after a stray and if we find your behavior even the least bit suspicious then you will be killed on sight. No exceptions.” Anthony commanded from his position on her back. For good reason, he had been hesitant about getting up there, but he was granted leniency due to the cub he held tightly in his arms. It was a kid from one of the previous groups who refused to leave his and Eliora’s side.
The kid’s parents had been caught and killed by hunters. They would have stayed and fought but the kid’s parents pleaded for them to take their son to safety. The rest of the group had continued their paths as a few escorts kept the attention of the hunters. Eliora had snarled and they all split up. Anthony had grabbed the kid and was trying to book it out of there but had gotten shot a few times and almost got caught. Eliora swung back to help the two, using her body to shield them as Anthony hobbled into an obscure darkened alleyway.
Eliora told him to stay put and circled back to kill as many of the hunters as she could. The thrill of the hunt and the fight was exhilarating, giving her an adrenaline high. Before she could give in to it and lose herself to the call of blood, she ate the last hunter in the area but not before he’d called for backup. It would take them time to regroup but it would allow Eliora and the others a chance to get as far away from the area as possible. Slowly she made her way back to Anthony and the kid, growling dangerously along the way as her body expelled the bullets.
She couldn’t chance shifting as her body healed itself. Her towering black and white frame approached Anthony quietly. She gave him a quick nod and he replied. “We’re fine. Im just going to be a bit sore, and the kid passed out from crying. “He paused and gave her a once over. “Are you alright?” He asked with a lifted brow as he noticed the streaks of blood in her fur.
Eliora grunted and sniffed the air. She motioned for him to get on and when he reached for her, she nearly snapped him in half. “For fuck’s sake, Eliora. Not now. We need to get out of here before their friends show up.” Eliora narrowed her eyes at him and growled low with her ears back. ‘it wasn’t intentional, it was instinctual. Just get on so we can go already.’ She reluctantly spoke to him through the mind link. It took him a moment to realize that she had because she’d made it very known that the only ones she would contact through the pack link was Voss and Lottie, caring very little for the rest of them.
Eliora snarled and broke him out of his stupor and knelt for him to get on. It took a moment of maneuvering but once they were on. She took off at a fast trot and gradually picked up speed, soon everything was speeding past them in a blur. Anthony bent down into her fur to protect himself and the cub from the cutting air. The cub was snug and peacefully sleeping while Anthony was torn between the exhilaration of the ride and the fear of it. Eliora made a sneezing noise which seemed like she was laughing at him, though he said nothing as they made their way.
Ever since then the cub had to be with them both damn near all the time. Eliora hated it but she endured it and even worked with Anthony to try to ween him to the point of at least being able to be with just one of them around. It’d worked but they’d run into a brick wall when they had to go on rescues and simply ended up taking him with them. Which was the case with their current rescue.
There was one among their group that drew suspicion, but they couldn’t make a move just yet. Eliora heard Casey’s howl and knew that he and his pack of wolves were ready. As much as she hated to admit it, he was the perfect choice for a decoy. He didn’t have the same obvious weaknesses of other werewolves and he could flawlessly blend in with the wolves of his pack making it hard to differentiate between a shifter and a regular wolf. The more organized hunters knew how to tell them apart and could identify Weres easily, which is where Casey came in at.
“Let’s move”. Anthony said and they all started moving. The call of a falcon high above the trees informed them that the path ahead was clear. The sound of Evera’s soft feathers, the only thing that gave her presence away for those who could recognize them. Evera’s job was to search for and identify the plant in the group, whereas Estelle’s was to eliminate them quickly. They were taking the false trail first to get rid of the plant and take the real path after.
~~
Despite their operations with help shifters get to Asylums and Sanctuaries, none were ever permitted to go into Black Ash’s territory. If you weren’t part of the pack before then you sure as hell wasn’t going to gain access now. They could afford to let any and everybody join on their words because there were too many Were’s joining up with the enemy to be so trusting especially with children in the pack now. The pack members continued their pack duties in earnest and worked diligently on their rescue efforts, doing them in shifts.
Foxxy and her team were busy with medical stations throughout the safe zones that were set up with the combined efforts of the pack and other trusted associations. She hoped the kids wasn’t causing Ravi too much trouble, they could be a handful, but they seemed to adore their “uncle” Ravi.
Antwan was working with Alexander to gather information on allies and enemies alike. Lian, Sica, and Adisa were helping as well, going on supply runs with a few of the pack members.
