NationStates Jolt Archive

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Gabriel Graves - Tess Becken - Gerald Harper - Augustinus Raiden - Jaden Gates

Links

OOC Thread (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=6895749#post6895749)

The Original, Award-Winning Realm of the Risen (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=297885)

"Mr. Cubeta..."

Footsteps echoed through the halls of the grand hotel. The man, gravely frightened, quickly scurried across the floor. Behind him, a ghost stalked his path, cold and silent in its pursuit.

"Mr. Cubeta we both know why I'm here..." the ghost called once more, recieving no response from the man he followed.

Peter Cubeta was the vice president of Keccer Incorporated, a defense corporation that had fallen out of favor with the government over the past few years, replaced by the much more able and powerful Bivens Inc. For what the battles of the civil war did to help Keccer Inc., the conclusion of the war all but killed the company. Dave Bivens, President and CEO of Bivens Inc. was now the young Emperor of the New Orion Empire, and although he was a great young man in every sense of the world, he was a business man first and foremost.

"Get the hell away from me, Michael!" Peter yelled back as he ran, his voice exausted and his breaths loud. "Leave me alone!"

Michael Xavier, known to most as Gabriel Graves, was as special as agents come. Born into a noble family, one heavily involved in the diamond industry, Michael had instead fallen into the military path after his parents were brutally murdered and his family disgraced by corruption. Now redeemed, they were the only ones who still called him by his birth name, aside from the Emperor, the man who Gabriel now worked for.

In fact his true identity was somewhat of a secret. Had it been made public, he would have been named the default owner of Xavier Diamonds. Gabriel's family hardly wanted him dead, although they sure didn't want "Michael Xavier" to be alive. They wanted the vast fortune, and as far as Gabriel was concerned, they could keep it.

Now, as Peter called him by his true name, Gabriel was sure the man knew too much. Not that he needed the assurance, he was to and would follow Bivens' orders either way, but now the job was personal. A detriment to some, Gabriel enjoyed the emotional edge, thriving off it...

The footsteps stopped as Agent Graves entered the final door, calmly walking towards the man who had nowhere left to run. Peter Cubeta clutched a tool from the fireplace in his hands, giving out the usual commands of "stay back" and the like. Always predictable to Gabriel, the hunted always acted the same, especially those who were wealthy. Soon, Graves thought to himself, the vice president would start making offers, trying to buy his freedom, his life. Still, Gabriel chuckled, if he had wanted money he would be playing with diamonds, not guns.

"Please..." Peter began, just as Gabriel had predicted. "I'll give you anything...anything beyond your wildest dreams..."

"Of all people," Gabriel replied, referencing to the fact that Peter knew his true identity. "You should know you couldn't give me anything that I couldn't already have if I so desired."

"I..." Peter paniced, his knuckles turning white from gripping the tool so hard. "I can keep a secret. I-I won't tell anyone!"

"This isn't a personal vendetta, Mr. Cubeta," Agent Graves responded. "That aspect's just a bonus to me now."

"What?" Peter stammered, backing up until he touched the wall. "W-what did I do?"

"You stole secrets and money from Bivens Inc.," Gabriel explained, going above and beyond the call of duty. He wasn't required to say anything to his target. His mission was simply to finish the job. "Normally that'd be a punishable crime, but now, your crimes are treason."

"Bullshit!" Peter exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he followed Agent Graves' train of thought. "That...that was years ago! It was still a..."

"Well now it's much more than that," Gabriel continued, his pistol still focused on the face he talked to. "You stole company secrets, meaning that you stole Imperial secrets. You stole company money, meaning that you stole money from the Empire. You betrayed the President of Bivens Inc., Mr. Cubeta...that means you betrayed the Emperor."

"Don't I get a lawyer?" Peter asked frantically. "Don't I get a fair trial?"

"No," Graves responded, his expression identical to his last name. "You get a quick death."

"Dra yhkamc crymm pnehk oui du niehc," Peter commanded in the ancient tounge which so few understood anymore, much less spoke.

"Fuck off," Agent Graves replied calmly as his silenced bullet tore through the skull of the vice president as the man's body collapsed on the floor. Quickly Gabriel stripped himself of his black battle outfit, tossing it into the fireplace along with the body. In its place, he put on a suit and casually strolled down to the casino.

The casino, as it was liberally called, was a whore house for the rich, a brothel for the high class, and a good place to lose your money, your clothes, and your virginity at the same time. As AIDS was vanquished, so were the restrictions on sex, and prostitution jumped by leaps and bounds. A legal business, the taxes were still outrageously high enough to keep all but the best from performing in any way. Those girls, as the sex industry in the empire was made up almost entirely of females, mostly gathered here.

The orgasmic moans were barely covered by the thin sheets that gave the "gamblers" privacy in their brakes from the games. Still, anything short of sex was still allowed on the game floor, and any business-concious prostitute rubbed or sucked whatever was put in front of her, be it dice or dicks.

Gabriel, a returning client from previous business similar to what he just had accomplished, was greeted by three beautiful women who instantly fawned all over him, bringing both drinks and sex appeal. Respectable or not, the casino treated its patrons well, and Gabriel wasn't above recieving gifts from others...even those he killed.

Wasting time on the card tables, Agent Graves was an avid poker player and he always seemed to play better with other people's money. Bivens had given him an allowance to spend as if needed, and like normal he had got the job done with minimal effort needed and had much left over. Perhaps he was more careless with other people things, money...women...lives...

The girls clapped and laughed each time he won, and Gabriel took a few seconds here and there to try and see if they were honestly exciting or simply playing the part. Each one was a professional, and he was given the very best. He wondered if they grew tired of being whores, objects, but he shook the thought off. Either they wanted to be here, or they needed the money. There was nothing keeping them here other than the paycheck, and for some, the easy sex.

Gabriel was never one to have to pay for sex, but he figured that as it was there in front of him, and on someone else's tab, it was near pointless to refuse. The girls stripped in front of him as he pulled the sheet across the edge of the bed in the nook in the wall. Their hands traced over the curves of his etched body, stroking his tight muscles as they worked their way downwards.

He grabbed one, their passionate kisses evolving towards other things as he thrusted himself into her. She squeeled with delight as Gabriel continued, the other two pleasing themselves on the other end of the bed. Gabriel moaned as the bells and whistles rang on the other side of the sheet, signaling that someone had won the jackpot and struck it rich. Slowly the other two girls made their way to Agent Graves as the first remained on her back, estatic and exausted from the ordeal she had been given.

Checking his watch, Gabriel realized that he was short of time, his stamina getting the better of his watch, and quickly dressed. Kissing the girls goodbye and promising them that he'd pay full price even though he left early, he exited the casino just as six or seven armed security guards ran past him. Vice President Peter Cubeta was missing, and although Gabriel knew quite well that he would never be found, he was not about to stand in the way of the investigation.

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

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Peter Cubeta, Jr.
VP of Keccer Inc.

The stench was the first thing that she noticed as she entered the enormous barracks. The music, if you could call it that, seemingly inspired countless numbers of marines and infantry men to forget bathing after their training in favor of sweating even more on the makeshift dance floor. The perspiration rained down on her as she made her way to the man who's picture she held in her hand.

"Major Harper," she addressed the man, finding him hardly alone in the dance orgy they all were surrounded by. Not only did the major not reply, he didn't quite seem to hear her, or even notice that she was there. "MAJOR HARPER!" she screamed to no avail. Growing tired of the major's ineptitude, she whipped out her pistol and fired the weapon mere inches above the major's head, this time catching his attention.

Instantly she was seized by countless numbers of soldiers as the music abruptly stopped. Arms and legs bonded together, she was taken to a back room as the party was quickly brought to an end, the unhappy soldiers forced back to their watch.

Tess Becken was a biologist who specialized in genetics, much like her famed father before her. Skilled with small arms, she was chosen by the government to be the field biologist for a top secret mission to the allied nation of Tappee. Why an insertion team would need a biologist was beyond her, and she had little time to speculate. She was to meet up with Major Gerald Harper at the military barracks on Steel Isle, but no one ever told her that she would be taken hostage. Obviously the Major had held a celebration for his departure, and obviously weapons weren't allowed...along with outsiders.

She looked quite good all tied up in her leather jumpsuit, Major Harper thought to himself. "Cate never looked that good," he said, making reference to his wife of 26 years. They had married when he was 20, so for six years now he had lived longer with her than by himself. "Not even when she was that age."

Struggling with the bonds, Tess eventually forced herself out of her chain and onto the floor. Seconds after she hit, two men grabbed her and latched her back onto the chair.

"Fiesty," Harper laughed. "Aren't we?"

"Fuck you," Tess mumbled through the hole she had bitten in the tape that covered her mouth. As the Major frowned and leaned closer, she spit on his face. "Untie me!"

"Uh uh uh," Harper replied, shaking his finger while rubbing his head with his other hand. The bullet had grazed the top of his hair. "You tried to kill me. Why?"

"Anyone with intelligence would have known that the goal wasn't to mess up your hair but to miss the rest of you," Tess spat back. "Besides," she told him. "You should know exactly who I am, Major."

"Yes, Miss Becken I do kn..."

"That's Doctor Becken," Tess interrupted, earning her a harsh glare from the major. Even tied down she was still in control. The major was right. She was fiesty.

"How can I have someone on my team whom I can't trust?" Major Harper asked, wiping both his eyes with both his hands.

"You're drunk," Tess replied, calmer now but still as serious. "...and you were supposed to report to Bivens two days ago. I said I'd pick you up on my way there. Now are you coming or not? The Emperor is already having doubts about choosing you since you can't even show up on time for the biggest assignment of your..."

"DON'T YOU RAISE YOUR VOICE AT ME!" The major screamed as he backhanded his prisoner across the face. Tess kept her face turned after the blow, fighting back the tears. She had to stay in control. She had to stay strong.

"Are you coming or not?" Tess wimpered, trying but failing to keep her voice as powerful as it originally was.

"You sure you don't want to go tomorrow morning?" Major Harper said as he stumbled away from her, winking horribly with a stupid grin on his face.

"N-no," Tess stammered. Her wish was granted, and she was untied. "I have a transport waiting."

"We'll take my military transport," the major ordered instead.

"But it's waiting..."

"We'll take my military transport!" the major insisted, raising his voice once more. Tess backed down as he did, stepping away from the angry drunk man and causing him to laugh.

As she boarded the military transport, along with the pilot of her transport who had probably been seized as well, she desperately wanted to rub her cheek. The blow had hurt quite badly, and would undoubtedly leave a bruise. "The bastard should be jailed," she thought to herself. "Drunk or not, that's no excuse." However, this man was a decorated warrior, and Tess knew the dangers of accusing an officer of wrongdoing.

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Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Major Gerald Harper

"Commander Graves," Emperor Dave Bivens said, addressing the man who had entered his office.

"You called?" Gabriel replied, grinning as he sat down on the other side of the emperor's desk.

"Cute," Bivens muttered, pouring them both drinks.

"Aren't I?" Agent Graves continued. Bivens rolled his eyes, setting Gabriel's glass down on the desk, purposefully right out of his reach. As he reached for it, Bivens pushed it farther away.

"What do you know about Jaden Gates?" Bivens asked.

"I'm betting he's thirsty," Gabriel, always the smartass, replied. He snatched his drink off the desk and sipped at it slowly. The alcohol was quite strong and it tasted expensive. Then again, Bivens was the emperor.

"I wouldn't know," Bivens responded. "He disappeared in Tappee two weeks ago. A town by the name of Procul." Now used to the taste and the intensity, Agent Graves took a long drink before looking up at the emperor, now serious.

"Agents in the land of our allies?" Graves asked.

"Who said he was an agent?" Bivens questioned. Gabriel was quite right in his assumption.

"I wouldn't be here otherwise," Gabriel replied. He was correct, once again.

"They asked me to send him," Bivens explained. "Seems they found something that needed taken care of...something a citizen of this empire left behind. The mission was of the highest importance and security." Emperor Bivens paused, slyly smiling at Agent Graves. "Naturally I sent the best."

"So when the best fails, you send me in?" Gabriel grinned, still one step ahead of the emperor in witty phrases. The emperor frowned.

"We're not quite sure if he failed yet," Bivens added. "Your mission, Agent Graves, is to investigate his disappearance and discover if he is still alive and where he is located if in fact he is still living."

"I assume you have my fighter," Gabriel said, setting his drink down and walking towards the door.

"Oh you're not going along," Bivens replied, causing Gabriel's eyelids to drop in disappointment and disbelief. "I'm not going to lose another agent."

"I thought he wasn't lost?" Graves commented as the door behind him opened and a man and a woman walked in. The man, in his upper forties it seemed but still in excellent shape, quickly brushed past Gabriel en route to the emperor's desk however the woman, much younger, attractive, and in a tight leather jumpsuit, tripped over something on the floor. Acting fast, Gabriel reached out and caught her in his arms.

"Watch yourself, Commander," Tess said as she stood up, removing his hands and brushing herself off. Gabriel looked up at the beauty who had been in his arms and smiled.

"Too busy watching something else," he smirked, raising an eyebrow. She rolled her eyes in reply. "What...no thank you?"

"Not yet," she grinned. Gabriel's eyes followed her to her seat in front of the desk.

"I want you to meet Major Gerald Harper and Dr. Tess Becken," Emperor Dave Bivens said, raising his arms in each person's direction. "Major Harper will be leading a multi-international task force made up of commandos and scientists alike. Dr. Becken, a genetic biologist will be part of this team. They will be your support staff, lending assistance whenever possible."

"Pleased you meet you," Gabriel replied to the unhappy Major and the seductive doctor.

"The feeling's mutual," Tess commented, smiling in her seat.

"Yeah," the major responded.

"What is the reason for a genetic biologist in this sort of investigation, sir?" Gabriel asked. Wasn't he just supposed to find out with happened to Agent Gates?

"If at any time you find evidence that Agent Gates has become...incapable of completing his mission, you will be informed of that mission at that time and that time only, and required to carry it out," Bivens replied. "Now...a transport is waiting. You're to meet with the others at a Tappee spaceport. From there you will be flown to Procul." The three of them saluted their emperor and exited the room.

"Listen," Gabriel said to the Major, who was obviously suffering from a hangover. "You're my support staff...meaning you stay in the background. Got it?"

"I could give a damn what you do, pretty boy," the major replied. "I'm going to do my job. Don't let your ego get in the way."

"Leave your testosterone out of this," Tess snapped. "Both of you."

"Yes ma'am," Gabriel smirked as he climbed into the transport. Within seconds they were on their way towards Tappee.

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

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Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Major Gerald Harper

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Emperor Dave Bivens
President of Bivens Inc.
Emperor of the new
Orion Star Empire

[OOC: Alright people. Those who "registered" in the OOC thread are now free to post their arrival at the Tappee spaceport if they are a militant, a doctor, a scientist, etc. who's part of the multinational team sent in. The few characters who aren't part of the team can get to Tappee their own way, but don't arrive at Procul before the team does. Good luck and God's speed.]

The following nations have posted bio's

Steel Butterfly
Tappee
Mercenary Soldiers
A Few Rich People
Skepticism
Sigma Octavus

Angela looked around the spaceport. She still wasn't too accustomed to being this far away from home. She felt a hand on her shoulder as her guardian angel walked up next to her. "It's okay kiddo. If you feel threatened or scared, just remember that I'm here."

Angela shrugged away from Paul. She held her bag tightly in her hands, fully aware that Paul would die to protect her. She felt guilty about it, ever since the car accident. Paul still had the limp after four years.

They were quite the interesting pair, Angela, a nervous beautiful blonde and Paul, a scarred and heavily muscled soldier.

"I say it's about time that we find the rest of the expedition. I've never liked spaceports." Paul picked up his luggage and Angela's luggage. Angela still clutched the bag that held her plant.

"Why do you carry that plant everywhere you go?" Paul knew the answer, but asked anyways, trying to get her to realize that it was a little childish. Angela wrapped her arms around the bag gently. "You know that Mason gave this to me before he moved. It reminds me of him."

"Whatever Angie. Bring the plant if you like."

Footsteps echoed through the hallway as the men made their way. All along the way artificial light gave the illusion that the walkway was actually much larger then it was. Most would have felt a bit uncomfortable in this old style bunker, but not Augustine, in some twisted way in felt rather at home in places this.

In his early forties Commander Augustine Relfson was one of Tappee’s most accomplished field agent. He had seen combat in every imaginable theater of war, coupled with his degree in genetic he was the ideal candidate to command a Sentinel Program team. During the Orion war he had part taken in a number of Covert Ops. It was for this reason the Augustine found himself here today.

Walking beside Augustine was Isaac Thatcher, a relative unknown in the grand scheme things in Tappee. He had started his career with Tappee’s research commissions, working on classified weapon development. Thatch soon set himself apart as being both brilliant and ambitious. With the creation of the Sentinel program he fought for and got the position of deputy director, and had spent the last two years trying to prove himself in the eyes of the Tribunal.

The two men paused for an eye scan as they entered a more restricted area of the compound. As they passed through the checkpoint Thatcher handed Augustine a data pad. “We are going to need to you to head a team heading to Procul.”

“Procul?” asked Augustine inquisitively “I thought that an Agent from S.B was already on scene, guess that what happens when you send someone else to do our job.”

Augustine’s sarcasm was not lost on Thatcher, would was never one tolerate such action, especially by one who he saw as a subordinate “Watch your tongue Agent Relfson” shot Thatcher “If you haven’t noticed we are not in an overly comfortable position at the moment. We are just barely prepared to fight the Orion war, little alone deal with the terrorist situation, and not to mention the 4th Imperium. This organization has been entrusted with cleaning the mess that was left behind in wake of the war, no easy task. Our manpower and resources and manpower have been stretched far beyond the limit from which it was designed.” Thatcher paused to catch his breath, even he knew at time he could become overly emotional “Besides given the entire situation we though it best to bring in come kind of help.”

Knowing that he had pushed Thatcher a bit to much Augustine tried to change the subject. “Ok what, happened why do we need to send in another team?”

“Details are on the Data pad” shot Thatcher again, the anger could still be heard in his voice. “Basically we’ve lost all contact with the agent sent their, and now the colony, and we a know what the could possible mean. However, we have more questions then answer, answers to which both government want. So this time we are sending in another team, specialized in a number of fields, with team members contributed for a number of nations. We will be sending a S.A.R.T.”

Taking a moment Augustine looked through data pad for a moment “I don’t see the mission profile here Isaac?”

Suddenly Thatcher stopped dead in the hallway, and turned to face Augustine. “Well that’s where things get a bit complicated.” Even his tone had changed. His tone had went from anger to nervous in a single breath. “We are holding true to the original mission profile, and as much as you may want to hear it, for the time being it is not for you to know.” Augustine went to object but Thatcher cut him off. “On this the S.B agent, Gabriel Graves is going to the acting commander on this. You are to follow his lead on this, we are acting as backup.”

Now it was Augustine’s turn to get angry “There is no way that I spent the last two years fighting just to have one X imperials come into my backyard and run the show. There is..”

Quickly Thatcher cut him off before he could continue. “I’ve had enough this agent. Might I point out that we have now idea which side this agent Graves was on during war. It not like the government of Steel Butterfly just handed over their intelligence file over to us. What they did do was offer cooperation, and we are going to work with them this. Now I think that it time that we talk about your team members.”

Earlier it was Augustine that was pushing the boundaries Thatcher’s patience; now that role had quickly reversed. Not wanting to be court-martialed he held back what he truly wanted to say. “How big is the team going to be.”

Finally Thatcher turned and began walking again “Following protocol, it will be three people. However, the role will deviate from protocol. You would have a mission specialist, since you don’t need one. Emily has hand picked each member of the team personally, their bios are on the data pad.” Stopping in front of a giant metal Thatcher waited for Augustine to catch on the reading and for the door to open. As it opened to revel the shuttle bay he continued, “First there is Agent Jocelyn, who as you can see from her file specializes in counter insurgency. Training in counter terrorism tactic, hand to hand combat, advanced forward reconnaissance, you the usual.”

“So she’s an assassin?” casually remarked Augustine as he continued to read through the file.

“Yes, that would be an easier way of putting it” a bit of smile came across “Since this is the day for surprises Agent Relfson I’m sure that you are really going to like who the third member of team is.”

Without a moments hesitation eyes grew narrow, and he felt out of breath as he looked up to face Thatcher “No, there in no, no way that I’m doing this. No, no, no, I’m not going to play babysitter..”

“Play babysitter to whom?” said a voice from somewhere in the shuttle bay.
Spinning on his heel Augustine turned to find himself face to face with Emily Williams, Director of the Sentinel Program, and for all intensive purposes both men’s boss. He was surprised by her appearance; she was wearing a level 9 bio combat suit with full gear, a harsh contrast to what he was accustomed to seeing her in. “Uhmm” she stuttered with his words for a moment.

“I hope that you were not taking about me?” she remarked as she to took a step closer.

Collecting his thoughts Augustine attempt to answer the woman’s question “I meant no disrespect, it just that Emily its that..”

“It MRS Williams to you” barked Emily causing Augustine to jump to attention. “And I can assure you that I am more the capable of handling myself in this type of situation.” She glanced over at Thatcher, then back at Augustine “Well AGENT Relfson were are behind schedule, I a continue your briefing in the air, we are due to meet up with the rest team at the space port. Your gear is already on board.”

As Emily and Augustine made their way to the shuttle, Thatcher caught Augustine give him a bit of a glare over his shoulder. Long ago he had learnt the hard not to make Emily made, and he could help but let out a bit of chuckle. If anyone was anyone was babysitting on this mission it was Emily.

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Augustine Relfson

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Agent Jocelyn

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Emily Williams
Director of the Sentinel Program

The scarred & scowling visage of Atticus Blackwell frowned his perpetual frown at pretty much everything in the spaceport. The numerous plastic surgeries (sp?) had done little to correct the damage left by an under-powered 7.62mm fired from an Iraqi AK-47 that had penetrated his helmet & struck him just above his buzz-cut hairline. The medics had said it was a miracle that he'd survived, but that was their perception. His squad, people he'd known since before the service, where dead, killed as he lay struggling to keep grey matter from leaking from a nickel-sized hole in his skull. He'd started to drink to cope with his grief, most of the time a bottle of whiskey put him in a drunken stupor long enough for him to grab a few fitful hours of sleep, free of the bloodied faces of his dead squadmates.

The olive drab fatigues he wore betrayed his occupation. He was a mercenary, a half-way decent one. He was no Dekker Bray or Lewis Underwood, but he wasn't a pushover either. A battered-looking 92FS sat in a tactical hip-holster on his left hip, above which where several magazines. The rifle slung across his back was something new, an M4A1 carbine. It wasn't the M16A2 he'd carried in the Gulf. Like the M16, it fired the 5.56mm he was used to, but with a bit more recoil due to the lighter weight of the new weapon. The level II kevlar body armor on his chest supported the magazines for his primary weapon. His loadout was pretty standard, jacketed hollow-points for the M4, while the 92FS was loaded with 9mm dum-dum explosive tumblers. They where less accurate, but packed a much greater punch.

Atticus had no idea where he was supposed to meet his new employers, the RDPMC wasn't well-known for its detailed information...