Antonio and Pandora acted as some of the guards for the medic areas when he wasn’t off doing something else. His mind went to his girl Lena, and he wondered how she was doing. He’d always wanted her to be with him so that he could be certain that she was safe. They were going through some crazy times, and he wanted her with him. Their relationship started off rocky and what was once hatred turned to love. He would never admit how smitten he was with the crazy vixen, but it was clear to all who knew him. Despite his wants, he knew that she was most likely somewhere either being a pain in the ass or helping, though she could honestly be doing both which was more likely.
~~
Jim’s Place had become a hotspot for humans. Jim noticed a lot of his regulars and friends no longer frequented his bar and could only conclude that they must have been supernatural beings. Truthfully, he didn’t mind and didn’t care that they had been shifters, they were good people and deserved a right to life just like the rest of them. He was a sympathizer but unfortunately his bar seemed to have more hunters and people opposed to them than not. He didn’t want to serve them but as it stood, they were the only ones keeping his place afloat.
He couldn’t do much, but he could gather information to help the cause. He kept in contact with his friend Alexander who was helping to keep the others safe. As he looked at the customers in the bar, he wore a fake smile as he nodded to randoms. He tapped the bartender’s shoulder to let her know he was heading out back before heading out to the alley way.
“What is this world coming to?” he asked rhetorically and gave a deep sigh.
“It’s going to shit.” Came a deep amused voice. Jim chuckled as he looked over at his friend. Alexander wore all black and stayed in the shadows. He was one of the many people who secretly watched over this human. Jimmy didn’t know Alexander was a shifter and Alexander wasn’t going to tell him, especially not now with his bar being a hotspot.
“So, what do you have for me slick?” Alexander said casually as the two began to share information.
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Post by Eliora on Aug 7, 2022 15:30:27 GMT -5
A deep low growl could be heard as Abasi stood beside Mustafa and his brothers met up with Emmanuel in the iddle of the night. Absolutely no one was pleased to see that dinosaur on tv let alone the shit he was spouting. Everyone had met up and set a plan in motion to stop Dr. Rutherford only for that plan to fail and have that failure stare them down and smile. Azizi was chomping at the bit as he and Shomari paced in a wide circle as Mustafa spoke with Emmanuel. Hodari and Ikeno kept guard as lookouts.
Emmanuel stood with his head high as he watched Mustafa. He was aware of the others and their intent to kill him was damn near tangible, but he played an important role in the scheme of things and if anything was to happen to him then all hell was descended on them and not just the one that they were trying to prevent.
“Why is he still alive?” Mustafa asked with no preamble. They all knew they were on a time schedule and didn’t have any to waste on pleasantries, especially when the meeting was anything but pleasant.
“Yall are asking for the head and face of SOBEA, a major organization I might add, to be killed suddenly.” Emmanuel stated in a droll tone wanting to make sure they saw the consequences that would hold now.
“Your point?” Mustafa asked with a raised brown as he stood with his arms crossed over his black wife beater. His brothers were in their shifted forms while he wore all black from head to toe, eyes glistening in the darkness.
Emmanuel growled causing Aziz and Shomari to stop and growl at him. When Emmanuel lifted his lip in a snarl, they were about to jump him when Mustafa growled low in warning. The two brothers stood down and continued to circle, digging their claws in the dirt as they did so. Mustafa didn’t take his eyes off Emmanuel and waited for him to continue. “My point is that the previous plan would have worked before he made himself even more publicly known. He has too many eyes on him and the first ones they would go after are the people in the facilities. There are a lot of innocent people there.” He replied angrily.
Mustafa allowed him a moment to get over his emotions before speaking again. “While that is true, can you not use the hunters to cover it up? It wouldn’t take much for one of them or even a group of them to sneak in and do damage.”
“It would take more than you may think. There are new security measures., “
“That you have access to and can get around being the head of security.” Mustafa countered.
“Do you have any idea how he keeps track of the shifters in his main facility? The bastard literally implants microchips that explodes and instant kills with a genetically engineered version of Ebola that can only survive in liquid silver.” Emmanuel snarled. He didn’t give a damn about the others being present, but they weren’t about to make it seem as though it was going to be a walk in the park to kill that sneaky motherfucker.
Azizi lunged at Emmanuel and shifted before grabbing him by the neck. “it just seems like you’re giving a helluva lot of excuses. How do we know that you weren’t just dragging your feet because you don’t want to hurt your master?!” One move and Emmanuel would die. He could clearly see Azizi was itching to do it.
“Let him go!” Mustafa snarled and Abasi snapped at his brother. The moment was tense when Azizi didn’t let go but instead tightened his grip. Abasi was about to shift himself when Azizi finally let go. Mustafa growled at Azizi who reluctantly walked over and stood beside him while Abasi stood beside Emmanuel to keep an eye on his brother.