Across the lobby, another interesting figure was unloading his luggage...

Charles Thomas Turner, or 'CT' to anyone other than his foster parents, hefted the black duffel up on his right shoulder, a little more comfortable than trying to look macho & carrying it like a barbell. The duffel contained the tools of his unsavory trade, which he'd rather he kept secret from the other members of the mission he'd gotten himself assigned to. A Colt M1911A1 hung on his right hip, an odd choice for someone who was used to shooting a 9mm. He saw it as part of his cover story: Egghead tech-wizard. His looks didn't really seem to fit the part, however. CT was around 6'0", weighing a toned 190 lbs, give or take. He had the look & charm of an 80's action-movie hero, not the introverted demenor of your typical techno-geek. The tight-fitting collared polo shirt he wore was tucked firmly into his Levis Wranglers, which didn't quite match the Bates Uniform Footwear combat boots he wore, complete with steel toes.

He was as lost as Atticus, his target, was. Being a bit more social than Blackwell, CT sauntered over to the help desk, asking where the shuttle for Steel Butterfly was departing from...

Atticus apparently had had the same idea, but caught the answer from CT's question without having to ask himself. The less he had to deal with people, the better...

He was there. That's all he knew. But where am I? Paul Christianson thought. Or even - who am I? What happened? He did not know. A memory inhibitor was in him, but he did not know that. He did not know consciously remember anything. It hurt to remember when he did remember. Something about people who were dead but not really dead. When he tried to think any further about his past, pain came in. Sharp pain.

I have to think of the present then, he reasoned. I am in a city - a strange city. I'm dressed in a suit and carring a briefcase. Am I a businessman? He thought harder. No. That doesn't seem right. He kept walking. I must see what is in this briefcase. He walked further and further. He was in some kind of building - an airport or spaceport maybe. He had no clue. All he knew is that he was in a building of somesort. And in buildings there are bathrooms.

Paul walked on until he found one. Dispite the inhibitor, he knew some things. He thought, Maybe this is the bathroom. He opened the door. It was a janitorial closet - unlocked. No, but this will do. He went in there and opened the briefcase. Inside was a Japanese-style sword, a rifle, two handguns. There was a pannel. Underneath was five grenades, two smoke grenades, and ten throwing daggers.

Weapons, he thought. Paul looked around. No one saw him, so he slammed the briefcase shut and ran out of the room. How could I have gotten here with such a briefcase? he asked himself. He did not know the answer. He did not remember anything. He walked on...

Agent Graves sat alone as the others conversed with Major Harper in the meeting room. It wasn't that he was not allowed in, he simply saw no point in it. Gabriel worked alone, and the addition of those who he saw as his backup crew was insulting at best. Their planning was unnecessary, he told himself. He began to think of different assignments he had been given over the years that didn't go exactly as planned. After some time, he gave up, instead trying to think of those that did. None came to mind. Situations like this weren't bested by good planning, Gabriel mused. No...they were overcome by creativity coupled with a sharp mind. The ability to create oppertunity on the run was the most valuable ability of all, and Gabriel wouldn't trade it for the world.

Bored, as field agents usually were during paper work, Gabriel filled out the forms as quickly as he could. The government of Tappee even asked for some personal information, no doubt a result of Jaden's disappearance. Gabriel laughed looking at the questions, wondering which alias to use. He had hundreds. As he looked up through the glass walls into the meeting room, it seemed as if the others were filling out the forms as well.

The people in the room were obviously seperated, and Gabriel believed it to be by choice more than by designation. The military grunts, roughnecks as he called them, were on one side while the doctors, scientists, and other professionals remained on the other. The only two instances of mixing between the groups were Major Gerald Harper and Director Emily Williams shaking hands, as well as Tess fighting off the boyish advances of a couple marines. Gabriel laughed to himself. It was her fault for wearing that damned leather catsuit. This wasn't an action movie. His chuckle ended when he noticed that he too was wearing leather. Still, he thought, his jacket was for warmth. Gabriel doubted that Tess's skin-tight suit was as well.

After a while, and undoubtedly because of those few marines, Tess put on a white lab jacket and from its pocket removed a pair of glasses. The new scientific look was a stark contrast to what Gabriel now referred to as her "action-whore" attire. Still, the leather showed through down the middle of the coat, her hair was still far too done up for the occasion, and her faced still glowed in spite of the glasses.

Catching himself staring before she did, Gabriel quickly looked back down to his papers, which he had completed some time ago. Standing and pulling out his twin pistols, Gabriel practiced his motions with perfect flow between the moves, firing off the empty clip at every turn. Returning one to its holster and retrieving a knife, Gabriel began a new fighting style, one for a much closer range. For the next twenty minutes he continued his routine, sometimes changing weapons between styles and sometimes not. It was at this time that he realized he had an audience.

"You really think that's needed?" Tess asked, with a hint of amazement in her tone. Gabriel smiled at the hint, but quickly turned serious once more before he answered.

"Plenty of people don't buy flood insurance anymore," Gabriel replied. "Buildings are made so well these days, airtight and everything...then the rains come...and someone always gets flooded out...I'm not about to be that person."

"It rains a lot where you come from...doesn't it?" she asked, seemingly worried, but most definately wondering who exactly Gabriel was.

"Yeah," Gabriel replied, trying to avoid an expedition into his past. It was far from the most uplifting topic of discussion, and even if it had been, it was personal, something Gabriel hardly took lightly. Catching the dropped tone of his voice, Tess was silent for a while before extending her hand towards her new partner.

"I don't think we've really met before," Tess said, breaking the silence. Funny, Gabriel thought. He definately remembered her. "I'm Dr. Tess Becken, a Genetic Biologist. I mostly do field work."

"So Emperor Bivens wasn't lying," Gabriel joked. Tess frowned.

"I know he introduced us," Tess said. "But it was so impersonal..."

"These things normally are," Gabriel replied. In return, Tess seemed to pout. But whatever it was, be it her reaction or her stunning good looks, made Gabriel give in and reply. "I'm Commander Gabriel Graves," he said, using his military title instead of his job title of Special Agent to distance himself from her, a scientist, even more. Bad things happen when you become attached to a person in times like these. Right now she was just a pretty face, and Gabriel, content with that mindset, intended to keep her that way. "I'm a specialist in counter-insurgency and black ops. I...normally work alone."

"Major Harper came up on a plan which we all agreed to," Tess said, almost as if she was disappointed already. Perhaps it was something he said. Maybe the alone comment. "He decided that to keep anyone from being lost or left somewhere, each person would be issued a partner to stick with and check up on."

"Just my luck," Gabriel muttered sarcastically.

"You do seem to be the lucky one," Tess said, smiling. Gabriel hardly considered himself lucky. This was just yet another thing that attached him to the others in the group, possibly even a ploy by Major Harper to keep him grounded.

"And why's that?" Gabriel asked, returning the smile out of politeness.

"I'm your partner," Tess replied as Gabriel's smile turned from forced to full-blown. Perhaps he was lucky afterall.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

[OOC: Ok then, as noted everyone has to partner up. You may wish to partner your characters together or ask someone else to partner with their's. You can probably do this OOCly over telegrams or through the OOC thread. Either way, I need an OOC list in the OOC within the next few days.]

What the fuck is this whole ordeal about anyway? Sergeant Caesar pondered to himself. He fidgeted restlessly in his seat, drowning out the monotonous speech in the background. He hadn’t had a smoke in nearly eleven hours, he thought to himself. And he had been retired for merely eleven months and already he had been called back into service, paired up with some brash rookie with an ego the size of a bowling ball.

Non-interventionist foreign policy, my ass. Why the hell do the feds give a shit about this piss-ant country anyway? Shit, I don’t know any New Genoans who could truthfully say that they care what goes in the affairs of this nation. But here I am, Mr. Jackson, doing your bidding. Kurt, that was his first name, had never liked the Carter administration and he’d be damned if he liked his crony and successor, Derek Jackson. Carter had been a progressive president, yet he had sent New Genoese soldiers overseas countless times. Derek Jackson had been a staunch tree-hugger ever since his days as vice president and now all of a sudden his policies were shifting towards a Libertarian-Capitalist society. From socialist to capitalist. Where’s your next move? Libertarian to fascist? Then fascist back to socialist? Fuckin’ flip-flopper. he continued to think before his train of thought was interrupted.

“Come on. We’ve been paired together, as requested by the government,” said a young man with sandy hair and dark tinted sunglasses standing in front of Kurt.

They were inside, why the hell would you need sunglasses! There was no need for them, yet here was this jack-ass, Mr. Slick, wearing those smooth sunglasses. Yeah, you’re real smooth, bud.

“Yeah, sounds great, Chad. I’m thrilled. Let’s get this shit over with so I can get back home. I had ten fuckin’ years to deal with this crap,” Kurt muttered unenthusiastically.

“Hey, don’t bitch to me ‘cause you’re on your period, old man,” Chad Flark, as was his full name, replied, giving his ‘comrade’ a pat on the back before joining the rest of the group. They’d be paired together in no time, so it’d be best to get acquainted with the others before they were assigned to their appropriate duties. And an excellent chance to get me some ass. was the lewd mindset of the brash soldier from downtown Blue City.

Both he and Kurt had grown up in that part of town, also nicknamed the “Shit-Hole” of New Genoa, most likely due to its widespread poverty, polluted skies, littered streets, and rampant crime. Yet, these two had nothing in common, and the fact that the only time Kurt spoke to Chad was in a venomous tone didn’t help much either. If they were to be paired together, not much was going to get done. “But fuck that bitter bastard,” Chad had said to himself on the ride to Procul. “Fuck him right to hell. He can go wallow in his own self-pity and anguish; I don’t give a flying fuck. We’ve got a job to do, and that’s what I intend on doing. You may hate me, but it’s our duty and you gotta deal with it.” He wanted to say that right to Kurt’s face, but knowing what the volatile response would be, he kept his thoughts to himself.

“C’mon man. Let’s just get the job done, so we can get back home.”

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

He walked on. It was a crowded spaceport - if that was what it was. He didn't know. He assumed it was a spaceport because he saw a spaceship. But was it a spaceship? Paul thought. How would I know if I didn't remember anything? He tried to think deeper. Tatania. He thought even deeper. NiMBUS. A sharp pain hit his head. A sharp piercing pain. Worse than the worst migrane. He stopped trying to dig his memory. It obviously wasn't working...

What is Tatania? he thought. What's a NiMBUS? He didn't know. To try to find out would mean to dig his memory. He couldn't dig his memory any deeper. He put down his metalic briefcase and thought, Oh great. Just my luck. There's a checkpoint by this exit. How the hell am I going to get out of this one? However, when he looked down at the briefcase he was carrying, he noticed something engraved on the handle. NiMBUS. A shiver went up his spine. He didn't know a thing about NiMBUS, yet he knew to be afraid.

Perhaps this is a setup, he reasoned to himself. NiMBUS puts me here with a briefcase full of weapons and knows I'm bound to be caught. I wish I knew more. So he walked straight up to the checkpoint. It can't get any worse than being arrested. There he was wrong.

An image flashed into his head. He was in some strange city. There were people there. Hordes walking towards him. Zombies. After he thought that, a sharp pain hit him and he returned back to the present. Something must have happened to me.

Paul walked on past the exit. There's another way out of here. I'll find it. He kept walking. Walking what seemed like forever. He knew that there was something about him, but he didn't know what. Something must have happened to me. He kept repeating that in his head, hoping that somehow thinking that would bring back all of his memories. He kept walking forward. He did not see the EMPLOYEES ONLY sign when he walked into the room at the end of the hall. He opened the door without thinking.

He walked into an empty room. There was a door to his right but he did not take it. Instead, he closed the door behind him, hoping no one would notice that he went into a forbiddon room. He opened the briefcase again. The weapons were still in there. It was almost as if he wished the weapons would go away and all of his problems with them.

Maybe this briefcase will give me more answers, he thought. Perhaps this will explain NiMBUS. There was a sharp pain in his head. Just then, something clicked. It hurts whenever I think key words like NiMBUS. More pain came. So if I want to keep thinking about them, I must come up with a replacement word. SUBMiN is NiMBUS - pain came again - backwards. I'll think of them as SUBMiN until I figure out what's causing the pain. Then, he took it one step further. Perhaps NiMBUS - the pain swelled - I mean SUBMiN - would also have the same thing on my name. If I go through names in my head, then perhaps I will be able to figure out my name.

So then, he started with common names and nicknames. Bob. No pain. Bill. No pain. Richard. Robert. Will. William. Rob. Rich. No pain for any of those. He then came up with a way of thinking it. First, he'd say a common name and then the common nickname for it. Michael. Mike. Thomas. Tom. Daniel. Dan. Alexander. Alex. David. Dave. Peter. Pete. That wasn't working. Luke. Simon. John. Eric. Again, none. He didn't know where all of the names were coming from - probably his subconsious. Steven. Steve. Andrew. George. Gregory. Charles. It still wasn't working. None of those names brought pain. Edward. Ed. Ivan. No pain came from any of those names. He went on and on.


Perhaps I should stop, he thought. I'm getting nowhere. Just then, he heard a sound. Someone was walking toward the door. Paul slammed his briefcase. The person was getting closer. Paul looked around. He needed a place to hide, but there wasn't. It was then that he realized that there was another door. He quickly opened that door and ran down the steps. He was still thinking of names. Fredrick? Fred? Timothy? Tim? Richard? John? He stopped listing names. I'm starting to repeat. What common name am I leaving out? He thought harder. Paul. A sharp pain hit him. Yep. That's my name and I'll never be able to say it or think it without being hurt. Life sucks.

The person who had entered the EMPLOYEES ONLY area was getting closer, but Paul was still not seen. Paul ran down the stairs and hid behind a pile of boxes. Thankfully, he wasn't seen by the man. The man continued walking and soon it was clear for Paul to walk back up the stairs without being seen.

Paul opened the door at the top of the stairs and was in the empty room again. He opened the other door and exited back to the general area of the spaceport. No one noticed. That is what it always was in busy areas. No one would ever notice anything that doesn't concern them. Paul did not know what he thought from any memory or experience. It was entirely subconsious. Paul simply stepped back into the crowd. No one noticed.


Paul considered buying a ticket for any flight out of the spaceport. He checked his pockets. Oh great. No money. It appears like I'll be stuck in here for a while. I wonder if I can leave this spaceport. Get a job or something. Gather some money. Eventually get out of here. He thought some more. No. That wouldn't work. It'd take to long.

Perhaps I should steal some money, he thought. Get enough money to get a flight out of here. Far away. Paul considered that idea for a moment. No. I could get caught. I don't want to draw the slightest bit of suspicion to be because I'M CARRYING A BRIEFCASE FULL OF WEAPONS! His thoughts got so loud, it was as if he was shouting it. Paul looked around. No one noticed. He only thought it. I better be careful not to accidentally say anything. I just need to blend into the crowd for now. And so, he walked on, hoping that the spaceport would be large enough that he would keep walking on forever. However, he knew that the spaceport had to end eventually. And when I get to the end of the spaceport what am I to do?

Walking alone with only her thoughts Emily walked around the spaceport, the others had taken this as the final chance to get some rest before disembarking for their mission. However, Emily couldn’t get any sleep, in truth she hadn’t got a good nights sleep in many months. Ghosts of her past hunted her still, and there were times when she just wanted to be alone.

Even though it was late, the spaceport was still bustling with activity as everyone was each trying to get to his or her own destination. Emily stood out among the busy crowd, of in her own little world she wondered around in random direction, going wherever the crowd forced her to go. All the she was doing was reflecting of everything that had brought her to this point, the event at Steel Moon where at the forefront of her mind.

Although she had told herself many times that she was not responsible for Henry’s death, somewhere deep down she blamed her self for what had happened. She was constantly plagued by a constant headache, even though doctor could not find anything wrong with. She had seen enough horror in her lifetime to last ten. With the thought of horror her thoughts drifted to her experiences at Tatania. It had been three long years since the others and her had been rescued from that hell, and her memories of what happened there were still as clear as day.

One simply does not forget the things that they saw there, she often wondered what happened there. Suddenly a single person wondering through the crowd stuck out more then the other, for a moment Emily stood there shocked. Looking again the person was gone, shaking her head she though that it was just her mind playing trick on her, after all it had been some time since she got some sleep. But then she got the face again, this time it was a off the reflection of a nearby mirror. Calculation the mans position in the crowd based off the mirror, she desperately began fighting her way through the crowd towards him. Keeping eyesight on him at all time, she eventually came within in shouting distance.

“Paul!” she yelled out over the sound of the crowd “Paul it’s me Emily!” desperately trying to get his attention

http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/02.09/feature/3/amagi.jpg
Emily Williams

Paul was walking down the spaceport when he suddenly heard someone call him. Well, he thought that he was being called. He could know for sure if Paul was his name. It was just that it hurt to think that name that he assumed it was his name. he turned. He wouldn't have known that Emily was calling him if he didn't figure out his name earlier. He thought deeply for a second and then asked her, "Do I know you? You seem familiar somehow..."

It is obvious that she knows me, thought Paul. I somehow feel that I have seen her before, but I don't know when or where. Perhaps she can explain what happened to me and my memory. Then again, she could be the person that did this to me.

No, she couldn't have done this, he thought. She's on my side.

What side? What do I mean by that? he asked himself. Obviously, he didn't know. It was a gut feeling that she was a friend not a foe. I can't go on gut feelings. He tightened his grip on his briefcase. Emily approached him. It won't hurt to ask, though. There he was wrong.

"Do you know what is Tatania? NiMBUS?" As Paul asked this, great agony came upon him. Oh great. It hurts to say these words worse than it hurts to think them... Paul tried to hide the pain, but it became obvious. He only hoped that Emily had some kind of explaination - and some kind of cure.

The voice echoed through the halls of the station as each soul slumbered, dreams breaching the gap between fantasy and reality. Major Harper stumbled through the halls in the darkness, calling out to the others still in their rooms. It was three in the morning, and it was time to go.

Out of instinct Gabriel grabbed his pistol from beneath his pillow the moment he opened his eyes, but calmly Tess put her hand over his and he relaxed, the memories of the previous night quickly returning. Had they gotten any sleep, he pondered staring at the clock. Not much, he mused as he felt Tess's soft hands wrap around his etched chest and hold on tight.

Last night was instinct as well, Gabriel assumed, silently laughing to himself. They had hit it off real well, talking for hours as they both tried to fight off the urges of their loins. Conciously or not, they eventually gave in, making love as if it was the last time they'd get the oppertunity.

Slowly Tess's grip loosened as she stood and walked into the shower, his shower. Gabriel turned over to his back, a smile painting content on his face, and pondered what to do next. It was a bad idea, and he had known it from the beginning, and although it was far from the first time he had broken the rules, rarely did he endanger the mission as much as he did over the past few hours.

As the water shut off, Gabriel rose naked from the sheets and kissed Tess goodbye as they switched places. The water was already hot, the steam breathing new life into his pores as the liquid cleansed his flesh, dragging the sweat of the night towards the drain. Time stood still as the heat consumed him; he shut his eyes with the soap in hand.

Tess was once again in her tight black leather catsuit, or her "fieldwear" as she liked to call it, and was doing her hair as Gabriel walked towards her with a towel around his waist. She saw him coming in the mirror and smiled as he pulled her hair aside and kissed her gently on her neck. The door buzzed, and almost ignoring it, Gabriel commanded it to open.

"Commander have you seen..." Major Harper began, stopping shortly as if he had run headfirst into a wall. "Nevermind..." he mumbled, obviously angry, and stormed away. Irritated and still only in a towel, Gabriel raced after him.

"What is it that you want, Major?" Gabriel asked, louder than normal so that everyone who wanted to could hear the question. This fact, and embarassment, was not lost on the Major.

"The doctor did not answer her room," Major Harper replied quietly but intensly. "I was going to ask if you knew of her whereabouts."

"...and upon recieving your answer you found it necessary to take it upon yourself to be ignorant to a superior officer?" Gabriel replied, loud once more.

"I don't find it necessary to be sleeping with..."

"I don't find it necessary for you to comment on how I spend my down time!" Gabriel shot back, interrupting the major, who's face was growing more red with every word and every face that stopped and stared at the two men in the middle of the hallway.

"Sir, perhaps you normally run things like this," Major Harper snapped. "Placing yourself above others...but I'll be damned if that's how this mission will go. We will work as a team...regardless if you like it or not...and no...I don't give a shit about your ways." Major Harper continued, pointing at the padd in his hand on which a picture of Jates Gates appeared. "Your ways seem not to work."

"You're behind schedule," Gabriel commented, his eyes alive with the fires of rage.

"I'm dressed," Harper shot back, a comment for which he recieved a right hook to the jaw. The blow knocked him back against the wall as he looked up, his hand clutching his face.

"That's how I run things, you piece of shit," Gabriel yelled, one hand on his towel and other ready for a second blow. "...and that'll be the last time you run your pathetic shithole of a mouth or let that whiny excuse for a voice escape your lips. I'll cut your tounge out," Gabriel snarled. "I swear..."

Major Harper's swolen lip quivered in rage as he stood and was forced to salute Commander Graves before retreating to his room to continue to pack. By now a small crowd had gathered at the scene, but Gabriel pushed his way through them, returning to his room.

Tess had just stayed inside. One look at Gabriel told her everything she needed to know.

"Was that really necessary?" she asked, showing a look of concern on her face as she slipped her arms behind Gabriel's neck, drawing him closer for an embrace.

"I'm just tired of the bullshit," Gabriel replied, relaxing in her arms as he slipped his around her waist. "...and the mission hasn't even started yet. I just met the bastard a day ago!"

"You just met me a day ago," Tess replied, drawing her head back to look into his dark eyes. "I hope you're not saying you don't care about me..."

"No," Gabriel responded, not lying in the least. "The thing is that I already feel so strongly about both of you. I know why I feel how I do about you...but the major...I'm not sure..."

"You're tense," Tess told him as if it was the answer to end all questions. She smiled. "Once we get there you'll be wrapped up in the mission. You'll barely have time to think of either of us."

"I'll make time for you," Gabriel replied, fulling realizing what he was saying. Already she was drawing him away from his mission.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662447.png
Major Gerald Harper

Paul’s question took her back for a moment, Emily was unsure how best to answer the mans question. There was no doubt her mind that his was the man she once knew, his question only solidified that fact. However, something was terrible wrong, those that had survived the horror at Tatania had their vary souls scared, a scare that could be seen in their eyes and the way they held themselves. Despite that fact that she knew this was the Paul survived that hellhole, he had no memory of it.

“Tatania” she stuttered trying to best answer his question “Was a city that was destroyed by NiMbus, only handful people of actually survived” She tired to change her tone to be a bit more gentle “I was one of the Survivors, and so were you, don’t you remember?”

http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/02.09/feature/3/amagi.jpg
Emily Williams

Augustine finished putting his Biocombat bodysuit, a bit of a tight fit but it would do the job. It was the latest biowarfare technology, after Tatania it was clear that a different approach was needed; instead being bullet proof they were extremely bite resistance. How far they had come from the old days of biowarfare Augustine, things had evolved so much since his early days.

Sure that he had put his biosuit on properly he continued gear up by putting on this load bearing tactical combat vest, which contained more medical gear then actual weapons.

“Your getting slow in your old age” said a familiar voice in a joking manner.

Looking over his shoulder he saw Jocelyn leaning against the doorway, she had already geared up; she had always been a prudent one. Due the fact that she was the mission combat specialist with the exception of the Biosuit she was carrying a different assortment of gear. No medical equipment, instead various explosives, a standard issue pulse rifle and three pistols, and lastly older style projectile based shot gun for close quarters combat. Much to Augustine’s disappointment all the gear hide Jocelyn more famine features. “One may easily die on a mission, so why should one rush head-on in” Replied Augustine sarcastically to Jocelyn’s earlier remark “Have you seen Emily?”

Shaking her head Jocelyn took a seat across from Augustine “Not yet” There was brief moment of silence as Augustine continued to finish putting on the rest of his gear “Why do you think that she is on this mission” finally asked Jocelyn out boredom “Something doesn’t seem right here”

Pausing mid action Augustine looked up at Jocelyn “Nothing seems right on this mission, here we are in our own backyard on a mission taking order from the Steel agents. This mission had a bad vibe written all over it”

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Augustine Relfson

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Jocelyn

"Survivors?" Paul asked, confused. "What happened? I'm sorry but I just don't quite remember." He looked confused. He was. This past he couldn't quite remember was hard enough on him. Every time he had gotten close, a pain hit him. And now, here he was talking to someone from this past he didn't know. Something hit him, though.

"Do you think it was Them?" There was a slight pause. "Do you think that they did this to me?" he added. "You know, the group you mentioned." He tried to avoid saying NiMBUS. It hurt to say words like that. Literally.

"Come on," Major Harper ordered, placing his hand on Paul's shoulder from behind and looking at Emily with an odd smile. "We're heading out."

Within minutes the transport had left the spaceport, roaring towards the criminal hub known to the Tappee as Procul. At one time, Procul had been a grand mining town, but now there were things far more dangerous than diamonds hidden within the caves.

"We will be arriving at the outskirts of the town," Major Harper told the team over the roar of the engines. The transport they were on was quite old, the reasons for which escaped Gabriel. "It's a small mining community. From there we will begin our investigation, slowly moving into the more populated and urban regions. Any proof of Agent Jaden Gates is to be logged and reported immediately. It is our mission to locate him and discover if he is still capable of remaining on location."

The cabin of the transport shook violently as the team rapidly descended through the atmosphere towards Procul. Around him, other braced themselves, but Gabriel sat still, steadied by an iron will and the experience preceeding this journey. His arsenal was varied - twin berettas that fired solid projectiles, or bullets, coupled with the PHAR (PHased Assault Rifle) strapped to his back, as well as various knives and daggers. Each soldier brought their own weapons, each turned to their specific specialties. The nameless soldiers were silent, even taking their eyes off Tess for once as they prepared themselves for their mission.

Tess was silent as well, as if she sensed the tension in the air, coming to the conclusion that this was far from a normal field mission for her. Previous missions involved comparing foreign species or trying to cure diseases in animals. Commandos had never been needed for that.

"Lets go," Gabriel commanded as the dropship touched down, pulling one pistol out from its holster under his arm and engaging its laser sight. He left the other holstered half way down his thigh as he opened the door and lept to the ground. Quickly, the other members of the team followed suit, with some of the soldiers helping the scientists out of the dropship with arrogant smiles plastered to their worn faces.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p667646.jpg

The outskirts of Procul were littered with broken fences and run down homes, Gabriel noted as he carefully made his way through the barren streets, keeping close to walls and his weapon. This was not his way, he spat, motioning towards those directly behind him. It was his job to be invisible, his goal to be a phantom. Now, with the hordes of people behind him, they were about as stealthy as a freight train.

It was while he was looking at the people that Gabriel noticed an extra person behind them all. Without notice, he took aim and quickly made his way towards the end of the line, much to the confusion of the others. The man seemed not to notice Gabriel approaching, even with the others turning to look and see what he was doing. Agressively, Gabriel grabbed the man by the front of his collar and shined his pistol in the man's face.

"Who the fuck are you?" he screamed, tightening his grip as Major Harper walked over to their location. Gabriel nearly lifted the man up until the Major forcefully knocked Gabriel's arm away, letting the man free. For this, the Major recieved a pistol to the face as well. "Back off!" Gabriel commanded, turning his attention back to the stranger before him.

After all, Paul was not part of the task force. Had he snuck onboard the ship, Gabriel wondered as he looked to the others, or had someone brought him along?

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662447.png
Major Gerald Harper

As the shuttle made its way toward the surface Emily struggled to put on her gear, hitting some turbulence she momentarily lost her grip on her vest, catching it before it hit the ground. Somewhere of in the distance she could her Augustine laughing to himself, quickly she shot him a share glare, which caused him to shut up. By the time the shuttle had actually landed Emily had finished gearing up.

Getting off the shuttle realized how tired she actually was, it had been some time since she had slept, reaching in to one of her pocket pulling out a small pill, then quickly popping it in her mouth. Swallowing the pill she noticed that Agent Graves was quickly and angrily making his way towards the back of the line, and from the looks of it he had Paul in this sights. Breaking chase Emily left her spot in line, desperately trying to intercept Agent Graves before he reached Paul. However, she was too late, in what could only be described as a fit of rage Graves grabbed Paul by the collar almost lifting in him to air. Fortunately for Paul Major Harper intervened before she got there.

With no hesitation Emily stepped between Graves and Paul, not that there was much room. “Ease the hell up, Agent Graves!” Barked Emily “He’s with me. He has information that is important. Now either you ease up and play nice or after this is done I’m going to have words with my counterpart in Steel Butterfly, and make your life a living hell.” Out of the corner of her eye she saw that Augustine and Jocelyn had taken up position behind her with their guns raised. This was not a good way to start a mission of this nature.

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Emily Williams

“Kurt…” said a soft voice.

Kurt turned again in his sleep. The night sky was pitch black and the moon perched itself over the branches of towering trees. He couldn’t see anything but the moon. The moon was always there, shining a beacon of hope. But then all hope would be dashed again and again as the cloud obstructed the moon’s light. A woman, perhaps in her early to mid-forties, was standing in front of the woods. Though it was difficult to see her entirely, you could tell from the outline of her figure that she was about 5’4” and weight about 120 pounds or so. Standing to her right was another girl, perhaps no older than seven years old. And standing next to the older woman’s left was a man, at least forty years old with a chubby figure and a height of about 5’8”. Each of them waved to Kurt, who was standing there motionless, and turned their backs into the woods just as the clouds obstructed the beacon of light that the moon shone. They disappeared soon after.

It had been eighteen years. Eighteen long years had already passed since that wretched day. Eighteen years had gone by slowly every day, and each day the memory of that was more vividly etched into his mind. One would suspect that as time passes, the details of one’s memory would fade, become less clear, but each and every day, these details became more vivid and clearer. Kurt turned again. He was breathing heavily.

“Hey douchebag, wake up!” came a voice from afar.

Kurt sprung up to his feet. He had been sleeping on the ride to Procul, the first sleep he had gotten in days, despite its short length. He didn’t feel any better and was still starving for a cigarette. It had probably been over a day since his last smoke and the nicotine cravings were growing ferociously. He licked his lipped and wiped the perspiration running from his forehead.

“We’re here,” said Chad as he tossed Kurt his duffle bag. “Your shit’s in there.”

Slung over Chad’s shoulder was the standard New Genoese rifle, the one that both of them had been issued, the Imitoran-developed NGR-18S, standing for the Special Forces edition of the standard-issue rifle. It was compact, lightweight, and packed quite a punch. Unlike most rifles, the NGR-18S didn’t carry 5.56-millimeter ammunition nor the larger 7.62. It used a 6.8-millimeter round, which proved to be quite effective, the perfect fit. Also issued to Kurt and Chad was the standard sidearm of the New Genoese military, the 5.7 millimeter FN-57, which stood for Five-seveN. The pistol, too, was deadly and held a 20-round magazine, which was quite impressive for a sidearm. As such, other equipment, such as pocketknives, MREs, and even some basic body armor had been issued to the duo for this mission.

Kurt unzipped the duffle bag to find his equipment neatly packed with the rifle lying in the center of it all. He picked this up and slung it over his shoulder as well before zipping up the duffle bag. He was already carrying his sidearm and the other necessary equipment.

“Let’s get this shit down with already,” Kurt sighed as he headed for the dropship’s exit.

“Man, what the fuck is your problem?” Chad said, to which no reply was sent. “Whatever, man.”

“Jesus Christ, I need a smoke,” Kurt muttered, rubbing his eyes. “Jesus.”

“Smoke?” said Chad, reaching into his front pocket. He flicked open the box’s cover and pulled out a cigarette and handed it to Kurt, who seized it ravenously. “Need a match?” Before Kurt could respond, Chad tossed Kurt his matchbox.

Kurt lit up the cigarette quickly and inhaled deeply before exhaling a puff of smoke. “Not bad, Flark. Not bad.”

“So that’s what it was, eh? Just needed a cigarette?” Chad said with a smile.

“No, you’re still a fucking asshole, but now I just won’t nail you in the balls the next time you speak to me,” said Kurt, exhaling another cloud of smoke.

“What a fucking douchebag,” Chad muttered to himself silently, shaking his head before turning back to rejoin the group.

Suddenly, a voice from the front cracked in indignation.

“Who the fuck are you?” it screamed.

Kurt swiveled around, dropped his cigarette, and aimed his rifle towards the noise. There, too, he recognized an unknown face.

“Ease the hell up, Agent Graves! He’s with me…”

Kurt lowered his rifle, after hearing the words of Emily. “Just some asshole,” he said to Chad, who had also raised his rifle in alert.

It was only now that Kurt was able to examine Procul. He hadn’t been paying attention ever since he stepped down onto the ground from the dropship. The former mining colony seemed barren, like a rundown ghost town.

“What the hell…”

“Hey this is a bigger shit-hole than downtown BC,” Chad said heartily. “Boy, what a fucking dump.”

“Shut the fuck up, private,” Kurt snapped routinely as he scoured the barren landscape again.

There was nothing, yet he had an eerie feeling that something horrible had happened, why else would he be sent to an obscure mining colony. Then it hit him again. What exactly was he supposed to be doing again? Why was he here again? Because he was one of the best, no doubt, but that still didn’t satisfy the question. The details of the mission had been very scanty and he had barely paid any attention during the briefing before they departed from the spaceport. He raised his rifle up again to his shoulders, intently looking to both sides as if there was something in the distance waiting for him. He couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was, but the tingling sense of impending danger had already been sent through his nervous system. Something was dreadfully wrong. Something more than he suspected. He looked to his back, only to see the virile Flark standing idly and talking to himself again.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/kurt.jpg
Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/oceanseleven4.jpg
Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

Agent Graves squinted his eyes as he stared down the open sight of the pistol in his right hand. His arms were crossed before him; the pistol in his left hand was aimed at Major Harper, who was standing to his right, and vice versa for Ms. Williams.

Gabriel knew full well who she was and what she was capable of doing. Still, he hardly respected her for it. The field was hardly a place for a diplomat. He had heard once that she was part of the incident at Tatania...but being a survivor depended more on luck than skill.

Why was he not told of this new informant, he asked himself, although he already knew the answer. This informant was...unofficial, someone chosen by Emily...and from the looks of it...Major Harper had allowed it as well. Quickly, Gabriel holstered the gun in his left hand while at the same time shifting his aim from Emily back to the Major with the pistol in his right.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666310.jpg

"Why was I not told of this?" Gabriel asked the Major, soft but menacing in his tone.

"Haven't had a chance to tell you," Major Harper replied with a scowl, a pistol aiming at his face. Still, he didn't try to grab his own sidearm, nor did Gabriel try to restrain him from doing so.

"Bullshit," Gabriel responded calmly, his tone not reflecting his word choice or his demeanor. "We just had a half hour ride here. You had all the time you needed."

"Then maybe I just didn't want to tell you..." Harper said, to which Gabriel cocked the hammer back on his weapon, causing all of the commandos and some others to raise their arms as well.

"What the fuck's going on?" Gabriel asked, turning his head to Emily with his gun still aimed at the Major.

"Gabriel please," Tess begged, keeping her distance from the situation. "Just calm down. Please."

"No," Gabriel replied, glaring at Ms. Williams. "What information does this man have? Why was he brought along? Why wasn't I told?"

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

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Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Major Gerald Harper

Kurt had just begun to lower his rifle to his waist again after yet another intense scouring of the landscape when a series of yelling reverberated from the front of the convoy. Not even twenty minutes after we get here and there’s already internal strife. he thought to himself. I’m traveling with a bunch of fucking lunatics. That Jackson better have a legitimate reason for sending us out to this dump. And it better be about something I care actually care about. were the thoughts that would race through his head. He had been reluctant to even join this mission from day one and ferocious strife within the team early on just cemented his reluctance and indifference towards the mission. Yet he was still one of the best New Genoese Special Marines and they had chosen him along with Chad to represent New Genoa in this multi-national task force. They paired me and that dildo for one reason and one reason only: the stereotypical experienced veteran lends valuable advice to the up-and-coming future star. Boy, did they fuck up.

“What the hell are those assholes doing now?” he said, turning around to Chad. “Come on, Flark,” he said gesticulating towards the north.

“What’s up? You just said it was some asshole,” Chad responded.

“Yeah and apparently they’re pissed off about it. Let’s check it out.”

Chad gripped his rifle and at held it, pointing down, at his waist and jogged lightly along with Kurt up the beaten ground towards the tense feud among the several of the key team members. The New Genoans had barely even talked, or had eye contact, with any of the other members: they merely minded their own business and attended the necessary meetings, which they, of course, never quite paid attention to in the first place. Yet, it was still their responsibility as members of this task force to investigate an argument that had exploded among the others and resulted in drawn weapons.

When they managed to find themselves near the front of the convoy, they found guns and rifles pointing in every direction possible. There was one man in particular, who seemed the most furious, aiming his pistol directly at another man, of similar stature. Gabriel Graves was his name, I recall. And that other douche is... hmm, Happer or Harper. thought Kurt. It was as if a civil war had erupted and was immobilized in a never-ending stalemate, guns perpetually drawn. Kurt, who was now holding his rifle loosely at his waistline in his right hand, was the first to speak out.

“What the hell is going on?” he said in an irate voice. It was bad enough he had to be sent to this far-away planet, it was even more irritating that his stay would be elongated by a childish stand-off by the team’s own members.

Showing maturity and actually concern for the first time since they met, Chad spoke next, “Can someone please explain to me what the hell you guys are doing pointing guns at each other? I thought we were an international task force – which means we work together, not against.” He clutched his rifle a bit tighter now and gave a stern look towards Gabriel. “You there, what the fuck are you doing? And you,” he said addressing Paul, “who the hell are you? State your name and purpose and how you got here. I don’t recall seeing you aboard the vessel.”

“I’m eager, as I’m sure is everyone else,” said Kurt to Paul as well, “to find out who the hell you are too. Please explain,” he said, stressing ‘please’ in a dead-serious tone of voice.

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/oceanseleven4.jpg
Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

Several weeks before present…

He was being escorted, for the last time he hoped. The two burly guards walked only a few feet behind them, their steel laced shoes clanged hard upon the rusted gangway. A dilapidated ship sat woefully at the end, its rusted hulk looking quite woeful in the last few rays of light.

“You, get on that barge, its all worked out.” One of the guards grunted to the man.

“Thanks,” he muttered, straightening his gray jacket over his shoulders. Walking the last few meters to the ship a side panel swung open. A grimy face popped out and called to the guards, “This ‘im?”

“Aye, take ‘im to what ever rock your heading too, it’s all worked out.” Barked the guard.

“Cha, we know,” turning to the man, “climb on in, capt’n wants to be leaving.”

Climbing in the door hissed shut behind him, darkness greeted him, broken only by a dim redish glow from numerous small lights along the wall.

“So, wat ja do?”

“Huh?”

“Wat ja do to get sent off this rock to where we headed?” asked the trader.

“Nothing…” the man said back.

“Oh aye, we get quite a few people sent away for “nothing”. They give us enough to get rid of ya, so stick with your nothing, don’t care. By the way, Digger here, I’ll be your escort for this flight, hey now, its just so you don’t break anything on this baby, cause you cain’t pay for it!” Digger joked.

“I’m Lon, Lon Caberto, so uh… where are we going?”

“Ah just some back water rock, dropping off some “less than legal” items, but that’s not important, let me show you your quarters.”

Scrambling through the red tinted halls, the finally reached the “quarters”, nothing much more than a closet with a small bet in it. “Here you are, don’t worry ‘bout the bed, you only being up here for a couple hours.”

“Huh, thought it would take longer,” Lon mused.

“Naw, not for us at least, so just grab some shut eye and once we get to the planet will kick ya out,” Digger said as he closed the door cutting out even the pervasive red glow of the lights. Sitting in the dark the repetitive drone of the mechanics quickly drove Lon asleep.

Current Timeframe

SCREECH

He awoke with a start; he knew that wasn’t a good sound, like sand paper running over a chalkboard. Then the tremors started, softly a first, but becoming more and more violent till he had to brace himself against the metal wall of the small dark room or risk being thrown against them.

Whoomp

He slammed against the bed, recoiling up and almost into the ceiling, falling back down the room rocked and shook as ripping and tearing noises waved about him from all sides. Slowly, the place stopped spinning, still dark Lon finds the door now above him. Kicking it open he crawls out.

The red light is gone; a weak light is oozing all around, normal light. Walking slowly on what was once the curved wall he quickly finds the source of the light, part of the ship is missing. It lays a good hundred and fifty meters away, smoking and sputtering sparks. Slowly dropping to the ground he looks around, no one else seems to have walked away.

Scanning the horizon he sees what seems to be civilization, and he begins walking towards it.

http://faculty.washington.edu/gloftus/Research/afaces/M025.jpg
Lon Caberto

Blackwell & Turner finally found the correct shuttle... They wheren't going to Steel Butterfly, but some asscrack colony neither had ever heard of...

Blackwell was as stoic as ever, cleaning a field-stripped Berretta on the tray table in front of him with nothing short of fanatical meticulity (sp?). Turner, who, oddly enough, had gotten the seat next to the jaded merc, was a little put off by the ritual, and the fact that they where the only two people on the flight...

Sometime Later...

The odd duo arrived at the colony in time to witness something unusual... A man had two guns aimed at two other people...

"Hey! Hey! Hey! What's the deal, people? No need for violence..."

CT asked as he moved forward, a hand on the combat-pacmar grip of his forty five, cut off in mid-sentence by his companion...

"Shut up you fucking pencil-dicked egghead... It ain't YOUR problem... Stay the fuck outta other people's buisness..."

Blackwell's response warranted a surprised glance from Turner as the mercenary stalked past him & the others, not even making eye contact with the gunman...

"Make your skinny ass useful & find the rest of those motherfuckers that we're supposed to meet here... I ain't gettin' paid to be a god-damn socialworker... You can play Doctor Phil all you want, but that shit ain't in my fucking contract..."

Looking down at the ground Emily thought how to best respond to the situation, they stood at a critical point, a miss step could be fatal. It was not soon until the other members of the team were voicing their opinion of the situation. More often then not, their words only aggravated the situation more then what it already was.

Finally Emily made the first move between the two, reaching up and taking her glasses off, folding them up she placed them in one the few empty pockets. Slowly her eyes raised from the ground, fixing their gaze into Graves eyes. For a brief moment the two were locked in a battle of wits, after a moment Emily brought her face up levelling it with her face. Taking a deep breath she began to speak, her tone was gentle and calm “Agent Grave you were not notified of the change, as it was determined to be of no concern of yours” strong and unwavering she careful in what she said. “Lasting time I checked Agent Graves we are standing on Tappee soil, which means ultimately we are in my jurisdiction. SO if I say that this man is with me, then he is with me, and there is no need for me to explain myself to the likes of you. You are a guest here, and would do well to remember that, I owe you nothing.”

Again she paused to take a deep breath, but this time she took a few steps towards Graves “Don’t think for a moment that just because I’m not military that you can simply point a gun at me and get your way.” She looked out at all the others; this message was for them as well not just for Graves “There are far worse things out there then death, and I’ve seen most of them, pray to what ever God you will that we don’t see them here. Now if I’m not mistaken we are all here to do a mission and we have wasted enough time already.”

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Emily Williams

Paul looked at his briefcase and wondered if he should tell anyone what he was carrying. He decided not to. People barely wanted him to be here and telling anyone that he had weapons in his briefcase for some unknown reason would really upset them. He didn't want to be abandoned now that he was in some strange city.

"Well," said Paul, "I'd agree with Emily in letting me go with you on your mission, but then again, I'm bias." He wanted to keep the subject on that for as long as possible because he didn't want anyone to know that the briefcase he kept carring was loaded with weapons. Paul was going to pay attention to every little detail on the journey. The slightest thing out of the ordinary he would notice and point out. As long as no one got suspicious about the briefcase all would be okay, he reasoned to himself.

[OOC: Short post, but it is late at night...]

Agent Gabriel Graves glared at her intensely, his lip curling up slightly as it often did in situations such as these. The audacity of the scientist surprised him, and in some odd way impressed him as well.

They will be your support staff, lending assistance whenever possible. Emperor Bivens' words rang in his ears. Was there something the Emperor had not told him?

Your mission, Agent Graves, is to investigate his disappearance and discover if he is still alive and where he is located if in fact he is still living. Jaden Gates wouldn't simply stop replying. Something...or someone...would have had to stop him instead.

Agents in the land of our allies? Gabriel had asked, to which Bivens replied, They asked me to send him. Seems they found something that needed taken care of...something a citizen of this empire left behind. The mission was of the highest importance and security.

Last time I checked Agent Graves we are standing on Tappee soil. You are a guest here, and would do well to remember that....

Gabriel frowned, realizing that this was more than the simple disappearance of an agent. If one agent is lost, that agent is presumed dead and another is sent in. Gabriel was that agent, meaning that no one else was needed. However, they were still there, regardless. Was it Tappee who wanted the team? No, he thought, they were the ones who wanted Jaden in the first place.

They asked me to send him. Seems they found something...something a citizen of this empire left behind.

What could Jaden do that any other agent couldn't? Why would Tappee contract outside of their government?

What is the reason for a genetic biologist in this sort of investigation, sir? Gabriel had asked of the Emperor. He now realized that Bivens had never answered him, but instead continued on with the mission description.

Now if I’m not mistaken we are all here to do a mission...

Agent Graves shifted his glare from Emily to Major Harper before slowly lowering his weapon in defeat. It was obvious his argument for knowledge was not one he was going to win, and although he would never admit it, Emily was right. He was there to get a job done, regardless of how inconvenient the rest of the team was.

They asked me to send him.

Sitting down he felt foolish. All eyes were still upon him, and his loss of temper was highly unusual. Most adversaries he dealt with using a swift bullet, following up the deed with a glib remark, a sharp drink, and a little sex on the side. Now here he was, acting like the commandoes around him, pushing his weight around and thinking with his fists instead of his heads. More than anything, that was a danger to the mission. Gabriel's skills would be needed, but his mind would not be allowed to be a distant second. He needed his wits among his weapons to do his job...this mission was no different.