Emmanuel glared as he struggled to catch his breath. “You think I’m free?” Emmanuel growled softly. “I am also chipped. Mine is remote controlled unlike the others. The only reason I am even able to contact or do any business with you is because of Tala and Mikhaila. My position offers little freedom and I’m tracked wherever I go. If not for them all of you and others would have been caught already.”
A couple of his brothers growled at that and Mustafa nearly sighed. Emmanuel continued to speak. “You conveniently forget key information, such as how he is backed by the government and how we have more people against us than for us. His death could very well be the light that they are looking for to kill us all.”
Mustafa was patient enough to hear him out but not patient enough to just sit on his haunches and allow that monster to continue to do what he was doing. “As much as I understand your predicament, he can’t stay alive. It would mean trouble for us all. Others like him will come out of the wood works no longer caring who sees. We are already being hunted by damn near everyone. We need to take a stand somewhere and a good place to start would be his death. That would put an end to the experiments that he’s been doing on us. Are our people not allowed to know peace anymore? Because he sure as hell made sure that we didn’t.”
“Look, I understand but you can’t just off somebody because you don’t like them,” Emmanuel started and then gave a laugh full of irony as he remembered who he was speaking to. That was their very job. “You know what I mean. Dr. Rutherford is a high-profile person. The fallout from his death would be too large to keep under wraps. This doesn’t mean I care about the bastard. I was raised in his facilities, so I know from firsthand experience how fucked up it is there, but we must be smart about it.”
Sighing in annoyance, Mustafa spoke. “Aight man, I’m hearing a bunch of ‘you cant’, what’s your solution then? Wait? In the meantime, more innocent people die because some assholes have a superiority complex and fear what they don’t know. What we are doing now is only a short-term solution. Sooner or later, we will stop running and fight back whether he is dead or alive. We prefer to have him dead, and his research destroyed. You and your people can do it, or we will.” Mustafa shrugged as if he didn’t care one way or another. Emmanuel opened his mouth to say something, but Mustafa stopped him.
“You are familiar with Lady Sia, right? Are you aware that she and one other person was a survivor of his original facility? She has more than enough reason to want that bastard dead because she doesn’t want anyone else to suffer as you all have. You were going to say that you needed evidence to bring him down were you not?”
“Yeah, something like that.” Emmanuel muttered.
“Again, what’s the hold up?” Mustafa asked not willing to give an inch. “You and your team have been working on this for years yet you don’t have anything to show for it. What exactly have you been doing? It shouldn’t have gotten to this point. We didn’t make a move because you said Yall could handle it. Well, now we are heading into a shit storm.”
“Look man, Tala has all of it. If there is one person Rutherford trusts, it’s her. He believes he has beaten her into submission because she doesn’t outwardly oppose him. She is the one that gets the information that I send to you guys. It is because of her that I can get supplies to ya’ll groups without an issue. Not only that Mikhaila, who is still just a kid by the way, is the one who covers our track and make sure everything is covered up. She is one of the best trackers that Rutherford has in his arsenal. There are others as well who contribute at the risk of their lives every single day. So don’t you dare try to minimize the efforts that went into trying to kill that bastard.” Emmanuel snarled. “And no offense to Sia, but if she had killed him back then, we wouldn’t be having this issue now. Seeing as how she didn’t, she herself knows how hard it is to kill that bastard and it’s a lot harder now.”
Mustafa sighed and held his hand up as a sign of conceding. “I am not taking away anyone’s hard work or downplaying the dangers but rather trying to get a definite answer or solution to this fucking problem. “
“I get that but now more that ever we need the resources that are available at SOBEA. Tala has found more safe properties that were bought but never used and are mark as reservations for wildlife and protected as such. They have been secretly stocked over the years and can handle up to five families. I have spoken with Alexander who’s been helping hide the paper trails.” Emmanuel inserted as he was trying to get out some other important information before he had to leave. He couldn’t afford to sit there going back and forth with this asshole. He reached in his pocket for the list new sanctuaries only to have Azizi growl at him.
“Cool it Tsavo.” Emmanuel snarled and handed the list to a naked Abasi who stood beside him.
“And Rutherford?” Mustafa asked with a raised brow.
“Allow just one chance for us to get it done and if we can’t then I will ensure your guys’ entry into the facility and Yall can attempt it.” Emmanuel muttered with a shrug. He was done with the pissing contest. They had bigger issues to deal with.
There was static on his com and new it was either Tala or Mikhaila trying to reach him via morse code. He held up his hand and listened. He snarled and turned on his heel.
“I must go, there is an emergency. Some fucking sympathizers are trying to sneak onto the property. Fucking humans.” He muttered. “We must contain this. Yall know how to contact me if you need something.” He said and started to take off on a run.
“Do you need back up?” Mustafa asked.
“Nah, I’m good.” Emmanuel didn’t hesitate to reply. Of the six of those fuckers, he only trusted two of them. He sure as fuck couldn’t stand Azizi, which was cemented yet again tonight.
He’d ran all the back to his car about a mile out from where they met up at. “Hey poison lady, I hear you loud and clear and I’m on my way. Who’s spearheading right now?” there was a moment of silence, and he worried a little before he heard her soft voice.
“Hey cowardly lion, thank God you answered. Danny is out front and has a line of guys with guns pointing at the humans. I’m worried. They normally don’t come this close to the fence. If the sympathizers are being this bold, what’s to stop the hunters and antagonists.” Mikhaila asked softly. Emmanuel could hear the worry drip from her words.
“Uhm lets see, high powered automatic weapons, furry claws of fury, and a poison lady who’s as deadly as she is pretty.” He said teasing her and earning an embarrassed laughed. The children from the CIPA project were like his siblings though the two little girls held his heart, and he would do anything to keep them safe.
“You know what I mean.” She said sobering up.
“I know but don’t worry. They are only doing what they are supposed to do and that’s to keep everyone safe. You have nothing to worry about.
“I only feel safe when you are here.” She said close to tears.
“Don’t let Tala hear you say that you’re going to hurt her feelings.” He joked trying to help calm her as he sped down the road heading back to SOBEA as if the demons of hell were chasing him.
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Post by Eliora on Aug 28, 2022 18:31:24 GMT -5
Outside the front gates of SOBEA, an unruly crowd of what seemed to be sympathizers, gathered as they made a ruckus. They decided the middle of the night was the best time to protest the facility. “We know that you’re keeping those people in their against their will.” Came an anger feminine voice as she glared at the soldier pointing a semi auto at her head.
“Yeah! That news piece was so shitty. Anyone with a brain could tell those people were afraid to say something because of the retribution.” An angry man piped in as he stepped up beside her causing another soldier to cock his gun in warning.
“We don’t care if you shoot us. We came here knowing the possible outcomes and we also came prepared.
“We have you on camera.”
“You kill us, and it will get uploaded automatically.
“Showing the world what you guys really do here.”
As agreement rang out among the gathering crowd. There was at least a dozen that were present at the gate. Tala heaved a huge sigh as she pinched the bridge of her nose. “Fucking humans.” She muttered under her breath. She stepped outside and her name rang out through the crowd, and she plastered a smile on her face.
“Good evening, everyone.” She said and waved. She stopped six feet from the gate and a pair of guards flanked her to ensure her safety.
“Tala we’re here to help rescue you guys.” A young woman called out happily. Tala bit her tongue to stop her first immediate response.
“We really do appreciate the gesture, but you guys have it all wrong. This is a safe place with many families and children. The ruckus you are causing will scare them unnecessarily.” Tala said in a soft motherly tone. “I don’t know where you have gotten your information from, but this is a safe place. We don’t have to worry about being hunted here and can raise our children in peace.”
“If that’s the case then why does the facility have such defenses? They even have the military keeping guard!” Someone called out angrily.
“To keep situations like this one from happening or going too far.” Tala said and nearly rolled her eyes. She was grateful for the sympathizers, but they were putting everything they had worked for at risk. “If you all had this idea, what makes you think the others didn’t have the same idea?
“But Ms. Tala, this seems more like they’re trying to keep you all in rather than everyone else out.” An angry man yelled out.
“A perimeter can serve both purposes, but I promise you we are fine and safe. I also want you all to be safe. What you’re doing now is very dangerous in more ways than one. “
“But we have footage- “Someone started to say.
“You have footage of you trespassing on government property and instigating a confrontation. The facility also have video footage and I can guarantee that it would be you all who suffers from this.” Tala said in her most pleading tone. “Please go home to your families and be safe.”
~~~
While Tala and the soldiers were handling the fiasco at the gate there was a small group who had cut through the gate and was sneaking through. They made their way through the compound as if they knew exactly where they were going. They bypassed the communal and residential areas, heading straight for research facilities. They picked the locks and entered the labs.
They were recording and taking pictures, all the while stealing documents and artifacts they could get their hands on.
“yo, don’t you think this is too easy?” One guy whispered in worry.
“Dude, shut the fuck up. Don’t jinx it.” Said an angry female
“c’mon, don’t you think they would have caught us already if it were the case? The other guys are keeping the security guys busy.”
“Dude those were fucking soldiers!”