They asked me to send him.

Gabriel rubbed his eyes with his left thumb and middle finger as his right gun hand dangled down beside him. Taking up time as he thought, he readjusted his gear, putting the other holster on his thigh as well and strapping a dagger sheath where the holster had been on his chest.

Now if I’m not mistaken we are all here to do a mission...

"No," Gabriel replied, looking up. The people around him turned, giving him strange looks due to his reply to nothing. Nearly five minutes had past since the conversation. "Ms. Williams this mission has been compromised due to an unidentified person accompanying the investigation team," He said, standing and engaging his comm link. "It is within my jurisdiction to label this a mission failure and order an immediate return to the station for debriefing and a reconstruction of plans."

No response came from a crowd except for a look of disbelief. Gabriel knew he was taking this too far, but it mattered little to him. They would have to go, and he wouldn't go with them. If there were truely two missions as he now thought, one for him and one for the team, Bivens would allow him to stay and investigate Jaden while the others were shipped back against their will. Their problems, those of genetics and biology and whatnot, were not his, and he had no need to be involved with them.

Unfortunately, his comm link wouldn't comply. Aiming his weapon at a commando, he ordered the soldier to establish a link back to Bivens. The soldier complied, however his comm link failed him as well. All around him, people began to try simply out of sheer curiousity, finding the exact same result. They were cut off from the outside world, and Gabriel now was without a friend in sight. Even Tess seemed upset, and it was needless to say that Emily Williams and Gerald Harper were furious, although Gabriel couldn't tell if it was because of him or because of the lack of communications.

"Well Commmander," Major Harper began. "Now that you've had your fun, I'm sure we can all get back to business. Don't think for a minute that you can stop us or intimidate us from doing our jobs. All I know is that I'm going to do mine until you get the order from HQ that tells me not to...and it seems like that order's not coming any time soon."

Intrigued by the communication incident, but not swayed from their mission, the individual groups parted ways from the town square in shambles, promising a return in two hours time with whatever evidence or clues they had found. Tess was silent as she followed Gabriel down the filthy streets and through the abandoned houses.

They asked me to send him, remained on Gabriel's mind.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662447.png
Major Gerald Harper

Kurt gave a peculiar look at Emily before speaking out. “Um, listen, you brought this guy aboard and we don’t know who the hell it is and he’s obviously caused enough uproar already to be of considerable concern. I think we deserve a full explanation and no more of this cryptic bullshit you’ve been serving us with. Who the hell is he and I want to know now otherwise I might as well join Agent Graves on this one.”

“Yeah,” said Chad, stepping forward and glancing back at Kurt. “Who the hell is he and speak now. I don’t give a shit where you’re from. You brought an unknown passenger along with you and we don’t know who the hell he is. For all we know, he could be your sex slave or some fucking terrorist. Now speak up.”

Kurt shut his eyes tightly in embarrassment and put his palm over his face after listening to the Chad’s last sentence, ending any of the respect that had been building for him since his last flash of temporary maturity. He was the same immature kid he had always been once more, acting like a complete moron while on-duty. Not that Kurt cared for the mission, but still, you do not act like a moron while on-duty. Just act ambivalent like he was doing. He was right. He was always right. That was how he did things, how could he be wrong? He was the best of the best: they even called him out of retirement for his assistance.

“Chad, shut up,” he groaned. “And you, whoever you are,” he said to Paul, “can you please just fess up and tell us who you are and what you’re doing here and why you’re with Ms. Williams. I don’t get what so difficult about dishing out a simple explanation so we can stop acting like a bunch of morons showing violent hostility towards one another, mmkay? I don’t think it’s too much to ask from you, is it now?”

His rifle was now swinging loosely, slung over his shoulder, as he had let go of any grip he had on it. Chad had sort of backed away since Kurt’s comment, realizing what an idiot he had made of himself. He didn’t quite know why, but Chad wanted Kurt to like him and respect him. He didn’t like Kurt, but he wanted Kurt to like him. But his instinct had come into play once again and he had made himself sound like an idiot. But he really wasn’t that stupid as he appeared. You can’t exactly be mentally retarded to become a Special Marine, it requires a certain level of intelligence in order to understand how to operate technology and understand the mission briefings that involve more than just bursting into a building and killing all the bad with a furious flurry of bullets – like you see in the movie theaters. You needed to know what you were doing and you had to be familiar with the technology you’d come into contact with. Perhaps it was because they hadn’t engaged in any real activity, but Chad sure did make the impression that he was devoid of any of the necessary intellectual qualities of a New Genoese Special Marine. And these were the thoughts that perplexed Kurt. Chad was supposed to be one of the most skilled SM-A Special Marines, yet he sounded like an immature teenager.

“I apologize,” Chad feigned, “but can you please explain to us like I asked before?” he continued with a little distress at the end of the statement.

After listening to Graves speak out soon after, Kurt sighed again. “Well, if you don’t care, then I guess I don’t give a rat’s ass either. Watch yourself,” he said, looking at Paul.

Flark backed off as well and the two returned to their position.

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/oceanseleven4.jpg
Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

Angela was a little nervous as all of the guns were being pointed. She hugged her bag to her chest. Paul stood near her, his Mossberg 835 lowered. The shotgun had been with him through thick and thin, and he trusted it with his life.

Angela noticed her guardian slowly moving between her and the group. She smiled and loosened her grip on the bag. When everyone started calming down and asking who the man was in a less hostile manner, Paul moved away.

Angela saw a curious plant and crouched down to look at it. Paul kept his eyes on the group.

(OOC: I know it's short, but oh well. Check the OOC thread for an important issue.)

The grass crunched beneath his feet, as Lon walked towards what he hoped was a town. Looking at its squat low buildings he wondered, Do people actually live in a place like that?

He recalled his own city, former city, wryly adding. Its oversized steel and stone structures, with the only light being artificial as multiple road levels and walkways blocked out the yellow sun even at noon.

Lost in thought he trips, tumbling over a chunk of wooden fence. Smashing headlong into the ground he grunts, “Frak”

Standing up and brushing himself off there appears a good rip just below the knee in his denim jumpsuit, “Gr’at… just fraking gr’at,” he straightens his dirty gray jacket and continues walking towards the nearest structure.

The buildings low two-story wood construction sat near the outskirts of the town. “Huh, looks abandoned,” he said looking at its wooden shingles, most of which hang off at odd helter-kilter angles. Slowly circling around the house, trying to find a door, his nose is assaulted, “Ah hall, what the frak is that! Worse than the sulfur reclamation plant!”

An unidentifiable hunk of meat laying only a few meters from the door, “Geeze, what the hall is that?” Looking away in disgust he pulls his jacket over his face, trying to block the smell. Turning to the door, he knocks, no answer, he thought, pulling on the door handle it comes off, screws rusted through.

As he backs away with the handle in his hand the door gurglingly creaks open, swinging on ancient hinges. Looking back once more, he thought he heard voices, shrugging he steps in.

The house is neat; furniture still sits around the small floor, some of it collecting dust. A dingy white box stands in a far corner, Food repository he thought as his stomach gurgled in agreement. Quickly striding over to it he yanks the door open, food still sits on its shelves, not much but it doesn’t smell bad or look far gone. So pulling all he can out Lon uses his sleeve to clean the nearby table as best he can and has a meal of…of…something, he though, whatever it is its filling.

Stomach filled he drags himself over to the couch, plopping upon dust billows around, swirling around like so many angry bees. Tired, Lon thought, after that ordeal I think I could sleep for a week.

With that he promptly drifted off.

Emily began walking beside Major Harper, as the two started walking. “Thanks for your help back there.”

Reaching for her holster she pulled out her gun, it was an older projectile-based pistol, one that her father had given her long ago. Sliding her hand over top the weapon she pulled back on it causing a round to chambered, making sure the safety was on she placed back in the holster.

“But I can take care of myself” she said with a bit of smile on her face “It has been my experience that men like Graves like to hear the sound of their own voice and always ran the show, they aren’t ones to play well with others.” She glanced over at the Harper “However, you Major seem alright, you kind of remind me of my former fiancé”

Remotely mentioning Henry’s name caused her pain, she had slipped up. As a result she tightened right up and with drew from the conversation.

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Emily Williams

Both Blackwell & Turner followed the group, Atticus unslinging the M4 from his shoulder. There would be no surprises for him...

CT's brain finally made a connection... This was the group he was supposed to link up with. By the looks of things, this would be a combat op... Accidents could easily be faked in such an environment. Atticus didn't seem like a nice guy, CT'd have no trouble offing him. Apparently, from what his info booklet, Blackwell was part of the same squad that his client's father had been, and blamed Atticus for his death.

Turner's duffel contained a few useful items: An urban-patterned set of fatigues, kevlar body armor, a K-BAR knife, and his matched set of Glock 19's that sported modified sighting, threaded muzzles & nickel slides. If he was called apon to do any real technical work, he'd have to hope that whatever computer system he was dealing with was similar to Earth-based technology.

The assassin approached the guy he'd heared referred to as Graves...

"You Agent Graves? I'm Max Barret, your tech-guy. The angry motherfucker over there calls himself Atticus Blackwell. I guess he's another shooter..."

CT used a cover name he hadn't used in years, he hoped he'd remember to respond when someone said it. He extended a hand to Graves as a friendly gesture...

As Augustine and Jocelyn made their along their patrol route the sound of dead leaves being crushed followed in their wake. “I can’t believe her nerve” said Jocelyn ending the silence between the two, referring to Emily’s behaviour earlier. “Can’t believe that she is still in charge, we’ve all heard the rumours”

Augustine’s head quickly fell back, his shoulders dropped, and his eye rolled back “Please, you better then anyone should know that there is a difference between rumours and the facts” there was a hint if sarcasm in his voice.

“They say that everyone that came back from Steel Moon was… well different” shot Jocelyn in response.

Her out burst caused Augustine to come to a dead stop “Now listen here, I can’t imagine what it was like for those that fought at Steel Moon. I don’t care who you are or how you were trained, seeing what they saw there would change a person. In addition you have to remember that Emily that has seen this type of horror one more then one occasion, and has always fought through it. She’s a survivor in every sense of the word, and I for one trust her judgement.” Having said what he had to say he continued making

Jocelyn stood there for a moment, realizing that she was falling behind she took chase, as she caught up she went to say something she noticed that they were coming up on a house, it was time to put her game face on. Walking up on the porch she pulled put her shotgun, gently placing the weapons butt against her shoulder and raised the barrel pointing at the door. “Switching to secondary Thermals” she said just loud enough for Augustine to hear. With her free hand she flipped a transparent eyepiece over her left eye. A special heat-seeking sensor working in conjunction with a video feed allowed her to almost look through the walls for anything giving off a heat signature. “Clear” she said as Augustine crouched just beside the door.

Augustine reached for the doorknob gently pushing the door open, as the door swung open Jocelyn rushed in with the up most precision, her gun looking for any target that may have presented itself. Leaping from his position Augustine covered Jocelyn with his pistol moving it sights from side to side. Though the initial Thermal sweep had not shown anything they were doing it by the book and playing it safe.

Each step was calculated and silent, a footprint made in the layer dust was the only sign that they were there. An eerie wind howled through the homes floorboards, only shadows lived her now. As they moved through the hallway Jocelyn noted that there was so much dust in the air that she could see her laser sight extend from her barrel into the nearby kitchen. Moving from the hallway they began their search of the homes first major room.

On the table three plates had made, the food on them had long ago begun to rot. A few of the drawers had been pulled out, their contents spilled on the floor, mostly an assortment of utensils. While moving through the kitchen that’s when Jocelyn noticed it, slightly illuminated in the darkness was a series of reddish brown dots on the floor, it was if the sun itself had wanted them to discover it. “Augustine” Jocelyn motioned at her discovery.

Quickly making his way over Augustine knelled down beside it, taking out a small spay can, he spayed the floor. Pulling a backlight flashlight he shone it on the floor, the red dots now illuminated a bright florescent blue colour. “It’s blood all right” Augustine looked up and over at a Jocelyn “It’s been here for awhile though, it’s already dried in to the floor boards.”

From the kitchen they could see into the living room, signs of a struggle were more then evident. Lamps and other pieces of furniture had been knocked over; also several of the windows had been broken in.

Taking some initiative Augustine began spraying various parts of the room, once finished he moved the flashlight across the room.

“That’s a lot of blood” said Jocelyn as the room began to glow like the floor in the kitchen. “Tonnes of blood, no bodies, that’s no very good Augustine”

Augustine could hear the concern in her voice, it was almost borderline fear, but he tried to remain objective “from the looks of the blood trial it appears that at least one body was dragged out here.” He point out the beginnings of a blood trial on the floor. Using the spay and the flashlight they followed the trail down another hallway and to the back door which was open. Looking out on the field, fallen leaves had covered any evidence long ago. “Most likely someone dragged a body out here.” He gave Jocelyn a sharp look “Either way, I say we finish our search then head back to the rendezvous point.”

Getting a node of approval they swept through the rest of the home finding nothing else of very much interest they headed back to the meeting spot. They ran back as quickly as they could. Although Augustine didn’t show it, he was worried more then Jocelyn.

http://img.atpictures.com/john/tn_travolta014.jpg
Augustine

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Jocelyn

Major Harper cringed at the sight before him. The dog's carcus was bloated, most likely with maggots, and it's flesh was beginning to rot. Not only that, but it seemed as if part of the dog had been a meal to near-by predators. Teeth marks were across the dog's neck, and a leg was missing.

Hearing something, Gerald spun around, rifle in hand. It was most definately a crash across the street, and no one else was supposed to be in their area. Turning to Emily and Paul and pointing towards the house, he crept in...

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662447.png
Major Gerald Harper

[OOC: You can finish this, Tappee.]

Tess blinked, terrified, and took two steps back until she knocked over an end table. Like a falcon, Gabriel swooped back into the room, weapon drawn, and stood between her and what had frightened her so. Nothing was there.

"You ok?" He asked, giving her a puzzled yet concern look. Tess said nothing, breathing in short, rapid breaths. Gabriel could almost hear her heartbeat. "Hey," he said again, putting his hand on her shoulder. "You ok?"

"Y-yeah," Tess stammered in an exhale, snapping back into reality. Slowly she nodded her head 'yes.' She shivered, as if it was cold out, and resumed following Gabriel throughout the barren house and onto the next one.

There was a slight drizzle out, causing the sky to become dark before it should. The houses leaked at random points, and the dirt road was beginning to turn to mud, caking the bottom of their boots. Every once in a while Gabriel would turn his head back and look at Tess, who seemed wet and pale in the dimming light. Perhaps she's just nervous, Gabriel mused. Rolling his eyes, he tried to start up a conversation.

"How many field assignments have you been out on?" he asked, thinking about what his answer would be to the same question. He had no idea...there were too many to count.

"Three," Tess replied honestly, nearly cursing herself for doing so moments later. Her answer caught him by surprise, and immediately his thoughts drifted back to Bivens when he chose the team. Emperor Bivens knew that Gabriel wasn't one to work in a group. Bivens also had to know of Tess's inexperience. While wondering what downfall Harper had, and trying to decide between a few that entered his mind, Gabriel came to the unfortunate conclusion that this team was hardly top of the line, even with many top of the line people in it.

"What were the other two?" Gabriel asked some time later, after they had searched a house in silence.

"A species was mutating in the Alpha Centauri system," Tess began. "A very well-evolved species. The perfect hunter. I was called in to investigate along with some other scientists. Turned out to be eco-terrorists spreading toxin that killed these hunters. They were on the side of the prey I guess," she joked.

"Strange," was Gabriel's reply. "You think a bunch of eco nuts would be for all forms of life...not only some."

"You'd think..."

"Alpha Centauri's a good distance from Orion too, isn't it?"

"Yeah," Tess replied. "But not too long a journey." She was right. With Space-Fold technology, travel was a flash. However, only the military ships had this kind of drive, and for some stupid reason, Gabriel remembered, they had to travel to Procul by normal means. "The second trip was another attack by the same group. They were bombing the NiMBUS facility at Tatania...you know...where the incident was. Guess they had figured out something bad was going on there...and to think...I helped defeat them...along side the NiMBUS guards. It wasn't even a year later when that incident happened. It's funny how often sides switch."

"Yep," Gabriel replied, thinking about his past. Tess couldn't be more correct. How many times had he killed someone, only to work for that organization later when killing someone else. Leaders change, he thought, but their orders, and their lies, stay the same.

"What about you?" Tess asked. "What kind of field work did you do?"

"Classified," Gabriel said, smiling as he put an index finger over his lips, signalling to her to be quiet as he entered another house. Tess followed, trying to ring the dampness from her hair. It really wasn't all that wet, but the rain was growing steadier by the minute.

In was from within this house that Gabriel saw the figure in the window. The figure must have seen him as well, for it took off to the right. Without warning to Tess, who was on the second floor of the house, Gabriel stormed after the figure out the door and throught the darkness in the rain.

"Freeze," he screamed as he ran, and to Gabriel's astonishment the figure did as it was told. In the dim and shifty light of the flickering streetlights, Gabriel could make out the figure of a man, and he could clearly see that this man was fully armed. "Get your ass down!" Gabriel commanded, pulling out his other pistol along with the one already in his hand. "GET DOWN NOW! ON THE GROUND!"

"Mike?"

"DROP THE WEAPON!" Gabriel ordered, not hearing the man as he aimed through the wet darkness. "GET DOWN ON THE GROUND!" Hearing the screaming, Tess cautiously followed the voice to find Gabriel aiming at something she couldn't quite make out.

"Hello Tess," the voice from the shadows greeted as the two of them stared through the rain towards the figure outlined in darkness. Instantly, Tess was taken back, knowing exactly who's voice it was.

"I SAID DROP IT!" Gabriel yelled, not stopping to think about the fact that he too recognized the voice of the man before him.

"Gabriel stop," Tess nearly begged as the man began to walk fowards. "Come on, Gabriel, please?"

Slowly the man's figure became more defined as Gabriel's eyes adjusted to the dim light before him. His face was dirty, his clothes were torn, and yet there was definately something familiar about him. "Steven?" Gabriel asked as the man's face came into view, however his quiet question, which the man heard, was lost on Tess due to her sudden outburst.

"Jaden!" she wailed, running up to him through the rain and jumping into his dirty, outstretched arms. She couldn't be serious, Gabriel told himself as he stared dumbfounded at the man before him. Running names and faces through his mind, he now realized that Bivens had never given him a picture of the man he was looking for.

"Good to see you again...Gabriel," Agent Jaden Gates said, pausing before he said 'Gabriel' as if to think about the name he should address him by. 'Steven DuBose' knew him better as 'Michael Xavier.'

"You two know each other?" Tess asked, upbeat yet awkward. She was lively once more, but now she was uncomfortable for obvious reasons. Her past with the man she knew as Jaden was purely personal, and as her mind raced, she realized that her relationship with Gabriel was less than professional as well.

"...yeah..." Gabriel replied, lowering his weapon as the rain grew heavier. Completely ignore the man before him, he wondered why Bivens hadn't told him. Michael Xavier and DuBose, or Gates now it seemed, had been business friends for some time years ago, and both went through the academy at the same time. They were always the best, although Steven was always a bit better. Gabriel hoped time had evened the match, and as he stared at 'Jaden' in surprise, his mind drifted back to the mission at hand. "Agent Gates, your debriefing and evaluation is required immediately."

"All in due time," Jaden responded, shaking the seriousness of Gabriel's command off. "But first we find shelter. I know a place."

"I...I have to inform the team," Gabriel said hesitantly, recieving a strange look from his copatriot. Jaden would never be caught with a team behind him. Then again, perhaps that's why Jaden was being searched for now.

"There's more?" Jaden asked, recieving a nod in reply from Gabriel. Tess's arms were around Jaden's waist, a fact hardly lost on Gabriel. Gabriel shook his head, trying to ignore it. He didn't get jealous, after all. "Once we get there, you can call. Or maybe even on the way. All I know is I don't want to be out here any longer than I have to...especially at this time of night."

"You afraid of the dark, Jaden?" Gabriel joked, trying to lighten the mood while he cleared his head, now even more confused than before.

"Yeah," Jaden replied, serious as ever, as if it was something to be expected. "I've learned to be."

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662445.png
Special Agent
Jaden Gates

"Umm..." said Paul. "Do you think that things are just a slight bit strange? Look over at that library." He pointed with the hand not holding his briefcase.

"I don't see anything there," replied someone.

"That's exactly my point," Paul explained. "It's compeletly empty of people by the looks of it. No one reading or renting a book. No one using public computers. I can understand some people, but where's the scholars? The nerds? The students? Anyone? There's no one even stopping by to use the public computers."

"There's someone," a person pointed out.

"Yes," responded Paul. "One person. I may have overreacted, but I still think that something is odd. And I stick to my oppinion that the library is not as busy as it should be." Paul needed desperately to change the subject from himself. Even if that meant exaggerating things a little. If it was found out that the briefcase he was carrying had weapons...

I don't even know if SUBMiN - Paul was thinking the word backwards because at this point the memory inhibitor was still in and it hurt to think key words - is using me. I don't know if it is more than my memories gone. They could easilly have brainwashed me and are going to try to make me do something bad. Hey. Wait a minute.

"Look over there," Paul pointed out. "A dead dog. Just left there. I think that's a bit cruel."

"So?" someone replied.

"I don't know," Paul responded. "But I still know that something is wrong. Something..." Maybe they are hiding things from me. I have nothing but Emily's word that they are on my side. They could be SUBMiN agents. I could be a SUBMiN agent. I don't know who to trust. Paul continued to look for abnormalities.

This briefcase is starting to get heavy, but I can't tell them what's in it. They are probably getting suspicious about me still carrying it with me. Perhaps I should tell them. If they are on my side they'd understand. However, they could take the weapons away and if they're not on my side... Well, I can't let them know - at least not yet. I have a feeling I may need those weapons later.

Weapons. Perhaps I was sent to that spaceport to do an illegal weapons trade. Maybe I was an assassin. A spy. Anyone. Or maybe I was just wandering. I don't know. That's what scares me the most. I really don't know. I don't know what to do...

While sleeping Don let out a silence shattering hacking cough, before settling back into silence.

"Agent Graves to taskforce," Gabriel said over the limited comm link to the rest of the team as he stepped into Jaden's safehouse. "Objective 1A completed. Target secure. Procede to sector 19 for debriefing. Objective 1B will begin shortly." Objective 1A, finding Jaden, proved to be much easier than expected. Gabriel only hoped that Objective 1B, questioning Jaden about his disappearance, would be as easy.

"So I'm nothing more than a target now?" Jaden asked, smiling as he sat down. This house, unlike the others, was kept up excellently as if someone cleaned it regularly.

"That's what I'm here to find out," Gabriel replied as Tess sat beside Jaden. Gabriel glared at her for her unprofessionalism, not personal reasons of course, and chose to stand.

"To see if I'm still capable, eh?" Jaden laughed. "To see if I switched sides...haha...?" Gabriel saw nothing funny about that.