“Dude shut the fuck up!” someone said in a harsh whisper at his companions. “Think of this like robbing a bank or some other heist. the longer we take the more likely we are to be caught. We must wrap this up.”
~~
Mikhaila turned from the screens of the chaos at the front gate to look at the others to check in on other parts of the facility. She saw the small group break in and debated on whether to act or not. Her heart was racing as everything seemed to run through her head at that moment. Was this a good thing or a bad thing? She was brought out of her thoughts when she saw where the group was headed and knew that she had to do something immediately.
She sounded the red alarm, startling the group. She saw their scared faces and reactions but that didn’t matter. She berated herself for her lack of actions as she got on the walkie and sent guards to the ‘Red Section’. It was a department where they held the patients taking part in the research of newly developed disease. The one that Dr. Rutherford had recently developed seemed more deadlier than the others, or at least that is what Tala had told her.
“You! Stop where you are! Don’t go any further or you will be in danger!” She said over the intercom that connected to the hall the group was currently heading through. She was rewarded with several middle fingers and what she could only assume was cursing and derogatory remarks. “The guards have been alerted and you will be detained and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Mikhaila gnashed her teeth in frustration. The guards weren’t getting there quick enough and the chance of them releasing something was very high.
Mikhaila went to another console and put in a code to secure that entire building. She did have a random thought of how they were able to get inside that area without the proper clearances. And there were only a handful that had that kind of clearance. Emmanuel, Tala, the science team that was part of that project and Dr. Rutherford himself. It had to be one of the humans that was part of the team. Mikhaila didn’t know what reason they had but she didn’t think it would bode well for anyone. “Code red! Intruders in RF3! Available units detain them immediately! I repeat, Intruders in RF3! Detain them immediately.” She called out again on the comms.
Soon she hears the crackle of her walkie before the sound of a highly pissed off Dr. Rutherford came through. “What the fuck are you doing up there?! How in the hell did you manage to let laymen in the compound?”
Mikhaila flinched so hard she dropped the walkie. “M..Mr. Rutherford…”
“It’s Dr. Rutherford, you useless waste of space. “He growled low in frustration and didn’t bother to hide his disgust. “Ugh, I knew you would have been better utilized as a test subject than personnel. You’re useless.”
Mikhaila felt his words as if they were physical attacks and hurt just the same. Before she could say anything more, Dr. Rutherford barked an order. “No one is to go inside the RF3. If they want to sneak in then they are more than welcome to stay. I needed more humans to test on anyway. Initiate PRD4.”
“But Sir, we have men in there too.’ Mikhaila said softly as she thought of the people she’d sent to that area. She had unwittingly sentenced them to die.
“And?” Dr. Rutherford replied in a droll tone. “Start it now before I lose patience with you Mikhaila.”
She gave one last forlorn look before she did as she was told. “Im sorry.” She said sadly before going to work initiating the security procedure that would lock down the designated area and releasing the airborne disease that was being worked on in the location. It was marking all who was in there as the new test subjects for that disease. Having it tested on animal shifters was one thing, they stood some sort of a chance against it because their natural self-healing helps to keep it from progressing too fast. The humans on the other hand stood no chance because of how the diseases were developed with the shifters immune system in mind, it would take no time at all for them to die from the illness because of how quickly it progresses.
On the screens she could see the blast doors closing on all exits and sectioning off the different parts of the building. She was hoping that they would be able to escape but another part hoped that they didn’t so that they could have a quick death. “Open the doors to patients six, one, and three.” Dr. Rutherford demanded over the walkie, causing her to nearly jump out of her skin because she had quickly forgotten that she had been speaking to him.
With each demand he made of her she hesitated. He wanted her to release the infected? Was he crazy? “Sir,” She started, and he snarled. “I’m releasing them now.” She said in fear as she remotely opened the doors. What commenced next was like something out of a horror movie. The patients were in their animal forms and looked crazed as they immediately began to hunt the guards and intruders who were trapped inside the building. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched the horror unfold.
“Find Tala and tell her to schedule a clean up for RF3. “Dr. Rutherford said over the walkie and his words held a finality to it that brooked no argument.
“Yes sir.” She said and hurriedly wiped away her tears. Dr. Rutherford was in a mood, and it didn’t bode well for them.
“Tala, RF3 is on lockdown and in need of a contagion clean up immediately.” Mikhaila said sadly. “There was breach and Dr. Rutherford initiated PRD4.”
Tala cursed under her breath as she to Mikhaila speak over the walkie and looked at the idiots along the fence. “Copy.” She replied to Mikhaila. She turned her attention back to the group and gave them a sympathetic smile. “Dr. Rutherford is on his way here with the authorities. I implore you all to please leave peacefully. You will do more harm than good if you stay. There are more safer opportunities out there to help shifters in need, please investigate them and take part. You’ll be saving thousands of lives.”
There was a tense moment of silence as Tala willed the idiots to leave. “Ok Ms. Tala. But know that we are on your side and will do all we can to help and support you and your kind.” One of the older women stated before persuading the others to leave with her.
It sounded like they had decided to meet outside of the King’s Palace but that was of no concern to her, she just needed them away from here. “Ensure they leave the premises then place extra patrols and create a completely new perimeter around the property.”
“Yes ma’am.” They said in unison, and she turned on her heel and left. She knew that Mikhaila wasn’t in a good headspace right now and she cursed Emmanuel for not being back yet. Without a word to anyone, she headed to her office and got to work on getting a contagion cleanup to be there by morning.
~~
Mikhaila couldn’t tear her eyes away from the horrible scenes on the security screens. She was horrified and having flashbacks, but her eyes were glued watching their silent screams as they saw their reapers. She was so stuck in her head that she was completely unaware of what was going on around her. So much so that the large predator that crept up behind her went unnoticed, soon she found herself with a strong arm across her abdomen and a hand pressed firmly across her eyes as she felt the soft rumbling growl against her back.
Her heart raced in fear, and she hissed as she extended her claws to strike. “Poison Lady, this is not an approved program for you to watch.” Emmanuel said in a deep growl which seemed to put her at ease. He continued his growling until she had gone completely laxed against him. He turned her away from the monitors and had her facing the doors before he moved his hands away. “Such a fierce little lizard.” He teased as he gave her a moment to gather herself while he switched the cameras to another view.
He heard her deep inhalation and knew that she was about to say something, but he stopped her. “I was filled in already.” He said and brushed her bronze curls that she kept pinned away from her face.
“I tried to warn them away. I really tried.” She said softly on the verge of tears. Emmanuel held her in a tight hug against him and laid his head on the top of her head. “They wouldn’t listen to me. They were very mean and rude.”
Emmanuel gave a small smile when she described their behavior she didn’t like, there was a tinge of anger there, but it didn’t override her sadness and guilt. She had killed them, and she would continue to blame herself for it.
“Silly little lizard, you should know full well humans have no sense of self preservation. They do not care who they hurt as long as they get what they want. You did as you were told. I would rather it be them dying than you getting hurt for disobeying a direct order.” Emmanuel said as he continued to hug her. “It will get better Mikka, I promise.”
“Please don’t leave me again.” She asked and abruptly turned around to hug him back.
Breathing heavily as he hid behind a wall, a young man bled profusely from the wound he sustained on his waist from the creature that attacked their group. He knew he was on his last leg so he opened his phone and began texting rapidly. ‘I wont make it back but we have plenty of evidence to bring this down.’ The young man said with a dry disdainful laugh that turned to a harsh dry cough. ‘if I go, im taking you with me’. He heard a noise, and his heart skipped a beat, though to be fair it’d been doing that for several moments now.
He frantically looked around for a way out but knew it was impossible. He could hear growling getting louder and closer as the beast stalked him. There was hardly any light and the entire building was basically pitch black. He didn’t know what the creature was, but he knew it was large and deadly. His body felt like it was on fire and with every passing moment it was getting harder and harder to breathe. He felt his consciousness slipping in and out and wondered if the loss of blood was going to kill him before the beast did. He knew if he closed his eyes, he would never open them again.
As he focused on staying out if the jaws of one predator, he was completely unaware of the silent one that crept up stealthily on him. By the time he spotted the one in the front, the one in the back already had its fangs deep in his neck. His hoarse screams could be heard by those close enough to hear but was soon cut short as he was ripped apart by the two. Once they were finished with him, continued the hunt for the remaining few.
When all had been killed, the three beasts communed and lay in wait for more pre for them to feast on multiple failed attempts to get out.
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Post by Eliora on Sept 7, 2022 21:21:50 GMT -5
At the first ray of morning the cleaning crew came for the mess the humans created. Tala was Doing PR damage control. Emmanuel was busy going through new security procedure. Everyone was trying to recover from the near disaster from last night. Dr. Rutherford had just ended a very heated conference call with some important people. Tala could hear yelling and cursing coming from both sides. Dr. Rutherford was pissed that the Government he was supplying couldn’t even keep its people under control let alone put together a decent security for his properties. Yet they would see it as an act of terrorism if he was to take things into his own hands.
He'd put too much money time and effort into his work this go round and it was prospering much better than any of his facilities in the past. He could have lost years of research had those dumbasses gotten out. He snarled at the thought of and flipped the large conference table before throwing the chairs as well. Banging and crashing could clearly be heard from inside.