"I am to examine you and judge your aptitude for completing your mission, assigned to you by the government of..." Gabriel began, but was cut off.

"Cut the crap, X," Jaden interrupted, calling Gabriel by the nickname they used at the academy. X stood for his real last name, Xavier. "I'm perfectly fine! They have no proof that anything's gone wrong. I just can't give them updates. For some reason this entire colony's naturally jammed."

"...Jaden..." Gabriel replied, calling the man he knew as 'Steven' by the name everyone else knew him as, trying to get used to it. "You know how this stuff works. It's just procedure. Obviously this mission was important. They just got worried."

"Every mission is important," Jaden snapped back. "And if they were worried, they would have just sent you...maybe with two guards on the side. I know how many people you sent that message to, X. How many are with you? Fifteen? Twenty?"

"Too many," Gabriel replied honestly. "But it's multi-international. There are all sorts on the taskforce."

"I bet," Jaden responded. "Those damn Tappee couldn't keep their pants up without help from the outside. Now they think that because they got in close with the new Emperor, they can ask whatever they want...like we owe them or something."

"They did help us win the war..." Gabriel commented, but Jaden simply shook his head. "Regardless, you are to inform me of the progress of your mission."

"How do I know you're who you say you are?" Jaden asked. Gabriel shot him a strange look. Jaden was simply trying to be a smart ass, but his comment made little sense. Jaden obviously knew the two of them, and they knew him as well.

"If your ability to complete your mission has been compromised..." Gabriel continued, ignoring Jaden's stupidity.

"How do I know...?"

"Jaden come on!" It was now Gabriel's turn to interrupt. "I would have shot your ass out there if I wanted to. Now either you tell me what I need to know or I leave you here to rot and I find it out on my own. It's that simple."

"Relax," Jaden replied, pulling Tess closer to his right side with his arm around her waist. She didn't resist.

"Sorry," Gabriel responded. "I don't have that luxury." Realizing the insult, Jaden stood to see Agent Graves eye to eye.

"I don't know what they thought when they sent me here," Jaden began, turning to face both Gabriel and Tess, who was still seated on the couch. "Something about a superweapon...something gone wrong. The government of Tappee thought I could handle it better I guess. I thought I was sent here to diffuse a bomb or something."

"Was it this barren when you got here?" Gabriel asked impatiently. Bivens wouldn't have told Jaden anything more than he was told himself. Gabriel had his own ponderings, and he had little time for those of Jaden.

"It's not," Jaden replied, choosing and meaning to use the present tense. "Bunch of criminals everywhere when I came. I had to kill a man just to blend in...just so they'd accept me. I pretended to be a bounty hunter as I investigated. Within a week, however, everything had changed. The people began to stay in their houses, as if they feared me. They stopped using technology...preferring fires to lightbulbs. It grew worse. They'd eat like animals, hunting game with the weapons they used to hunt each other with, and then eating the meat raw with their fingers. Within days, however, the animals died...somehow...of some strange disease. They people...began to eat each other on occasion."

"Oh my god!" Tess exclaimed, frightened beyond belief. She was shaking in her seat. Gabriel was more disgusted.

"Don't tell me you did that too...just to be accepted," Gabriel shot to him sarcastically.

"Not even funny, X," Jaden said in all seriousness. "It was rare for them. They'd starve for days to try and prevent it, as if they knew it was wrong...but every once it a while they'd kill someone...and they'd clean him dry. I determined that I was in direct danger, and since they wouldn't talk to me, or even come close if I was looking, I decided to switch my investigation to what was wrong with them."

"...and you couldn't contact hq..."

"No," Jaden agreed. "This place was perfect for the criminals as well...because you can't scan in either."

"What did you find?"

"It has something to do with the water," Jaden replied. "I think. That's why I wanted you out of the rain. I try to avoid it just in case."

"What do you think it is?" Gabriel asked, unsure if he wanted to believe Jaden or not. He tried to run a field psyche evaluation in his mind, but he hadn't done those since the academy.

"A virus," Jaden said, looking out the window. Gabriel looked as well, and thought he saw something outside. "Perhaps the same thing that killed the animals. I'm telling you...there are none left on land...and only a few in the water."

"That's right," Gabriel commented. "There's a lake near by."

"I don't go near it either," Jaden said. "All the villagers stay away from it, and for all the horrible things they do...they know where it isn't safe."

"Jaden stop it," Tess whined. "There are no man-eating crazy people roaming the streets!"

"Zombies?" Jaden laughed, shaking his head. "Hun, they're in the shadows, waiting. They think. They plan. They..."

Gabriel drowned the remaining words in the trashcan of his mind, now convinced that there was something not quite right with Jaden. Steven had never acted like this. It was completely out of his character. Now, Jaden talked about flesh eating people hiding amongst a dead city, brought on by a virus-infected lake, and expected Gabriel to believe such things.

"Tomorrow I'm going to go to that lake," Gabriel announced much to Jaden's dislike. Tess too seemed shocked.

"Bullshit!" Jaden exclaimed, rising out of his chair not even a second after he sat down. "Weren't you listening?"

"I've never let fear make my decisions for me before," Gabriel said matter-of-factly. "I'm not going to start letting your's make them."

"Gabriel I don't think..." Tess began, but Gabriel was tired of her whining.

"Enough," Gabriel commanded, ending the debate. "I won't hear another word about it. No one has to come with me, athough I'm sure once the others get here they'll want to come as well. You two can stay here and shiver in fear all you want. That's not going to solve anything."

"Neither would committing suicide, X," Jaden objected.

"Stop calling me that!" Gabriel exclaimed, now few up with him as well. "I was wrong. I don't know you," he lied. "You must have me confused with someone else as well."

Jaden and Tess both glared at him, but Gabriel ignored it. If an asshole was the only thing they'd respond to, then that's what he'd be. Gabriel wasn't sure if anything Jaden said was true, but one thing was for certain. There was a reason Jaden didn't want him at that lake, and Gabriel would be damned if anyone stopped him from finding out what that reason was.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662445.png
Special Agent
Jaden Gates

The soft mud squished beneath their boots with every step as the drizzling rain became heavier, and developed into a light pour, which, in turn, softened the run-down dirt roads of the village. It was still barren; doors left ajar, some creaking as they swung back and forth in the wind. One couldn’t help but feel the sense of suspense in such an eerie and awkward place. Besides the sounds of squishing mud and rain, it was surprising quiet. Perhaps too quiet for a former bustling mining colony, but that was another factor that contributed to the uneasy feeling that the atmosphere provided. Kurt was walking gingerly several yards ahead of Chad, scouring the landscape for irregularities and anything unorthodox that he noticed. It was Chad’s job to record everything in addition to keeping an eye out for irregularities as well. Kurt briefly glanced at his wristwatch. Twenty minutes, already. Nothing yet, but emptiness.

“Scouring the landscape,” he said routinely back to Chad. “Nothing yet. You see anything, Flark,” he said as he turned his head back to see Chad, who was holding his rifle against his cheek.

“I got shit,” Chad replied softly.

“Fucking waste of time,” muttered Kurt. “Fucking waste of time.”

Then something out of the ordinary caught his eye. There were two bright cylinder objects lying perpendicular to one another on the fringe of the dirt road. Kurt crouched down, rifle in one hand now, and picked up the objects to examine them. Immediately he recognized what they were.

“Two spent shotgun shells. No sign of the shotgun or any other weapons. Just… two shells lying on the side of the road. Let’s keep moving.”

Chad recorded the discovery onto the notepad quickly, etching in the exact words of Kurt as well as the coordinates where the shells had been found. Another five deathly silent minutes of nothing but squishing and drizzling followed before Chad decided to try and crack the silence.

“So, Kurt…”

“Shut up, Flark. Pay attention to what you’re doing,” interrupted Kurt promptly.

“Jesus Christ, man. What the hell is your problem? Are you anti-social or something? I just wanted to start some small talk and you snap back at me like a vicious beast. What the hell do you have against me?”

“You’re a moron. You’re immature. You’re a douchebag. You don’t contribute anything to this mission. You’re annoying and you are constantly irking me with your fucking attitude that I have to put up with for this whole mission. If you leave me alone, I’ll leave you alone.”

“But why?” shot back Chad.

“Because I don’t need to talk to some asshole rookie who thinks he’s the smoothest motherfucker ever,” Kurt remarked indignantly. “Now, shut the fuck up so we can get along.”

“Listen up, ‘Sergeant.’ I don’t know where the hell you’re coming from, but it seems to me that you’re the one who’s an immature douchebag moron. You’ve done nothing but bitch and whine about how you don’t want to be here and I’ve done nothing but show optimism and focus. I’m trying to extend my arm in friendship, since we are working together. And you just push me off as an asshole. You’re the fucking douche here, Kurt. You are.”

“Oh, excuse me, Flark for not instantly taking a liking to a virile, horny, holier-than-thou rookie from the dregs of society. Excuse me for taking notice to your immaturity at that stand off between that Graves douche and Major Harper. Excuse me for not noticing your egotism since the time we arrived. No, I’m so sorry, Flark”

“Fuck you right to hell, bitch. Why don’t you go hang yourself and do society a favor, you tired old geezer?”

“Flark, I was sent here for a specific reason and I didn’t turn it down despite all my unenthusiastic feelings towards it. I’ve done nothing but follow through on my shit, albeit drudgingly, yet you’ve done nothing but pretend to be doing a good job in an optimistic way. Well, listen up, Flark: you’ve done shit so far except scribble a few obscure findings on an isolated dirt road on some backwater mining planet. No can we end this bickering? I don’t need to talk anymore to a fucking retard, anymore.”

“Fine,” Flark said with his nostrils flaring and his eyes beaming.

They had been walking for down the dirt road now, arguing for several minutes without scanning the environment before a fuzzy noise came in over Chad’s radio.

“Objective 1A completed. Target secure. Proceed to sector 19 for debriefing. Objective 1B will begin shortly,” said a fuzzy voice.

“They found him. Sector 19 – safe house at other end of the town. Let’s move,” Chad asserted.

“Alright,” Kurt whispered, turning back.

Chad was now the leading figure in this manhunt, with Kurt following shortly behind. They sloshed through the mud again towards the secluded safe house for debriefing. Whether or not they’d listen to the yammering from the other team members was a whole other story. The argument had left wounds on both sides, hostility was now brewing, and grudges had been firmly established at this point in time. Relations had deteriorated furthermore, and yet, still, in the back of Chad’s mind, he wanted to Kurt to like him. He glanced back down onto his notebook. One thing had been scribbled down – those two damned shotgun shells. One thing unorthodox, and one thing only. Perhaps they weren’t vigilant of their surroundings or perhaps that feud had distracted them from other finds, but Chad couldn’t help but feel the notion that this entire mission was fruitless creep into his mind.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/kurt.jpg
Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

As the Major crept into the house Emily was torn on what to do. One hand she wanted to examine the dog more closely, but then she had been assigned to be Major Harpers partner, as such had an obligation to watch his back.

Quickly weighing the pros and cons of each action she came up with a plan that could suit both her needs.

With little hesitation she pulled a small container out of her vest, located inside the container was a cotton swab. Pulling out the cotton swab, she wiped the swab over the bit mark on the dog neck. In a smooth motion she place the swab back in the container tightening the lid she placing back in her vest.

Leaping to her feet she drew gun, turning off the safety she ran taking up position behind major Harper. Both her mind and her heart were racing with anticipation as to what would come next.

http://www.geocities.com/gatekeeper3028/Emily2.jpg
Emily Williams

"Agent Graves to taskforce," Major Harper's comm link announced as he slowed to a crawl in his pursuit of whatever he had seen. Gabriel had scared whatever it was off, something Emily could tell as well when she approached. "Objective 1A completed. Target secure. Procede to sector 19 for debriefing. Objective 1B will begin shortly."

"Damnit," Harper muttered, half because of his haulted chase and half because of the fact that Gabriel found Jaden first. Pulling out his PADD, he checked the map to see where sector 19 was. Luckily it wasn't far. Then the man appeared.

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The old man was dressed in vibrant colors, a stark contrast from both the environment and his face alike. He sat contently under a flickering lamp in a window, staring out at the two strangers standing in the rain before him. His face was worn and tattered, highlighted by a whispy mustache and a long goatee. Apparently stranded, the man seemed frozen in time, a time that had long passed him by.

"Hello?" Gerald Harper asked, rifle raised, as he walked towards the window where the man sat. The man seem unphased by both the Major's weapon and voice, and Harper could instantly feel Emily growing tenser by the second as she followed him, hands clutched to her gun. "HELLO?" Harper yelled through the rain, and in response the man turned his eyes towards the voice. "Are you in need of assitance?"

The old man's reply made little sense, his words slow and incomprehensible. This did little to lessen Gerald's intrigue or lower Emily's anxiety. Apparently realizing that he could not be understood, the man rose and tried to explain himself using slow and uncomfortable movements. He beconed the two inside and cautiously they followed, pausing for a long while before entering the pitch-black room.

Turning their flashlights on, Gerald and Emily were surprised moments later as the house was illuminated in a brilliant light. The man stood still by the light switch, directing the two of them to a computer. The machine seemed as old as the man who owned it, and it obviously had not been used for a long time. Dusting it off, Emily sat down and turned it on while Harper began questioning the man.

"Are you alone?" the Major asked, and once again the man's garbled response meant little to him. In vain, Gerald continued asking the usual questions. Frustrated, the man scowled at him and backed away.

Suddenly, another man, much younger yet covered in dirt, crashed through the front door and headed straight towards the old man, knife in hand. Instinctively, Major Harper fired a three-round burst into the side of the younger man's chest, knocking him back against the wall.

Gerald watched in horror as the man continued to pursue the old man with his blade. Frozen in confusion, Gerald saw the knife hack into the old man's throat. Horrified that he let it happen, Gerald turned to see Emily fire rounds right past his face and into the younger man's skull, spilling his brain matter onto the walls.

"W-what the fuck was that?!?!" Gerald stammered, his hands shaking. "I put three rounds into its chest...it didn't even fall down!"

Emily stared back at him, her face emotionless, although the Major could tell she was deep in frantic thought.

"Let's go!" he commanded, running out of the house and towards Gabriel's location. The old man's expression as he was being murdered was carved into Harper's mind. The old man was silent...careless...as if he was inviting death to consume him...

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Major Gerald Harper

Following Major lead Emily ran over to the computer in the vague hope that there might have been some kind of useful information located there. While Harper had his hands full with the old man, she was busy waiting for the computer to simply boot up, it was an old model to say the least, as far as she knew production of these type of computers had ended years ago.

A crashing noise startled her, looking up she saw that a man with a knife had somehow made his way in. Ignoring Major Harpers orders the man continued towards the old man, from there at least for Emily the things got a bit blurry, and ended with Harper gun firing.

Much to her horror the man began moving again killing the old man, a quick glance over at her partner told her that he had no idea on how to deal with the emerging situation. Reaching for her gun, and with a slight moment of hesitation she took aim at the mans head pulling the trigger. With the gun still smoking in her hand she sat there for a moment coming to grips with her worst fear coming true.

The man head snapped violently to the side, as most it was splattered over the wall. With the gun still smoking in her hand she sat there for a moment coming to grips with her worst fear coming true. Rising from her chair she started towards Major Harper. He mumbled something about shooting the three time before giving the command to leave, and ran out the door.

Emily on the other hand had business to attend to here; she had seen too much of this to simply ran away. Her arm had long ago fell to her side, walking through the room she first approached the old man, blood from his wound was beginning to soak through his shirt. With the efficiency of an assassin she fired a single round into the old mans head, the sound of the shot echoed off the walls.

Holstering her weapons she pulled out two containers, similar to the one that she had used for the dog, each one had its own cotton swab in. She took two samples, first was from the old man, taking blood from the bullet hole she had put there. Second was from the man with the knife, collecting a piece of brain matter off the wall. It had taken her less then a minute to get what she need, and it was not long until she was off to join Harper and then others.

"I shot him!" Major Harper repeated as he charged through the safehouse door, Emily Williams close behind. Instantly Gabriel was on his feet, weapon drawn, but upon realizing who his target was he slowly lowered his pistol while shaking his head. "I hit him three times..."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" Gabriel asked calmly yet accusingly. The Major seemed honestly frightened, something very uncommong for a career military man. Emily's expression showed more concern.

Major Harper continued to tell his story, and quick glances to Emily told Gabriel that he was telling the truth. Most of the team was already there, each reacting differently to the dread expressed by the man meant to be their leader. Jaden, on the other hand, simply nodded.

"Didn't I tell you?" Jaden said, smiling for some reason. It was if being right meant more to him than a murder. "Something's wrong with them."

Gabriel glared at his copatriot. Now was not the time for more stories, and Gabriel didn't want a witchhunt to follow the Major's experience. Of course, that's exactly what happened.

"Tomorrow I'm taking my guys into the city," Harper announced as the nameless commandos nodded.

"Major," Gabriel replied. "Tomorrow we will be continuing the investigation at a nearby lake. We don't have time for sidequests."

"That guy just murdered the other one," Harper continued. "For no reason at all..."

"Then you should have handled it as you were trained," Gabriel shot back. "Instead you froze...and you made a scientist take care of it. Major that's what you're hear for...to shoot things...and you froze."

"I fucking shot him!" Harper screamed in reply. "He didn't die!"

"THEN AIM BETTER!" Gabriel roared, now inches away from the Major's face. They had slowly been getting closer throughout the entire argument. Harper's eyes were alive with fear and anger as he stared back at Agent Graves.

"You're right, Commander," Harper said after a few tense moments. "It is my job and the job of my men to protect the lot of you as you do your own jobs." He grinned as he made sure to include Gabriel in the group of those he had to protect. "Therefore I must lead this expedition into the center of the city to deal with and/or eliminate the threat that Ms. Williams and I discovered. It is directly related to the safety of the taskforce. Now, those who wouldn't feel safe with you at your lake are more than welcome to come along with me and my boys. Extra hands are always appreciated."

"Harper you've already deviated from your mission," Gabriel told him. "Don't you dare persuade others to as well."

"I already told you," Harper continued in reply. "Finding what is wrong with these people is part of my mission. It became part the moment they became agressive."

Gabriel squinted at the Major, deep in thought. Was that not nearly the same thing Jaden had said. Was abandoning the mission to find out what is wrong with the inhabitants of Procul not exactly what Jaden did?

"I'll be joining you," Jaden told the Major, making his way through the crowded house. Gabriel turned to look at him, not surprised in the least at his decision. "There's nothing good for any of you at that lake...but I can think of a lot of unfortunate things that could happen if you..."

It all fit the pattern, Gabriel told himself. Jaden no longer cared about the original mission, whatever that was. Therefore, it was now his job to discover Jaden's objective and complete it, and that's exactly what Gabriel was going to do. That lake was important, Gabriel knew, and tomorrow he was going to investigate it. Besides, letting the Major go hunting in the broken city was far more convenient than inconvenient for Gabriel anyhow.

"I'll be going too," Tess said, rising to her feet. Gabriel shook his head in disgust. It wasn't four hours ago that she was all over him. Now, with an old flame reignited, she had completely switched sides.

"No you're not," Gabriel ordered. "The Major himself came up with the partner-plan, and it's a good one," Gabriel lied. "You will be sticking with me. Besides, your expertise is needed in my investigation. That's why you're here after all."

"Surely you're not going to make her..." Jaden whined, but Major Harper cared little about his personal life, or the personal life of anyone in this room for that matter.

"Enough," Gerald Harper said, cutting Jaden off. "She will be going with Commander Graves." He had made a rule, and was not about to break it for some love sick failure of an agent. Besides, the Major told himself, Jaden didn't need another thing on his mind when he was pulling the trigger. Love made you weak in times of battle. It clouded your judgement.

Jaden glared at both Gabriel and Gerald before returning to the sofa where he sat down with Tess again, seemingly pouting. Ignoring his fellow agent, Gabriel shifted his glare to his adversary. Harper was already looking at him, and for once they both knew that they had agreed on something. Jaden was not quite right, but while he'd be a distraction to Gabriel's investigation, he could still shoot a gun, and the Major couldn't have enough guys.

Both men nodded in silent agreement as those around them decided who they would follow upon day break. Tired, Gabriel retreated to the second floor, where he found one of many beds and went to sleep. The discussions downstairs continued long into the night.

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

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Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Major Gerald Harper

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

Kurt sat in the room, nodding randomly as the rest of the team rambled on about something that had happened. Apparently, Major Harper had taken a few shots at some crazed man and was upset because he hadn’t killed him. Aim better… Kurt mused to himself before hearing Gabriel spout the same words, but with much more vigor. He hadn’t presented their findings that they had discovered on the side of the road quite yet, but he was planning on bringing it up sooner or later. Besides the incoherent mumbling and the pattering of the rain outside, all other sounds had been stifled… completely tuned out, muted. He continued to nod randomly every few minutes for whatever reason… completely unaffected by the arguments and/or conversations simultaneously happening.

Chad, on the other hand, sat on the other side of the room and was much more intently listening to the others babble on about their day. Harper’s encounter intrigued him and the notion to aim better suggested by Gabriel didn’t appeal to him. Three shots to the chest and that guy kept on trucking at full strength… aiming better ain’t the solution obviously… Still, he couldn’t help but let his thoughts wander once again. He spotted Kurt twiddling his fingers and lazily staring at the wall, while occasionally scratching the back of his neck. He snapped back to the conversation at hand after hearing mention by someone about everyone’s findings on their little reconnaissance mission earlier that day.

“Well, we found these two shotgun shells on the other side of the colony… lying perpendicular to each other. No blood and the ground was so beaten and the puddles that were accumulating had all but removed any recognizable footprints. Right, Kurt?” he said, glancing towards Kurt, who was a bit startled at the sudden mention of his name.

“Yeah,” he replied. “What Chad said,” he feigned, attempting to disguise the fact that he wasn’t paying attention.

“I don’t know why someone would pop two shells on the side of a city road, but it’s probably related to whatever Major Harper saw today. The absence of blood splatters is unnerving, though. Either someone had atrocious aim, or something of unexplainable nature happened in some encounter not too long ago. At least, that’s what I think theorize,” Chad finished, looking toward Kurt to add to his little speech. “Kurt, did I miss anything?”

Caught off-guard again, Kurt responded slothfully, “Nope, you got it all. Yep. Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

“Well,” Chad sighed, “I guess that’s all I’ve got to add for now.” He decided to return to listening to everyone babble, and once again he let his mind float.

Kurt, relieved that his time to talk was over, leaned back on his chair lazily again. It was his reasoning that he had already done his portion by seriously joining that “douche” Chad in the search throughout the town. He had found those shells and now his job was done for the moment. It didn’t matter what was said in-between, all that mattered was what was said last… that is, the deliverance of the mission. Other than that, the small talk was irrelevant and petty and not worthy of his attention. Besides, he hadn’t wanted to come here in the first place, a thought that occupied his mind anytime he found the chance to mull. Slowly, but surely, the recurring nightmare seeped into his daydreams.

There he was again, staring at the man, the woman, and their daughter. He couldn’t move and to their backs was the consuming forest. He felt the need to pull them back as they waved and turned their backs. But he couldn’t. His muscles were paralyzed. His voice was lost. His presence there was superfluous and merely there for show. There was absolutely nothing he could do to prevent them for leaving. Nothing. The pain pierced again and Kurt winced a bit.

The droning silence was broken by Major Harper’s voice and Kurt snapped to attention when Harper said, “Therefore I must lead this expedition into the center of the city to deal with and/or eliminate the threat that Ms. Williams and I discovered. It is directly related to the safety of the taskforce. Now, those who wouldn't feel safe with you at your lake are more than welcome to come along with me and my boys. Extra hands are always appreciated.”

Sometime after, he found out that Commander Graves was leading an expedition to a nearby lake. Major Harper, seemingly, wanted to lead another expedition into the heart of the city to investigate his encounter with the crazed man that had sustained three bullet wounds to the chest. Kurt had no qualms about whom he would be joining. Since he had heard Harper’s story, he hadn’t trusted the authenticity of it and even so, aim better… had been his response to it. He would be going with Gabriel’s team.

On the other hand, Major Harper’s experience had interested Chad enough. At first, he was sure that Kurt would want to investigate the strange encounter at the center of the city, so he had already made the decision that he would be tagging along with the Harper team’s investigation. He yawned and continued to listen to the discussions that continued deep into the night, never speaking except for a few isolated incidents where he added a simple two-sentence comment or a trite reply.

By the end of the night, everyone was pitching in their opinion and stating with whose team they’d be joining up with the following night. Apparently, Objective 1A (Jaden Gates) was going with Harper’s team and that “hot chick” that Chad had described was going with Commander Graves. That was all Kurt knew when he finally decided to say, “I’ll be going with Commander Graves… down to the nearby lake.”

Chad seemed surprised, but nevertheless, decided to truthfully speak, “I’m with Major Harper on this one.”

“Flark, we’ve been teamed up. You’re going with me,” Kurt snapped.

“Oh fuck you, Kurt. You weren’t even listening ninety-five percent of the time,” Chad bit back.

“Flark, we were paired by the New Genoese government for a specific reason and that was to stick together for whatever fucked up reason. While I’d love to be separated from you, I’m not going to deviate from direct orders from the New Genoese president, as big of a douchebag as he is. We’re heading down to the lake because, frankly, I see Major Harper’s investigation as fruitless. Either that motherfucker was wearing a bulletproof vest, which I’m sure you checked for Mr. Harper, or you just have piss-poor aim. There’s no reason to waste a day walking around this abandoned colony, when we already had all day today to do that. Jesus Christ, Flark.”

“Fuck off, Kurt. I don’t give a flying fuck what you say. You’ve been an asshole to me since day one and I’m sick and tired of your bullshit. I’m with Major Harper on this one, despite your ridiculous accusations. We’ll meet up tomorrow after it’s done.”

“Oh, now you’re giving orders to me, huh, Flark?” Kurt beamed.

“Yeah, now go fuck yourself,” Chad dismissed. “That’s all I’ve got to say and I don’t see any need to start arguing right here in front of all these people. Okay? Okay. Bye.”

Kurt grunted. That motherfucker Flark will get his comeuppance sooner or later. Disobeying a direct order, yeah, smart move to send him along. “Whatever, Flark. Just don’t expect me to treat you any better now. I think your arrogant, immature persona that I talked about earlier has reared its ugly head once again. Good luck.”

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

In a corner of the room, Major Harper tried to block out both the whispers and shouts of his name alike as he passed out ammunition to the commandos. Loading his gun in silence, he realized that none of his men were.

"Sir..." a soldier said, holding the shells in his palm. "Armor piercing rounds?"

"You got a problem with it, Lieutenant Raiden?" Harper responded. The Lieutenant gave him a strange look then shook his head.

"Why don't we just use our PHARs exclusively then?" Lieutenant Raiden continued. "You know...fry their asses. Hell...these shells can take down a..."

"Just put them in your goddamned gun and shut your mouth!" Harper shot in reply. Raiden's strange look persisted, yet he obeyed his orders as a soldier and loaded his gun. The others followed suit.

Across the large room Jaden stared into Tess's upset eyes and told her that her going with Gabriel wasn't the end of the world. Tess hardly thought it was either, but she hadn't the energy to deflate Jaden's often annoying ego. That was one thing she didn't miss, Tess remembered.

"You stopped calling before, you know," Tess told him, quiet enough that only those near-by would hear, and only if they made a point to.

"Before what?" Jaden asked, honestly confused.

"Before you disappeared," Tess replied, hurt. "Before you left."

"Hun I had things to take care of," Jaden bullshitted, convincingly enough. "It was all mission-oriented. I can't talk to people then."

"That's no way to live," Tess said, looking away.

"That's the way all agents live," Jaden continued, half lying but sadly have honest. Tess nodded in reply.

"Why won't you go to the lake?" Tess asked after a period of silence. "If I have to go, you could at least come along."

"It's not safe there," Jaden replied.

"So you let me go alone?!" Tess said, eyes wide. "You could at least protect..."

"Tess please," Jaden cut her off. "It's my duty to the mission. If we don't find out what's wrong here we all could be in danger."

"Why isn't it safe there?" Tess asked, but Jaden would give no response. Instead he kept simply repeating that it was not safe.

He had changed over the last few months, Tess told herself, and he was still a liar. But he was also still Jaden, and she still loved him for it.

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Major Gerald Harper

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

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Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

Blackwell watched in silence as the SB commando team prepared for their next mission...

'Two shots to the torso didn't kill the drunk, so he's issuing AP rounds... It ain't body armor that kept him kickin' dumbass, those things'll over-penetrate & hit something important...'

This, he reminded himself, was why he'd packed those JHP's & the 9mm dum-dums. The .223 fired by the M4A1 would turn sideways as it entered human flesh, ripping muscle & tissue for several inches as it tore into the target... It didn't matter what the tip was made out of.

CT Turner was also mindful of the ammo choice, but had no internal comments on it. He was glad he'd loaded his .45 with those Hydra-Shok hollowpoints with the 2.5x expansion & backed by a money back guarentee...

There had already been one death here, probably many more that were unseen. Oaken wasn't going to take any chances, so he pulled out a small revolver from his harness. He handed it to Angela. "Here, take it. It'll be better if you can defend yourself."

She looked very dissapprovingly at the weapon. "Paul, I don't like guns. They kill."

Oaken insisted, shoving the weapon into her hand. "You don't have to hold it, I'll just feel better if you have it."

She put the gun in her pocket very slowly, obviously uncomfortable with the weapon being in such close proximity. "All I wanted to do was look at the plants. And find some clue about my brother Mason..."

Oaken nodded,"I know. But stay attentive. I don't want anything happening to you."

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Paul Oaken
Professional Soldier

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Angela Cale
Field Botanist

Sitting in daze Emily listen as tomorrow activities were being debated, there was something else that was on the forefront of her mind at the moment. If the attacker that Major Harper and her ran into was truly like one of those creatures that she had encountered at Tatania, then thing here were far first then even she feared.

At Tatania those that were infected only retained the most basic primal instincts, hunger, and group mentality. However, the man that she saw earlier today was using knife, which was a tool, which also denotes higher intelligence. As such if this was the case, the danger was now ten fold.

Then again she could be jumping the gun on this, their were an number of logical explanations as to why the man continued even after being shot three times by Major Harper. Was her past beginning to cloud her judgement, was there something really there, or did she WANT to see something there. Looking down at her vest she realized that she had the answers to some her question there, only if she could get a hold of the proper equipment.

Hearing footsteps she looked up in time see Jocelyn and Augustine enter the safe house. From where Emily was standing she could see a concerned looked come over Augustine face as he looked past her and saw Graves and Harper arguing as to what to do next. Shaking her head she told Augustine not to ask with having to say a word, instead the three had their own little meeting aside from the main debate and out of view from the rest of the group.

“Find anything?” asked Emily just loud enough for Augustine and Jocelyn to hear.

Exchanging quick glances with each other Augustine answered the question for the two “found and abandoned house, signs of struggle, and a rather long blood trial that led no where. In addition the scene we found no bodies. How did you far?”

Looking back Emily listen a to Harpers and Graves argument, before she turned back to answered Augustine’s question “Found two villagers, one attacked the other, both are dead now. Harper put three into the attack, but he continued on and killed the other before I had a chance to put him down with a blow to the head.”

“Wow” shot Jocelyn “you actually killed…” but quite her sentence short when she caught a sharp look from both Emily and Augustine.

Emily went to say something but paused for a moment as Graves went storming of upstairs “It would appear that tomorrow we are splitting the team up into two group.” She glanced over at Jocelyn “I want you and Augustine to go with Graves to the lake, I’ll go with Harper and Jaden to the city. Hopefully we can both get some answers as to what is going on here, in the mean time now would be a good time to get some rest”

“Yes Ma’am” answered Augustine and Jocelyn in unison, both giving Emily a salute.

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Emily

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Augustine

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Jocelyn

A man that could only be described as pure evil was standing before her, she wanted to do something but knew there was nothing that she could do, it was if he was toying with the four of them. Suddenly thing started to happen, people were yelling, and weapons were being fired. The dark man standing before them formed a metal shield in which he could defect the incoming blast. It was then only, and only then she realized that the blast were now being deflected her why. Gripped by fear she tried to move, but was frozen still.

As if things were being played in slow motion she watched as a blast was coming directly at her. However, at the last possible moment something pushed her out of the way.

For what seemed like a eternity the world tumbled and rolled, as she hit the ground. As came to a stop and the world came back into focus she looked over at where she was standing, and what she saw made her wish that she had been hit by the blast.

“No!!” yelled Emily as she shot up from her bed fighting for breath. Looking at her watch she realized that she had only got about an hour of sleep, annoyed she went to get up but her moaned in protest, fatigue had finally caught up with her. Sitting back down on the bed she reached over to her vest, which was on a nightstand nearby, pulling out a small container of pills. Quickly opening it up she dropped one of the pills into her mouth before putting the bottle back in her vest.

“You out everyone should know not to take those.” Said a voice from another bed.

Looking over her shoulder in the general direction in which the voice came from only to see Augustine laying there. Angered by his intrusion she grabbed her gear and headed for the stairway. “It’s none of your business, and it’s only one” she said as she stormed off.

Grabbing his gear Augustine pursued after her, cutting her off just before she reached the staircase. “That’s bullshit, that’s the second one I’ve seen you take since we got here, and fifth time this entire trip.” Emily glared up at him, but he continued talking “Tell me, when the last time you slept, I mean really slept”

“Sleep is a luxury that those in our position can rarely afford” Emily went to step around him only to have her way blocked again.

Augustine to a few moments looking down at her, he was a good foot taller the she was, and much more muscular, he could break her in half if her wanted. For the moment was going to use this fact to his advantage “There is one ineffable truth that I’ve came to understand in my travel.” He looked deeply into her eyes trying to find her pain “That is, at least once in every persons life they lose their faith. Not in whatever God they believe in, but in themselves. They question what they have done with their lives, and they question their ability to push forward. Most people can over come this, and there are a select few that can’t. Those that can’t, usually find that death is the only way to escape. You must ask yourself which person you are, and you better do it pretty damn fast because there are other lives on the line.”

“Out of my way!” Emily’s word were fraught with anger, as she pushed passed Augustine and went downstairsand out the door on to the porch. Taking a seat against the wall and placed her face in her hands, sitting there alone to her thoughts

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Emily

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Augustine

Alone in his bed, Gabriel walked through Procul towards his objective. He tried to think of what the objective was, but that fact was lost on him as he trekked through the muddy streets of the outskirts.

Confused and companionless, Gabriel drew arms as he made his way through the night. The weapon gave him comfort, protecting him from the unknown. Of course, in situation such as this one, the unknown runs rampant.

The fire started innocently enough, Gabriel had assumed as he noticed that he could finally see without a flashlight. The light of the flames flickered off dirt roads and buildings alike, casting haunting shadows upon everything, including Gabriel himself.

Slowly, the fire began to grow in size and intensity, illuminating the entire intersection with a bright light. With his hand, Gabriel shielded his eyes from the glare. To his horror, Gabriel's hand caught on fire.

The flames quickly consumed his fingers, which fell off into five small piles of ash at his feet. The bonfire danced in the wind which had just begun, the same wind that blew the remains of Gabriel's fingers down a dark street. Moving up his wrist and palm, the blaze swiftly engulfed his entire left arm as he screamed out in pain and suffering.

It had all happened so fast, that by the time he dropped to the ground to put out the flames, the fire had already taken his left shoulder and charred his face. Staggering to his feet, Gabriel now saw his legs ablaze, and they crumbled to nothingness before his eyes. Again he was upon the ground as the flames moved up his torso, the fire eating him alive.

The smell of his guts in flames caused him to vomit, and as he turned his head to avoid drowing in his own puke, the vomit itself caught fire. Quickly his face was consumed by the blaze, just as he heard the hellish growl of a large beast before him.

With his remaining hand, he felt wildly for a weapon and found his pistol not inches away from his warped body. Aiming the gun, the roar ever increasing in volume, he was stopped short as the fiend's claws drove through his throat, and his body was overcome by fire.

The bead of sweat slowly trickled from his hair down his forehead, and tracing the outline of his eye brow, ran down the bridge of his nose. It paused at the end, as if it was contemplating its next move, before it was forced off, falling onto his lap.

Gabriel could almost hear the sound of his eyelids as he blinked, wildly shifting his gaze around the dark room. He had gotten his own room, unlike some of the others, and he always kept it pitch black.

Still nearly frozen by fear, Gabriel turned to his right to find the cold barrel of a gun now pressed against his forehead. It had been on his temple just seconds before, and yet he had not noticed it, assuming it was all part of the dream. In the nightmare, Gabriel had aimed at himself, and yet here, in the safety of the bedroom, he had done the same thing in reality.

This frightened him more than the dream itself. The images had been so real, his limbs still aching from the burning trama they had endured in his mind. His neck, which had been ravaged in thought, felt still and sore to the touch. In the dream, the creature's assault had prevented him from suicide. Gabriel wondered what had saved him in reality.

His arm shaking, Gabriel sat the gun down on his dresser and felt around for the lamp switch, an electronic relic of the past. Normally a simple voice command would do, but in this town, actions seemed to have more influence than words.

Tangled in the winding sheets, Gabriel noticed his pillows on the floor and the things on his nightstand tossed around. All signs pointed to a struggle, and yet he himself was the only one in sight.

Thinking harder now, Gabriel realized that he couldn't remember the last time he had a dream, much less a bad one. His memories fading as he aged, he couldn't even recall nightmares as a child. Perhaps this one merely caught him off guard, he told himself, trying to rationalize his obvious subconcious reaction.

No longer tired, nor wishing for rest, Gabriel rose, clothed himself, and opened his door. Walking down the hall, he stopped at an endtable below an old picture, transfixed by the object resting on it. The small flame from the candle danced in the night, rebelling against the darkness around it, as if it was daring the shadows to show themselves. Shaking off his fear, another uncommon thing for Gabriel, he continued down the hall a few paces before pausing once more and turning around. There it stood, flickering without any wind, stable below the old picture of the current ruler of Tappee.

They asked me to send him.

Menacingly, Gabriel returned to the endtable and glared at the flame and the picture above it. Why would an abandoned village such as this one, full of criminals no less, have such a painting? Why would Jaden have such a painting in the hall of his stolen safehouse? Hungry all of a sudden, Gabriel blew out the candle before continuing down the hall.

Darkness remained, victorious once more.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

Atticus had had enough of the cold-shoulder treatment from the rest of his supposed 'team'. He was bored... There had been reports from some of the troops about some weird shit happening in the deserted city... The grizzled merc slipped out of the safehouse & made his way to the outskirts of the town...

It wasn't particularly dark, some of the streetlamps still worked well enough to see by, and the surefire light at the end of his M4 would illuminate any potential hostiles well enough for him to squeeze a burst off into them from a good few feet away...

Blackwell got his chance a moment after he passed a darkened apartment building. The guy following him was battered-looking, and none-to-subtle in his stalking. Atticus turned on him, pointing the M4 at the man's chest...

"Back the fuck off, asshole... I ain't in the mood..."

The man continued his semi-shambling advance...

"Aight, can't say I didn't warn ya..."

The merc squeezed the trigger three times, putting a trio of rounds through the sternum of his target... He didn't even wait to see what effect it had, he simply turned & kept walking... After a few steps he became aware of something else following him. Again, he turned...

"What the fuck? I fuckin' shot you! Shit..."

Atticus fired until he had drilled a neat hole through the stalker's torso... No effect, he simply got right back up. Blackwell let the M4 fall, the shoulder strap supporting its weight as he pulled his old Berretta. One dum-dum to the knee put the bastard on the ground, and a boot to the chest kept him there while Atticus got a good bead on his head. A final shot shattered the skull into a few hundred bits of brain matter & bone...

"Fuck this, there's gotta be a bar around here somewhere... I need a drink..."

The merc continued on down the street, leaving a trail of bloody left-boot prints as he walked down the street...

Emily was sitting alone on the porch went she heard something off in the distance, startled she jumped to her feet and ran towards the end of the porch in the general direction in which the sound came. Closing her eyes, she tried to shut off her other sense in the hopes that the sound would come again. For a moment she stood there in silence until the sound once again came, this time a bit longer, again silence fell.

There was no doubt in her mind that what she had heard was gunfire. In panic she rushed back into the safe house. “Graves, Harper!” she yelled out loud enough for everyone to hear “We have a problem”

Agent Graves checked his watch as he flipped his pistols into his hands. It was five in the morning, three hours before they were supposed to leave. Turning one pistol to the side and pressing the top of it against the side of the other one, Gabriel walked through the door with Ms. Williams and stared out into the shadows.

Gabriel squinted in the darkness, trying in vain to see where the sound had come from. He had heard the gunshots as well. Within seconds, Major Harper, Lt. Raiden, and the other commandos burst through the door as well, noticably missing a certain mercenary from the international squad.

"I'm moving up the schedule for our departure," Harper announced soon after. "We'll be leaving in ten minute's time."

"No..." Gabriel countered, returning his pistols to their holsters. "Go now. Find whoever's out there and bring their ass back."

"Sir I think we should stop and..."

"No Major!" Gabriel snapped. "You and those with you will leave immediately. It is your fault that a member of your team decided to go cavalier on the rest of us. You will deal with this distraction...and you will deal with it now."

Scowling, Harper nodded, first to Gabriel, and then to Raiden. The Lieutenant quickly assembled the team that was heading into the city, now including Jaden as well, and the lot of them left the porch. As Emily left, Gabriel wished her luck, and returned inside to assemble his own team early.

The sun was beginning to rise over Procul, something that happened often on this planet this early, and Gabriel would be damned if Harper got a headstart.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662447.png
Major Gerald Harper

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

Gabriel sat in a plush chair as those who would soon follow him to the lake prepared upstairs. Harper's team had already left. Gabriel was already behind. Tense, Gabriel pressed his back into the cushion, leaned his head backwards, and closed his eyes tightly. Crossing his hands over his chest, his skin brushed against the black form fitting T-shirt he wore under his black leather jacket.

Shortly, though longer than what he had wanted, the people were ready and out the door they departed. The village was silent as it quietly recovered from storm the night before. Gunshots, as Emily had heard, were absent, and now the only sound heard was the squishing of boots in mud as the people slowly moved through the barren streets.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p669654.jpg

The lake itself seemed calm. The murky water was shallow, although Gabriel could tell that it deepened beyond the line of shadows made by the trees on the other side. Gabriel wondered why, in an old mining town such as Procul, a forest would be left standing. Was there not valuable minerals under that land as well?

"What exactly are you planning on finding here?" Tess asked, taking a water sample and putting it in her pack along with the others she had collected. Gabriel didn't think it was right to tell her that he came because Jaden told him not to, but what other option did he really have?

"Information regarding Agent Gates' original mission," He replied, not lying in the least. Gabriel was doing the job he was given, unlike Jaden who was off hunting bad dreams.

"Why not just ask him?" Tess replied, obviously irritated. "Besides...he's here. There's no reason that he can't do his mission himself."

"You're right," Gabriel replied. Tess gave him a strange look. "But he's too busy caring about other things at the moment. If he's not going to do his mission and complete his objectives, then I'm going to find them and do them myself."

"You're horrible!" Tess exclaimed.

"...and you're naive," Gabriel shot back. "Simply going along with whatever he says, regardless of what he says. You think there's a reason he's not with us right now?"

"I asked him!" Tess defended.

"...and you just took whatever bullshit answer he spit back at you," Gabriel countered. Tess stared at him in shock as if to ask how he knew that. "I was restless last night."

"How do you know he's not doing his mission right now?" Tess asked. "How do you know his mission isn't to investigate those people?"

"I guess we'll find out," Gabriel replied as he unstrapped his PHAR from his back. Slowly, he took off his leather jacket and gently placed in on the ground, putting his PHAR on top of it.

"What the hell are you doing?" Tess asked, but the rest of the people seemed to be silently asking each other the same thing.

"Investigating," Gabriel responded, removing his black leather boots and placing them next to his rifle and his coat. To the surprise of everyone, he also removed his pants and carefully folded them before setting them down. The spandex material that made up his shirt extended down over his legs, giving him form-fitting pants as well.

"You're not going to..."

"Look around you," Gabriel said. "There's nothing out of the ordinary here."

"Maybe that's just a good hint to go back," Tess said, crossing her arms in stubbornness. There was no way in hell she was diving in.

"No," Gabriel replied. "That means that whatever's here is in the lake."

"And how do you know that?" Tess asked, rolling her eyes.

"Cause I don't believe bullshit as easily as you," Gabriel responded, placing his bare feet in the water. He walked a few yards out into the lake, the water rising near to his waist, and then dove in.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Major Harper paused on his trek to turn off the flashlight attached to his rifle. The street was now well enough lit by the sun. As they walked along, the buildings began to get larger, and the village began to look more like the mini-city that it was. A commando beside the Major paused to smoke a cigarette.

"Man, why you smoke that shit?" Lieutenant Raiden asked the man, raising an eyebrow. No one within the Empire smoked anymore, a habit that had been phased out nearly nine centuries ago. Still, other places continued to smoke, and a commando such as the one standing before the Lieutenant could easily get ahold of such an item.

"They keep me alive," the commando whispered as he inhaled.

"You're dumber than a motherfucker, you know that?" Raiden replied, shaking his head.

They had been searching for nearly an hour and a half now, and still there was no sign of the mission mercenary, Atticus Blackwell. Everyone knew that if such a man didn't want to be found, he wouldn't be...especially in a place such as this. Yet on they travelled, under Commander Graves' ordered, searching for their lost sheep.

"The city seems barren," Harper noted to Jaden as the two led side by side.

"We both know that's not true," Jaden replied, looking at Emily who nodded in agreement.

Instead of continuing on, Major Harper decided that it was time to rest. The soldiers and the others both sat down on whatever they could find, some drinking from canteens, others talking about random topics.

"Hey El-Tee, whats that tat say?" A young commando asked, pointing to the tatoo on Lt. Raiden's back which could be seen through the thin shirt he wore under his camo.

"'May the powers that be grant thy powers to thee,'" Raiden replied as he toyed with his pistol in his hands.