As Tala sat at her desk on the phone with a reporter, a mangled scientist came crashing into the front door. He’d been mauled, though his scent was very off. She narrowed her eyes and took a closer at him before she growled and smacked the shit out of the lockdown button underneath her desk. Soon an alarm sounded throughout the compound and a recorded voice came over the speakers throughout the property.
“This is not a drill. This is a total lock down! Secure the building you are in! Do not open the doors or windows for anyone! This is not a drill! Until further notice you are to isolate and quarantine. Anyone seen outside will be shot on sight. Do not go outside, I repeat do not go outside.”
The message would keep repeating for the next 30mins as everything got locked down. As Tala was frantically searching through files, for the next steps to help the residents in the facility knowing that many of them were mostly likely terrified of what was going on. SOBEA periodically ran different drills in case of emergencies such as this, though truthfully Tala never thought that it would happen. She was preoccupied with her search that she didn’t even hear Dr. Rutherford storming out of the conference room barreling towards her.
Soon she felt a sharp pain in her scalp as Rutherford grabbed a fist full of her hair and yanked her head back in a sharp motion. She gave an involuntary yelp as her hands automatically went to the source of her pain. “WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!” Dr. Rutherford snarled in her face. No matter how much he denied that fact that he was no longer human, in moments like these it was plain to see how much of an animal he really was. Tala growled and was rewarded with another yank.
“Look! Your virus has gotten out. I did what I had to to prevent it from spreading like wildfire.” Tala growled through gritted teeth as she pointed to the now dead man on the door.
“How! A clean up was done to secure and contain it!” he snarled and tossed her away from him. He stormed over to the door but didn’t open it. Instead, he knelt to get a closer look at the dead man. He sported the telltale signs of being infected with the new virus, Rabsarosis, he’d been working on. The man had bloody foam coming from his mouth, the overly enlarged lymph nodes under his jaw angry red rashes and blisters covered his skin. He was happy to see the fruits of his labor though he was pissed that it was loose and contaminated.
Right as he was about to turn to Tala and say something, another person could be seen running towards the building head on. Their eyes were glazed over, and they seemed to mindlessly throw themselves against the building they too sported the telltale signs of the virus. He heaved a heavy sigh knowing that some dumb fuck killed them all. They hadn’t developed a cure for the virus yet since they were still working on it, though they did have some medicines that could be used to maintain the symptoms for a short number of times.
He went to the conference room and opened a hidden door. Then turned to Tala with a deep frown. “Come!” he demanded and waited for her to do as he commanded before turning and walking through the hidden door. The door led to a set of stairs that led to a long hall and a thick door at the end. He put in the pass code and the door opened to a disinfectant room that held Hazmat gear behind a glass for two people. Beside it was another glass that held injections in it.
“To think I had to actually use this.” He muttered and took out a syringe and injected Tala then himself. “c’mon,” he said and indicated she put on the hazmat suit. Although being a shifter granted some relief, they were still susceptible to the virus and could pass it. They didn’t know how far the contagion had spread and needed to try and get a handle on it before it was too late.
When they were suited up, he headed down another hall with a large suitcase. They needed to get the injections to the essential personnel so that they can try and keep things in order. They would use the underground tunnel system to get to the different locations on the property. It was a mess; the virus was spreading quicker than they could get to the injections out. The sound of gunfire could be heard throughout the compound as the infected broke into people homes and assaulted them. The screams of the victims could clearly be heard as they were being ripped apart trying to find somewhere safe to go.
They passed on the injections and information to the personnel they came across. As they were making their way closer to Inna’s enclosure Tala became even more worried and anxious. “Sir, let me go to Inna.” When he turned a glare onto her. He body language became submissive, and her eyes became pleading. “Please.” She begged. She didn’t want to lose another daughter. She wanted to make sure that she was safe and to get her the injection as well.
“You are to stay by my side like always. Those who are out there can fend for themselves. They are none of my concern anymore. At this point in time, they would become a hindrance.” Dr. Rutherford said matter of fatly. He always backed up his research in case of emergencies, and the place they were going was a safe place in case of disease outbreak such as this. It was secured, fully stocked, and accessible only to him.
“Sir, I cant leave her. She has no one else. Please let me go to her.” She begged him again and was met with a backhanded smack to her face.
“I said no! she is nothing to you and therefore not your concern! She can die with the rest of them for all I care but you are mine and therefore you will come with me.” He snarled at her bowed head. Tala refused to leave Inna. She was forced to do so with her biological daughter but she wouldn’t allow him to do the same to her adoptive one. She growled low and in one quick motion she struck him hard. When her hand came back it was bloodied and she held his trachea and torn flesh in her claws.