"And that one?" the same soldier continued, pointing to the one emerging from under the shirt on Raiden's right upper arm.

"It says 'Fuck you Corporal,'" Raiden replied.

"No shit?" The Corporal asked, believing Raiden's reply.

"It's a dragon, asshat," Raiden continued, rolling his eyes. "I'm from Bivens." The other soldiers around them chuckled at the Corporal's stupidity.

"Aren't dragons supposed to be honorable?" the Corporal asked, implying that Raiden was lacking in it.

"Strong, swift, intelligent," Raiden was sure to add.

"Well without honor you got nothin'" the Corporal said. Lt. Raiden rolled his eyes at the cliche.

"Nah..." Raiden replied. "I already got nothin'...and I still have my honor."

After some time, the team rose and continued on their way. Eventually, Major Harper froze as he stared down an allyway. He had been here before, he told himself, amazed at how far they had ventured off previously. The encounter took place not that far ahead.

Gerald Harper entered the small house slowly, gun drawn, but stopped short as he stared at the floor. The bodied that had been there had vanished, leaving only the blood behind.

"Where the hell are they?" The Major frantically asked no one in particular as he searched through the one story house. The blood trail led him out the back door, but the rain must have washed the blood away last night. "Why the did you lead us here?" Harper asked Jaden, who was transfixed on the computer screen, which was still on. Someone had opened the files.

"What are you talking about," Jaden asked. "I was following you."

"No," Harper replied. "You know the way, you lead. We've been going in circles!"

"Isn't this what you wanted to see?" Jaden questioned. "Proof that you were right?"

"This doesn't prove anything," Harper shot back. "There's nothing here!"

"Exactly..." Jaden replied, but Harper didn't have time for this.

"We need to find Blackwell!" Harper screamed, putting the butt of his rifle through the monitor of the computer. Jaden cringed in disgust.

"You came out here to find what attacked you," Jaden said. "To find what's wrong with those people."

"Then show me!" Harper said. "You obviously know! Stop bullshitting and just show me!"

"What about Mr. Blackwell?" Jaden asked. Harper looked around the room. What would the others think?

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Major Gerald Harper

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p668638.png
First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

“As much as I hate to say it” quickly answered Emily. “Blackwell should be considered lost, he knew the risk when he choose to go it on his own. As such there is no need to waste time, and possible endanger the rest of the team for one person.”

Emily had the benefit of not actually being part of the military, and so she was never into the whole ‘never leave a man behind’ philosophy. Truth was she here to seek answers, and she could not do that while playing hide and go seek.

She glanced over at Jaden looking into his eyes “There are many questions, questions that I need answers too. People that lived here were citizens of Tappee, and I must know what happened here.”

Don awoke.

Dragging himself of the dust covered couch he began to brush himself off, only slightly lightening the gray color of his jacket. Standing there in the silence he hears something. Faint, but…

Slowly walking out of the house he can hear the noise more clearly, “Voices, people talking…” he said to himself.

Walking towards what he hopes is their source, another small house. Walking towards it he hears a reverberating crunch. He slows his pace, taking to chances at drawing any hostile attention towards himself.

Reaching one of the buildings walls he hears someone speaking, “…uestions that I need answers too. People that lived here were citizens of Tappee, and I must know what happened here.”

Oaken and Angela were with Major Harper and the others. The sun's rays were beginning to bathe the city, and Angela was busy looking at the plants. Oaken was beginning to wonder what was going on in this place. Where were the people.

He cradled his shotgun, knowing that they could very well be in great danger. But with all of the soldiers here, they could take any hostile possibility and neutralize it.

As long as Angela doesn't get hurt.

He looked up to see that she had wandered off a ways to look at a tree. "Angie. Get back here." He felt like her father. He didn't like the feeling.

The conversation between the others was beginning to get heated. It did raise questions though.


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Paul Oaken
Professional Soldier

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Angela Cale
Field Botanist

(OOC: Sorry, I'm a little....off right now. Getting sick.)

“What exactly are you planning on finding here?”

Kurt’s mind drifted, slipping into a world of reveries that filled his past. The damned past that had haunted his dreams for eighteen dreadful years, the same past that had cut his sleep short. The voices of Gabriel and Tess chattered faintly in the background.

Leaning against the front door, sipping on a can of beer, he watched the three people enter the family van. It was his family that was departing for that fateful camping trip of no return. He had been on leave from the Army that weekend, and had decided to stay home instead of accompanying them. He hadn’t even said goodbye that day. It all seemed so natural… a run of the mill camping trip.

But they didn’t return. Night fell day after day without their return. Searches rendered no signs. The searches continued for weeks. Hope faded for weeks until it had been diminished to a mere sliver of existence. The searches declined until they alas came to an end. Case closed. All three were presumed dead, as Kurt had feared for weeks, and the case was put on hiatus.

It was at this time that Kurt had developed a smoking habit to cope with the unbearable stress. It was at this time that Kurt decided to seclude himself in the shadow of the military to sheath all feelings of remorse and grief that gripped his throat. These repressions were never fully addressed and thus Kurt never fully recovered from the agitation that they caused every single day.

The past still lurked in the shadows every day, and the grim appearance of Procul evoked these feelings. The eerie aroma of the town reminded him of the cold dreams that cut his sleep short each and every night as he tossed and turned in bed, drenched in sweat, reminiscing of memories past. It was so that Kurt had become even edgier when he was assigned to Procul, as the sleepless nights increased as did the dreams the plagued him.

Slowly, but surely, Kurt’s train of thought was broken as he heard the splash of water. He gazed out into the landscape hovering over the murky lake. Gabriel had waded into the water and dove in. Tess had seemingly shown some sort of protest towards this, Kurt presumed, the look on her face told him this. It wasn’t as if he cared much, but then again, he hadn’t conversed at all, except briefly and scarcely, with any of the other team members besides Chad, whom he still greatly despised. Suddenly the thought of Chad entered his train of thought. I bet that dick is probably fucking up Harper’s entire mission or some shit. I’d love to see what type of deep shit he’d got himself into all by himself. mused Kurt.

He turned his head, until his eyes met with Tess’s, “Fuckin’ dumbass, eh?” he uttered in a sarcastic tone of voice, referring to Gabriel’s apparent foolishness (in his mighty opinion).

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

"What is this?" asked Paul, picking up an object. It was labeled as a close-range EMP, but he was not able to read it in the lighting. "This appears to be some sort of technological item and was just abandoned by it's creator." Paul accidentally touched a button on the object which he did not notice. Then, a faint buzzing sound came from it. He raised it to his ear to hear it better.

Suddenly, a giant wave of energy hit him in the head, disabling the memory inhibitor. Memories started rushing back all at once - most of the memories at least. Paul thought, This must have done something to whatever NiMBUS did to me. He accidentally thought "NiMBUS," but no pain came to him. It's gone! I'm free! That's where he was wrong. He was forced to relive every major event in his life.


I am fifteen. In Nanakaland. My parents are on their way home. They'll come home very soon. I know they will. Even though they are three hours late. The phone is ringing. Should I answer it? I know what it means. No I don't. It can't be that! I'll answer it. It'll be a wrong number. Yes that will be what it is. Wrong number. Not what I think.

"Hello?" I ask. "What is it?"

"I am sorry," says a man on the other line. "Your parents died in an accident. You're an orphan now."

"No!" I shout. "I know it's not true. It can't be!"


Paul suddenly came back to the present. Was that true? he thought. Was it a real flashback or did this device give me false memories? There is only one way to find out. To get another flashback. He tried hard.


I am twenty-three and in Nanakaland. I was going to be a great wrestler. I know I was. I thought it could be done. This depression can't be real! What am I to do? I must move - another planet will do. I'll use my strength elsewhere. Construction worker or something. Now here I am. In this spaceport. Ready to say goodbye to Nanakaland.

I can leave my whole past behind me. My flight is soon. Very soon. Is that my flight that has just been called in the intercom. Yes. I must hurry. Running... Running... Running... I made it just in time. Good.

I'm checking my ticket. Okay. My seat is over here. Perfect. What city am I heading to? Oh yes Tatania.


Paul Christianson snapped back to the current time. Tatania. That was the city Emily said was destroyed. Does that mean that I was there? He didn't have time to try for more memories. Some of the others were above him when he opened his eyes. Apparantly he was knocked out.

Paul knew the others were going to ask if he was okay. He would be worried if they didn't ask it. However, before they did, he exclaimed, "My memories are back!"

That night’s sleep had gone quite well for Chad, being parted completely from Kurt for several hours. Still, he couldn’t help but anxiously lie awake in bed for the last hour before they had headed out. Staring at the ceiling, he was eagerly awaiting for the first true action of the mission. The last assignment had been simple scouting mission; this one would perhaps see some actual live action. His ears pricked up at the sound of Harper’s voice and sprung to his feet, already dressed. He grabbed his rifle and several magazines, loading one into the NGR-18S rifle. He snapped another cartridge into his pistol, cocked the hammer, and sheathed it in his holster.

“Fuck yeah,” he said to himself with a heightened tone in his voice indicating eager anticipation.

With his rifle locked, loaded, and slung over his shoulder, he hustled down the stairs to meet with the rest of the group. Heading out the doorway, Chad turned his head to give a last look at the safe house for an extended, yet undetermined, period of time.

Congregated at the outside of the doorway were Jaden, Major Harper, Lieutenant Raiden, and a myriad of other men of different faces that Chad didn’t recognize. He still was not sure why he recognized Raiden. Must’ve seen that bastard on the trip here. He still wasn’t quite sure of his first name, but that wasn’t important.

Chad rubbed the right side of his cheek, a rough stubble, before pulling out a box of cigarettes from his front pocket. He struck his matchbox and cautiously lit the cigarette, inhaling a toxic antidote of relief. He sighed before catching notice that the team was heading out. He inhaled deeply again, and flicked the cigarette onto the ground, extinguishing it with his foot.

Chad pulled his rifle up to his stomach level and held it loosely in his hands as they walked down the littered and abandoned streets. It was quite strange… so many buildings lined both sides of the tattered streets, yet there remained to be nothing. He knew these feelings had hit him before, but he couldn’t help the feelings overcoming him in the situation.

And suddenly, Chad found that they weren’t walking anymore, in any direction, and that Jaden and Major Harper were facing each other, embroiled in some type of argument… perhaps. Chad sighed and idled there for about a minute before deciding to intervene. He was really eager to do something and a petty argument about some person he hadn’t even heard of would not hinder this. Blackwell was irrelevant. Blackwell was a lost cause. He would turn up sooner or later and there was no need to burn time arguing over him.

“What about Mr. Blackwell?” Jaden asked.

“Fuck him right to hell,” blurted out Chad. “He decided to go off without the others, that’s his problems. He’ll show up sooner or later. We came here for a specific reason and that was to investigate that shit Major Harper saw yesterday. Wasting our time searching for that dick is pointless. Let’s just do what we came to do. Alright?”

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

He turned his head, until his eyes met with Tess’s, “Fuckin’ dumbass, eh?” he uttered in a sarcastic tone of voice, referring to Gabriel’s apparent foolishness (in his mighty opinion).

"I don't know," Tess replied, shaking her head. No, she told herself, Gabriel wasn't dumb...and he knew it. His arrogance was running thin on her. "He seems pretty sure of himself..."

Deep under the murky water, low on oxygen, Gabriel was anything but. Before him was a door. Where it led was a mystery, why it was there unknown as well. The pressure swelling in his chest, Gabriel reached out through the water for the handle, grasping it as tight as he could, and turned the wheel to open the door.

The water rushed into the door, and with it came Gabriel, flung onto the cold, hard floor as the door slammed shut behind him. Slowly the water drained through the floor, and after numerious flickering lights flashed across the walls, another door opened. The brightness blinded Gabriel momentarily. Shielding his eyes with his hand, Gabriel picked himself up off the floor and cautiously walked into the room.

Here it was, he told himself as he looked around, the secret of the lake. Gabriel swirled around the room like the liquid within the test tubes scattered about, coming to a computer which was on for some reason. On the screen, an old-fashioned physical one, were the words "files opened".

On the surface, Tess wasn't the only one getting worried as the minutes passed without any sign of their leader. Speculation aside, one fact remained. Gabriel had been under water for far too long.

Gabriel skimmed the files as fast as he could. Whatever was being researched down here, it was in large quantities, judging from the size of the test tubes. This lab seemed home to experiments such as Project Angelo and Project Squalo with references to others such as Project Acciaio. Gabriel simply shook his head. He had never heard of any of them.

It was as he was leaving that something caught his eye. On the table laid a nametag, and on the tag was the name Dr. Becken. Signals popping up in his head, Gabriel remembered the word from someplace, but he couldn't be sure where.

It wasn't until Gabriel had returned to the surface with his discovery, much to the disbelief of the others, that Gabriel realized why that name should be remembered. As he stared at Tess, his eyes drifting to her chest impulsively, he couldn't help but notice that she too had a nametag. Though her's was different, one thing remained identical....the last name.

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

Harper scanned the faces of those around him. Blackwell was as good as dead, they had concluded. He had made his choice, and he'd have to live with the concequences. Now was not the time to worry about such things. There was something much bigger in the air, something begging to be discovered.

"Fine," Harper replied. Jaden tilted his head, as if asking Harper to explain himself further. "Just fuck him, ok? What's going on here?"

"It's not something easily explained," Jaden responded, turning and walking out the door of the house. The commandos and the others followed the once-lost Agent through the desolate streets back into the urban area of Procul, their questions and objections falling on deaf ears.

"The map says that this is a dead end," Harper noted as Jaden made a sharp right turn down an ally.

"The map's wrong," the Agent replied, pausing in front of a large wall. Slowly, Jaden inserted a code into a keypad, and the wall rose before their eyes.

"'The hell was that?" Raiden asked, looking up at the huge door as he walked through.

"Quarrentine barracade," Jaden answered as if it was a commonplace thing to have in the middle of city streets. Unknown to the others, it actually was in places like this.

"For what?" Harper asked. Suddenly Jaden paused, turning around.

"Horrible things went on here," Jaden replied. "Things beyond a person's normal level of comprehension."

"It was a criminal hive," Major Harper added. "The criminal underworld took over an old mining city. I'm sure they weren't all law-abiding citi..."

"Not even close," Jaden continued, cutting the Major off. "Procul was abandoned, far beyond the outer ring of police and military reach. Yes, it was perfect for smugglers, murderers, rapists...but it was much, much more than just a hideout for the unclean. NiMBUS Biotechnologies, the infamous corporation from the Empire, saw this as a perfect place for their most heinous branch - Project Angelos. It was headed by an unknown scientist and funded by an unknown corporation other than NiMBUS itself, as to erase all traces if an outbreak were to occur."

"What did those bastards do here?" Raiden asked. Everyone was well aware of NiMBUS's horrors. Still, NiMBUS had been destroyed over a year ago now. Could their warped ideas have lived on in a far off city such as Procul?

"Bioweaponry," Jaden said, shaking his head. "Three new strands of the Q-virus were created here, each one tested on human subjects, stolen from their regular lives."

"Why were you sent, then?" Harper asked, now wondering why he was sent as well.

"There was an outbreak...infection on a large scale. A team came before me, armed to the teeth," Jaden replied. "Tappee and Steel Butterfly both suspected something like Tatania. However the team came and left, finding nothing other than an empty city. Still, the nation of Tappee was still frightened by the similarity to Tatania, and so they asked Steel Butterfly to send their best agent to investigate. When I came...the city was hardly abandoned. Whatever this new strain of the virus is, it doesn't bring back the dead like the other. This infection wasn't an accident. It was a controlled experiment using these criminals as lab rats, and the barriers as the cage doors."

"Motherfucker..." Raiden said, sitting down and putting his head in his hands. "So what are they then if they ain't zombies?"

"This new virus enhances emotions," Jaden replied. "It brings out the natural instincts of whatever became infected. A wolf will hunt, a cow will graze, just as they always do...but now instincts far surpass intelligence. In animals its unnoticable. They follow instincts regardless. However, humans are far different. We fight our instincts our whole lives, conforming to society. These people who are infected...they're all criminals. Therefore, the murderers will murder. The rapists will rape. It's their instincts taking over. Infecting this group was not a mistake."

"How do you know that?" Harper asked. Why hadn't he said any of this before?

"Because," Jaden said, rolling up his shirt. A hideous scar crossed his his chest and abdomen and onto his back. "The virus isn't contageous. It had to be given directly to the people...all of the people..."

"What the hell happened to...?" Harper began, but Jaden shook his head.

"We don't have time," Jaden said. "Keep moving."

"Where are we going?"

"Don't worry about it..."

"I am worrying about it..."

"Shh..."

"No I'm not going to be..."

"Shut the fuck up!" Jaden yelled in a whispering voice, while clamping down on Harper's mouth with his left hand. With his right, he pointed ahead. There were two men, middle aged, standing over something. They were talking to each other quietly, as if they were wondering what to do with whatever lay before their feet.

Swiftly, Jaden retrieved a silencer from his pocket and attached it to his PHAR. The commandos did the same with their rifles loaded with armor piercing rounds. Jaden stood, aiming at one of the men, and squeezed the trigger.

The phased pulse emitted tore through the man's head, melting the skull as it passed through flesh, brain, and bone. The man's body slowly collapsed beneath him as the other turned around. Not a moment later, the second man's body was blown backwards, his shattered skull broken against a wall by Raiden's bullet.

"What the fuck?" Harper screamed, fighting off a man who dropped down before him.

"AMBUSH!" Raiden yelled, switching his rifle to automatic mode. All around them, the villagers dropped to the ground from the buildings above. Others came from allyways and doorways. All held some form of weapon in their hands.

Jaden cringed as the knife cut through his shoulder from above and behind. The blow dropped him to his knees, in time for another hatchet to bury itself deep in his back. He stared up at the commandos as blood poured from his lips, running down his clothes. A third knife ran through the back of his neck and out the front, and his body was pulled back into the shadows.

"Target down!" Harper screamed over his comm. "Target do..."

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Raiden screamed in return, slapping the Major across the face. "JUST SHOOT YOUR FUCKING GUN!"

The waves of villagers poured into the square where the commandos and everyone else were located. There was no exit in sight, and seemingly little chance of survival.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662445.png
Special Agent
Jaden Gates

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662447.png
Major Gerald Harper

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p668638.png
First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

“All right,” said Chad with a tone of relief as the search to find Blackwell had been dismissed.

Time withered away until they came to a central area of the city, where they stopped again this time. Chad’s eyes followed Jaden as he sharply veered off to a side alley, a move soon followed by a comment by Major Harper noting that the alley was a dead end.

“The map’s wrong.”

Chad followed the Jaden, along with the other commandos, down the rugged alley, watching as Jaden entered some type of code, lifting the wall before their eyes. Chad tightened his grip on his rifle. Deep inside, he sensed something eerie about this Jaden character. He knew something that he did not, and whatever it was, it obviously was something… out of the ordinary.

“Damn,” muttered Chad under his breath as his eyes followed the wall’s pathway upwards. He brought his rifle up to his chest and scanned the street, before lowering it slightly keeping it at a level where he’d be able to pop it back up swiftly when necessary. “What the hell?” he muttered again as Jaden continued to talk.

“Quarantine barricade,” Jaden said.

Everything seemed to sour with every word, and Chad winced (although unnoticeably) slightly. New vigor filled his veins, vigor fueled by a feeling far beyond fear that compelled him to raise his rifle up again, the butt resting on his cheek. He scoured the street again; something hidden beyond a quarantine barricade was bound to exist. Whether it was dangerous or not was unknown to him.

“There was an outbreak…”

He clenched the rifle tighter in preparation for something he did not yet know.

“The new virus enhances emotions. It brings out the natural instincts of whatever became infected. A wolf will hunt, a cow will graze, just as they always do... but now instincts far surpass intelligence. In animals it’s unnoticeable. They follow instincts regardless. However, humans are far different. We fight our instincts our whole lives, conforming to society. These people who are infected...they're all criminals. Therefore, the murderers will murder. The rapists will rape. It’s their instincts taking over. Infecting this group was not a mistake.”

The words led to a tighter grip once more. Chad had concluded, in his mind, that they were being led into hostile territory populated by those engineered beasts. It was quite obvious now, as Chad had suspected, that what Major Harper had seen was one of those ‘monsters’ Jaden had described. That shithead… he thought, gritting his teeth.

The conversation was cut from under its legs when Jaden pointed out two men in the distance. Chad reached into packet and pulled out a silencer, which he fastened tightly onto his rifle, following suit with all the other commandos. This is it… one year later and I’m fighting fucking zombies. It’s a fucking fairy tale.

Blood and bone melted with a quick emission from Jaden’s rifle, vanquishing one of the two men that were hunched over something in the far distance. Chad’s thumb ran over the side of the rifle as checked to ensure that the safety was switched off. A second pulsation ripped through the second man, this time from Raiden’s rifle, absolutely shattering the man’s skull. Chad nervously licked his upper lip and sniffled, his eyes attached to the street. The dull silence was unsettling, a silent premonition to a bloodbath. His nerves tingled.

And then, in the midst of it all, shadows from above descended upon swiftly and viciously. They flooded from the other alleys, everywhere, omnipresent predators. They were being hunted. Frantically turning around, looking up, aiming his rifle anywhere to try and locate where they were coming from, Chad caught sight of knife pierce through Jaden’s skin. Whatever it was butchered Jaden before Chad pumped six bullets into its skull, sending him flying backwards.

“Target down!” Harper screamed over his comm.

“FUCK! SHITFUCK! FUCK! FUCK!” screamed Chad as swiveled around, spraying a hail of 6.8-millimeter rounds into the fray. The bullets dotted the villagers’ chests with circles of red, as they continued to approach. “Damnit!” Chad squeezed rifle’s trigger tighter, abruptly stopping one villager’s charge towards a commando ahead of him.

Then, from the side, it ambushed him, knocking him to the ground, sending his rifle from his hands. He scrambled for his knife. Hot metal sunk into his right shoulder before a strong kick to abdomen drove the beast off him. Chad straddled him, wrestling for possession of the knife, before another tackled him from behind. Quickly turning over, he jabbed the knife into the villager’s stomach, pushing his boot into its groin. He hadn’t even noticed the pain in shoulder, or the blood staining his shirt. Two cracks from his pistol annihilated the second villager. He swiveled around as the first charged with its knife, to which he delivered a hole in its face. It fell forward to the side of Chad, whose eyes searched for his rifle. The first attack had unexpectedly knocked his rifle from his hands, and he was armed with his mere FN-57 pistol. Two more shots rang out and another body fell to the ground.

Cursing and cussing and bullets reverberated throughout the alleyway. Two more holes to the face. A knife to the neck of the man next to him. Gushing blood pooling onto the ground, as his lifeless eyes stared at Chad. Alas! The lost grail was found behind the pale eyes. Chad leapt over the man’s body, fired two more shots at an approaching villager. Scooping up the treasure, he holstered his pistol, and loaded another magazine into the rifle. With its butt, he fractured the skull of another villager, spewing blood and brains onto the ground to add to the already stained dirt road.