She panted heavy as her fangs were bared and she growled dangerously. Her eyes had gone full on feline and for a moment she lost herself until the blaring sirens and alarms began to filter in. it was only then that she realized what she had done. She dropped the flesh and backed away as fear crawled up her spine. She looked down at the bloody form of Rutherford. she met his gaze and saw pure hatred in them as his blood pooled around him.
She grabbed the suitcases they had been distributing and ran down the corridor to the other locations. As she dropped off injections, she would pick up more. It was only when she felt she had done what she could do, she headed to Inna’s enclosure. If they were to die, she’d rather be with her than anywhere else.
When she went topside, she was already partially shifted and breathing heavy from all the rushing she was doing. She sent a roar calling out to Emmanuel, telling him where to go. It would be the last time he would ever hear from her. What Rutherford didn’t know was that she had been doing her own hoarding and nesting at the house she shared with Inna. With Emmanuel’s help she had it reinforced. She was trained in medicine, along with other fields, which was the only reason Rutherford wanted her to stay with him. That and the fact that he felt she was his docile house pet.
She took off at a run and was almost to the entrance of the enclosure when she was tackled mid stride and sent flying in the opposite direction. The sound of bones breaking could be heard from the impact of the hit and her fall. She staggered to her feet and faced off with a deranged rhino and knew she would never see the light in Inna’s beautiful green eyes ever again.
~*~
“We must make sure that no one leaves this facility! If they do it will be a disaster that I can guarantee you the world is not ready for. We are their last line of protection.” Emmanuel stated loudly for all the gathered guards and military men. “Word has been sent out that we are dire need of help, we just must hold on until it arrives. It’s been an honor working with some of you. I pray for your speedy recovery.” He stated and walked off towards Mikhaila. She was like his shadow and wouldn’t leave his side.
“I want you to be especially car-“ He stopped midway as he heard Tala’s call. Things had taken a turn for the worst and they had to get out before it got worse. That was crazy especially considering he literally just had a briefing with his squads about not letting anyone out due to the contagion. He grabbed a fist full of his hair and growled angrily. She had also sent him information that was too low in frequency for most to hear and it caused him to sigh.
They had readied for this possibility but hated that they had to put their plan into play. “Come on.” He said grabbing Mikhaila’s hand and headed straight for his car. He drove towards the home Mikhaila knew and before he could even reach the gate, there was an explosion on the property as the house was blown to shit. Out of the smoke he could see large prowling forms headed towards them. He did a quick U-turn and high tailed it out there praying that no one was in the home when it exploded.
“While I drive, I need you to make some calls for me Poison Lady.” He stated without taking his eyes from the road as he rummaged for one of his weapons. “Call Mustafa, Alexander, and Sianna. I want you to let them know what is going on. There is a file on my phone that I want you to share with them. It has information on the Rabsarosis virus that I feel they are going to need very soon.” He said and pulled up one of his riffles. “Hold the wheel.” He told her and she obediently leaned over taking the wheel as he shot those who were coming at them.
When the way was clear, he grabbed the wheel and motioned for her to get stared with the tasked he’d given. His mind was racing on what they should do. Yea they needed to get away from here, but it wouldn’t be so easy. Despite the situation, they all still had their implants and those alone would keep them from going anywhere. If the predators didn’t kill them, the exposure to the virus would and it they tried to leave, their implants would make sure they never took another step.
They had to hunker down in the compound. Tala had told him about the bunker Rutherford had and how it was an underground facility with plenty of supplies they needed. They just had to get there in one piece, though they would need to get Rutherford corpse for that. With a plan set in his mind, Emmanuel began to move more confidently. He’d explain it to Mikhaila so that she wasn’t kept in the dark.
~*~
In all the chaos those who were tasked with defending the property seemed to be more concerned about the creatures that could rip them to shreds rather than the humans who didn’t pose as big of a threat. So they used that distraction to sneak to part of the fence and cut there way through. Getting there hadn’t been easy seeing as how they were also being hunted. There was a total of 5 humans who were able to scramble their way to freedom.
Once free they would spare weary glances at one another before tossing away their lab coats and hauling ass away from the disaster that was SOBEA. Unbeknownst to them they had already been infected and were simply going to spread it to their families and friends who would also spread to those they encountered, so on and so forth as the cycle goes. The virus was fast acting in humans, allowing them 48 hours before they met their reapers. Whereas the “Others” had a full week, maybe longer if they could withstand the initial infection, thanks in part to their natural fast healing.
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