Flurries of white light lit the street, even in the daylight, and bodies fell left and right to Chad, as he struggled to throw an intruder off his shoulder, before burying three bullets into its cranium. He searched the field for Harper, spotting him alongside the others to his top right. Chad spit some blood onto the ground, and let loose the dogs of war once more. It was a hailstorm of death that pelted them, and the outlook seemed grim.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/oceanseleven4.jpg
Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

Listening to Jaden’s words she felt her stomach drop, she knew them to be true. With the exception of Paul, Emily had been the only one here to have seen what the original Q-virus could do, and what this now meant.

Tappee had fear another Tatania, and when contact with Procul had been originally lost she ordered a Sentinel team investigate. However, much to Emily’s dismay, the team had found nothing more then an abandoned city. According to their report the city was empty, and there was no signs of its occupants, all indications pointed to the city simply being deserted. Emily didn’t buy it, her gut had told her that there was more going on then what was being seen on the surface. But with the finds of the original team, the tribunal had ordered the case closed, desperate for answers she contacted the Steel Butterfly government informing them of the situation. That’s when Agent Gates was sent to covertly begin a second investigation. When contact with Graves was lost, even the Tribunal was force to acknowledge that a problem was developing in Procul, so a larger more diverse force was put together. Emily had decided to look into the matter personally, so made her self a member of the team.

Though Emily was listening to Jaden’s explanation of the situation, her mind was racing of the actual possibilities to what he was saying. If what he saying is true, NiMbus still has a presence in the universe, with this unknown branch. If so what are the trying to achieve, revenge or something far worse. thought Emily to her self.

Hearing gunfire Emily snapped back to reality. Looking ahead she saw two men fall to the ground, after being cut apart by PHAR fire.

Suddenly as if appearing out of nowhere, bodies came dropping out of the sky, attacking the team at while. As one of the creatures landed in front her Emily pulled out her knife driving it under the creatures chin into its brain. Waiting for moment she withdrew the knife, favouring her pistol instead. Turing she saw Chad unleash a volley of bullets in the approaching crowd. “Aim for the head!” she desperately yelled over chaos, hoping that everyone heard her.

Swing her arm around she began to search for a new target, only to find one of the creatures coming up behind Major Harper. With no hesitation she took aim and fired, a red mist erupted from creatures head as Emily’s bullet passed through it head.

Among the fry of combat Emily took a quick survey to try and account for any losses, it didn’t her long to see the Agent Gates was not only down but missing. To her left she could see Chad was injured but continuing the fight.

At the last possible moment out of the corner she saw a creature try to lunge at her. With speed and grace she stepped aside, as the knife narrowly passed by her side. Using her free hand she grabbed the creatures arm, and with controlled fury swung her pistol out directly connecting with head. Dazed the creature fell to the ground, using the time to her advantage Emily put a single round through the creatures head.

Taking aim she dropped another creature, but for every one that she killed another three took its place. Now the situation had became much more direr as more and more creatures where filling the square. Swearing under her breath she knew that the team was quickly running out of options.

http://www.geocities.com/gatekeeper3028/Emily2.jpg
Emily William

I am in Tatania. I wake up and see that zombies are coming at me. I pick up a rifle and start shooting. I shoot and shoot. I try to destroy these zombies but more come. Many more zombies come.


Paul regained conciousness again and found himself surrounded. It seemed so much the same yet different. He started shooting the handgun he had. He kept shooting but soon he ran out of ammo. He needed to think of something fast.

The briefcase! he suddenly realized. I have weapons there. I must have been placed in that spaceport with a NiMBUS remnant or someone else. They knew I would use the weapons.

Paul quickly opened his briefcase. Hmm... I don't need these grenades. He tossed the section of his breifcase over his back and they exploded on many villagers. Some handguns... a rifle... ahh. A sword. Just what I need. Paul put handguns on holstiers and attached them to his belt. He strapped the rifle on his back and pulled out the sword. Perfect.

Three villagers approached. Paul pulled up his sword and in one sweep decapitated them. More approached. He kept slashing with his sword, trying to gain some distance.

"I believe we have a problem," he said. "There's more of them than of us. How are we going to fight them off?" More approached. More were stabbed. Suddenly, there was a shattering sound. The sword broke.

Now what am I going to do? Paul thought. He pulled out both of his handguns and started shooting them both. Soon, he ran out of ammo without tame to change clips. He then pulled out his rifle and started shooting. The villagers approached closer, so he was forced to start knocking their heads off with the butt of the rifle.

Eventually, the rifle fell out of Paul's hands. Thinking quickly, he picked up the broken sword and started stabbing the villagers. It got stuck in one, so bent down to the briefcase and pulled out the throwing knives. Each of them cut off a villager's head.

"Where did you learn how to fight like that?" someone asked.

"I don't know," Paul replied. "I really don't know."

“I don’t know. He seems pretty sure of himself…” Tess replied to Kurt’s comment.

“Whatever,” Kurt dismissed, “He sure is sure of himself. No doubting that…”

Kurt slipped his hands into his pant pockets as the time slowly passed. He walked back and forth along the shoreline in attempt to burn the time that seemed to move as slowly as molasses. Shit, what the hell is that motherfucker doing? he thought, referring to the elongated span of time that Gabriel had spent, simply taking a dive under the lake. Maybe the bastard drowned, or is in the process thereof. Glancing over briefly to catch a look at Tess’s figure, he noticed a worried look upon her face.

Why the hell does she even give a shit about that arrogant cock? He’s just a little pussy with an over bloated ego that drives him to think that he’s an infallible god among men. I mean, Jesus Christ, the confrontation with that dick Paul is proof enough. Shit, I don’t think it’s too sane to be talkin’ to myself all the time like this. But hell, these pricks are boring as fuck. Man, I bet Chad is probably having the time of his life… on that fairy tale search for the supernatural. Superstitious son of a bitch.

Kurt scratched the back of his head, before his ears pricked to the sound of the breaking of water, revealing the long-due emergence of Gabriel from the murky waters of the lake. Watching his eyes drift towards Tess as he walked towards the shoreline, Gabriel gave an odd look at Tess. It wasn’t that he was just staring at her chest; it was something else. Whatever it was, Gabriel had most likely made a connection to something he saw below the water’s surface.

“So,” Kurt addressed to Gabriel, “have fun playing in the water?” He chuckled, “Find anything of importance or did you really just go in for some casual skinny-dipping? Because if it’s the latter, then I implore you not to waste my time again.” Before even waiting for Gabriel to respond, Kurt interposed with a comment of distress: “Damn, I need a fucking smoke. Anyone got some cigs?” he remarked with a sliver of hope in his voice, desperately wishing secretly that he’d obtain some temporary relief to cope with the stress and boredom that was, as usual, plaguing him.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/kurt.jpg
Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

Harper fought in shock, the horrified look stained to his face like the blood of the wicked was to his shirt. Jaden had brought them to face this evil, and the evil had taken his life for it. The terrible burden now placed on his shoulders was to ensure the survival of the others as well as himself. This was a burden he was hardly prepared for.

Raiden's body flowed freely through the torrents of flesh, his knives and projectiles tearing through mountains of men as he held his ground and the ground of others. The demons, the false humans, were pregnant with disaster, each housing it deep within. Lieutenant Raiden, however, had his own demons inside, and it was times like these that those demons manifested themselves through his actions, radiating outward to those he opposed.

"Major!" Augustinus Raiden screamed as he dropped two more villagers before his feet. "We need to return and seal off the gate! We have to fight through this madness! Which way did we come from?"

Major Harper searched the town square with his eyes, almost ignorant to the fact that he was still laying waste to those around him. The trigger pulls came nearly natural to him.

"Which way, sir?!?!" Raiden demanded as another group approached from the north. Raiden raised his rifle, but they were far too close for his scope. Aiming off the side of the barrel, he floored three with one bullet.

Harper frantically looked from side to side, hopelessly searching for which one of the six entrances they had come from. Each seemed identical, each being the same, but only one gate was opened, and if they reached a dead end, their lives would be over.

"Damnit, Gerald give a command!" Raiden screamed over the chaos. The team was slowly backing up towards each other as the fiends quickly approached. Raiden pulled up his rifle once more, but upon pulling the trigger, nothing happened. In horror, Raiden looked down at the gun just as out of the corner of his eye, he saw the hatchet flying towards him. Without thought, Raiden rotated his body as the blade flew past his head, aiming now directly towards the Major.

Raiden drew his pistol as his voice failed him when he tried to scream a warning, but the pistol was empty as well. Almost casually, he released the clip, jamming another one in with his other hand and pulling back the top of the gun. He aimed, squinting with one eye, and shot the cleaver from the sky, knocking it away from Major Harper.

Harper turned, and once again Raiden asked for his decision, but Harper's look of horror had changed. It took Raiden merely an instant to realize Harper's reaction, and turned as the tide of flesh toppled over him, blades cutting into his arms and legs as the wave consumed him.

"Nooooo!" Harper screamed, cutting through the tempest of bodies with gun and knife alike. Reaching, he pulled Raiden from the crowd, dragging him back into the circle, the last stand of the sound of mind.

"Chose..." Raiden demanded, his eyes blinking as they slowly began to shut.

"Where are you injured?" Harper asked, pulling a med kit from his side.

"Get me out and I'll live," Raiden replied. "D...don't let me fall...asleep..."

Enraged, Harper stared up, above the bodies, at the pathways once more. Checking Raiden's body, they had not gotten to anything vital, but he was losing blood fast and his limbs were brutally torn.

"Don't let me..."

"This way!" Harper commanded, heaving plasma grenades in that direction so everyone would know which way to go. The plasma quickly melted all that it touched, cooling on the ground in a shimering golden road. This would be the road Harper would follow. Two commandoes grabbed Raiden as Harper raised his PHAR before him, leading the way, praying that an open gate was close by.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662447.png
Major Gerald Harper

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p668638.png
First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

Hardly embarassed, Gabriel nevertheless pulled his pants back over his skin tight suit and tightened his belt across his waist. Dripping wet, he shivered before someone offered him a shirt to dry off with. Gabriel took the shirt, and quickly ran it over his chest and feet, before putting on both his boots and his leather jacket. Reaching down, he reholstered all his weapons, slinging his rifle behind his back with the strap crossing his chest.

“So,” Kurt addressed to Gabriel, “have fun playing in the water?” He chuckled, “Find anything of importance or did you really just go in for some casual skinny-dipping? Because if it’s the latter, then I implore you not to waste my time again.” Before even waiting for Gabriel to respond, Kurt interposed with a comment of distress: “Damn, I need a fucking smoke. Anyone got some cigs?” he remarked with a sliver of hope in his voice, desperately wishing secretly that he’d obtain some temporary relief to cope with the stress and boredom that was, as usual, plaguing him.

"Sorry," Gabriel replied with a wicked grin spreading across his face. "We of the Empire are civilized. Tobacco is outlawed...and yes...I always enjoy playing in the water...though I usually prefer the ocean. Lakes are a little too murky for my taste."

"Should fit you pretty well," Tess commented.

"Dark?" Gabriel asked.

"Dirty," Tess responded, rolling her eyes. Gabriel laughed.

"What does that make you then?" He snickered.

"Was Jaden right?" Tess asked, avoiding Gabriel's implication.

"What do your samples say?" Gabriel asked.

"I haven't had time to..."

"Of course not," Gabriel said, frowning. "Why would you do you job, after all?"

"Did you or didn't you find anything?" Tess asked, hurt. She had been worried for his sorry ass, but now she didn't know why.

"Jaden was wrong, but only in what he said," Gabriel replied.

"What are you talking about?"

"There's a lab down there, in the lake," Gabriel explained, recieving odd looks from those around him.

"So he was wrong?" Tess asked, seemingly more disappointed that Gabriel was right, yet again.

"The lab's empty," Gabriel continued. "But it hasn't been for long. Someone else has been here. Someone else works in that lab."

"That doesn't answer my..."

"Jaden knows about that lab, Tess!" Gabriel said, raising his voice ever so slightly. "Not only that, but he doesn't want us to know about it. He said it wasn't safe here so that we'd stay away."

"But what if he's right?" Tess demanded. "What if it isn't safe? What if he was trying to protect us?" To be honest, Gabriel hadn't thought of that. Still, Jaden was a liar, and where there is one lie there is always more.

There's nothing good for any of you at that lake...but I can think of a lot of unfortunate things that could happen if you...

Gabriel cursed himself for not paying attention any further. If they...what...was the question. Perhaps he didn't want Tess to know a relative of her's was involved in whatever it was. Perhaps he didn't want them to know of what went on in the lab. Perhaps there was another reason.

"We should ask him then," Gabriel said, lying as easily as Jaden did. He'd confront the man alone about the discoveries, and find out exactly what was going on. He'd threaten to tell Tess, to reveal it all, or to kill Jaden himself. Either way, he'd get the job done. "We should ask him now."

"What if he lies again?" Tess asked, causing Gabriel to pause. "Since you think he does so much, you know?" She added, but her tone betrayed her. She too wasn't beyond the notion that Jaden was lying. Gabriel wondered if she could see through him as well.

"We're to meet at the safehouse in two hours," Gabriel said, turning to leave the lake. "We'll just be a little early. I'll tell you all my findings on the way."

So they left the lake as hauntingly peaceful as they had found it. Gabriel told them everything, barring the nametag for Tess's sake, about the test tubes and the project names in the open computer files. Many questions were to be asked upon their arrival, however none of them, especially Gabriel, expected those questions to remain unanswered even longer. Unknown to them all, Jaden was dead, and with him the answers that they seeked.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

Damnit, we sure could’ve used an extra gun… Blackwell’s… on this one…

“I believe we have a problem, there’s more of them than of us…” said Paul.

“No shit, dickface!” shouted Chad, firing into a mass of bodies lunging towards him, sending one to its grave with a bullet to its right eye. “Damnit!”

Pain still absent in his shoulder, Chad bit down on his lip as he furiously unleashed another frenzy of bullets into the mass. The bodies of the dead and wounded were beginning to mount, and time was running short. Quickly, Chad thoughts raced through Chad’s mind. Okay, we’re going to need to blow our way out of this shithole. He slapped his belt with his palm. Nothing. No grenades.

“Damnit!” he cried as a shadow from behind leapt onto his back and wrestled him to the ground.

The others took note of this and immediately rushed to the fallen body like ravenous wolves. Struggling, Chad fired a three-round burst into the beast’s chest, throwing it off before turning around to release another volley of rifle fire into the approaching monsters.

They engulfed him, jutting and jabbing at his body with their knives as they attempted to bring him to the ground. He parried each blow with his rifle’s stock, occasionally succumbing to prick across the elbow or arm.

But their numbers mounted as they swarmed around him, and more metal punctured his flesh. He fired off several more volleys, knocking several of them backwards, but they continued to swarm, preying on their next victim. Chad swung his rifle once more, demolishing the skull of an approaching beast, sending splatters of blood across the others.

And then, he felt something cut him from under his legs, forcing him to lose balance and to fall onto his back. He squeezed the trigger again, lodging bullets into their decaying bodies, but it was to no avail as they grabbed at his skin and moaned incoherently to an unrecognizable language.

I’m going to die… he thought.

Then, without notice, hope was restored! From afar, knives flew into the fray, diving into the deep into the skulls of the beasts, greeting the victim’s brain with a friendly sharpened blade. One by one the bodies fell, until their attention was attracted to something else. Seeing his chance, Chad rolled onto his belly, and vengefully treated the departing villagers with a hail of ammunition, pattering the backs of their heads. They convulsed as the bullets flew into them, knives still flying to the front of them, until the entire contingent had been eliminated.

Chad sprung to his feet, bashed his rifle’s butt into the nose of an approaching murderous villager, and looked into the distance. The hero… it had been Paul. The man he had ridiculed mere minutes ago for pointing out the obvious.

“What the hell?” was all that Chad could muster. “Is this a fucking martial arts film?” he said, alluding to the fact that Paul was using knives as projectiles. “Umm, thanks, man,” he finally said, giving Paul his due.

Chad pivoted around again to see a burly, bald villager charging towards him. Four bullets battered its face, with the end result being mere circles of red, gushing with flowing blood that pooled onto the ground with the rest of the accumulated bubbling blood.

Perplexed, Chad squeezed the trigger again, delivering retribution, but the bullets that bruised his face were a mere deterrent to his charge. It still maniacally ran towards him, its arms flailing in an enraged frenzy. “What the fuck?!” shrieked Chad as he pulled the trigger again, hoping that third time would be a charm.

The burly man lunged at him; Chad sidestepped, and rifle-butted the back of the man’s neck, snapping the bone in a most gruesome way so that one could hear the bone marrow cracking. The bone pushed the rest of the esophagus out from the flesh as the villager fell to the ground. To ensure his death, Chad fired three more rounds into the back of his neck.

“Bitch,” he said to the lifeless body. Quickly noting he was vulnerable again, Chad spun around again, squeezing his trigger. “Damnit!” He reached for another clip. “Shit!” Using the rifle as a club he bludgeoned the next foe across the face, sending it to its end. He holstered his FN-57 pistol again. “Eat shit, motherfuckers!”

Three shots rang out, but the situation was still worsening as the villagers flooded in from every direction possible. North, east, south, northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest… you name it, they were flooding from that direction to perfect the ambuscade.

“This way!” Harper commanded, as he heaved grenades into the fray, the explosion ripping body parts and sending them flying into the air.

“Finally!” Chad said, with two more swift flicks of the finger to the trigger.

As he pistol-whipped another villager and fired into the chest of another to deter his path towards a commando, Chad caught notice of another villager, descending upon Emily. She hadn’t noticed him yet, but perhaps she would. As it came nearer, and another body fell to Chad’s lead, he decided to intervene.

“Duck you fucking dyke!” he shouted, aiming at the man’s face.

He squeezed the trigger and planted a seed of lead into its brain. The villagers were still pressing against the team, but there was still hope yet that they’d elude this catastrophe. Chad was completely devoid of ammunition, using a knife in one hand and the pistol in the other as his melee weapons to combat the constant assaults of deranged villagers.

By now cold blood was trickling down the side of his head from a gash to his temple. Even as the thought of survival was now possible, it was only for now. The war had only just begun.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/oceanseleven4.jpg
Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

Paul was starting to run out of knives. He was able to pick some up from the ground to reuse them, but he still lost more than he was gaining by picking the knives up. Soon, he only had three knives left and the villagers were getting closer.

Four villagers approached him and he only had three knives. He threw one knife and it killed one. Another throw he used on the second. However, the other two got too close. Paul slashed off the head of one, but then dropped the knife.

He picked up the head of the decapitated villager and used it to knock out the other. Two more approached, but their heads were knocked clean off by two rocks Paul picked up. The one problem was that Paul ran out of all weapons after that.

Paul had to think fast. He picked up some sand and threw it in an approaching villager. Then he focused all his might at the head. A kick. Two punches. An uppercut. Another kick. One more, harder punch. It wasn't working. He wrapped his arms around the neck of the villager and snapped its neck. Worked.

Yet another villager came. "Bring it on," Paul said. Five or six hard kicks knocked the villager down on the ground. Suddenly, three came at once. Paul tripped one and then banged together the heads of the other two.

Paul was starting to feel confident. That was until a crowd of at least ten approached him. He reached down to where he put his briefcase. It's empty, he thought after a quick glance. How am I supposed to use... the briefcase! It hit him. Paul picked up the briefcase. It was heavy enough to decapitate three and knock down another one. Then the briefcase flew out of his hand.

Paul had no other choice but to run. He had exhausted every weapon and every item on the ground. While he wanted to keep on fighting, it just wasn't practical. There has to be some way out of this...

It was odd to breathe a sigh of relief in a time like this, but that was exactly what Major Gerald Harper did as his team finally broke through the horrors and came upon the open gate of hell itself. Breaking into a dead sprint, Harper raced for the gate, stopping at its controls as the others made their way through the large door with the chaos close behind in pursuit.

It was there, on the other side of the open gate, that the commandos took aim at the oncoming hordes, and began cutting them down in great sweeps of bullets, beams, and explosions. While they did so, Harper frantically struggled with the gate's keypad, searching for the code that would drop the door.

The villagers were dying, but not fast enough as they approached what would be freedom for them. Harper cursed Jaden for ever opening the damned gate before him, unleashing this terror on them all. There was no reason for it, Harper told himself as he mashed at the numbers, it told them nothing.

Harper almost didn't believe it then when the gate made a loud creeking noise before begining its drop. It quickly covered the large amount of ground it had to fall, but to Harper's horror, there was something in the way. Raiden's stretcher had been left right under the gate.

As fast as he could, Major Harper lept at his fallen comrade, landing beside him and pulling him to safety as the door smashed numerous villagers who had reached the gate. Breathing a sigh of relief yet again, Harper looked up only to see a villager with a pitchfork standing above him, ready to lower death upon him at any moment.

Without even a second going by, the man's body was splattered against the gate, victim to Flark's weapon. Harper looked up at the foreigner and thanked him with his eyes for saving his life. Looking down at Raiden, he realized that he too had saved him.

Harper crawled to his feet, realizing that they were still a long way from the safehouse. He silently walked at the head of the team to their destination, buried in thought.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662447.png
Major Gerald Harper

"What in the name of the Corporation were those?" he whispered in horror from his vantage in a small dark alley.

Standing there he watched in utter silence as the group went past. Only after the sound of their footsteps faded did he clamour out into the street and began trailing this group.

Oaken had ran out of time to reload when Angela had started screaming. She was a hemophobe, and there was a massive amount of blood going around. She had collapsed to her knees, clutching her bag and screaming. He picked her up with one hand and had proceeded with the rest of the group using his shotgun as a club.

When they got on the other side of the gate, he had set her down to reload. She was shaking, but had stopped screaming. Oaken wiped the blood from the butt of the shotgun on his shirt, and helped Angela to her feet.

Angela was staring at the man named Paul. She also glanced at Emily occasionally. She mentioned Tatania. That's where Mason was when I lost contact...

She decided not to voice her questions just yet, and resumed trying to block the images of death and violence from her mind. She was aware of Oaken helping her along, but didn't give any real notice to him.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v335/Snow_Fall/Miscellaneous/Maximus-Avatar.jpg
Paul Oaken
Professional Soldier

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v335/Snow_Fall/Miscellaneous/059.jpg
Angela Cale
Field Botanist

Taking a moment to catch her breath Emily kneeled down. Feeling safe for the moment she put her pistol back in her holster.

Looking over group she could see despair in some of the their face, others seemed to be in utter shock. It was either the experience, or what they had saw, Emily didn’t know. “Don’t get to comfortable everyone” proclaimed Emily as she rose to her feet “It only going to get worse from here on”

She start walking, as she did passed Major Harper “Trust me, it always gets worse” speaking just loud enough for Harper to hear “the best thing now is to keep moving”

The sun was setting as Harper's team approached the safehouse. The lights in the windows meant that Gabriel had already returned. Gerald cursed. Not only had they failed to find Blackwell, they had lost Jaden...lost him for good. The irony was not lost on Harper, then, when Jaden was the first thing Gabriel asked about as he opened the door.

Harper merely shook his head at the question, pushing his way into the main room of the safehouse as the commandos brough Raiden in on his stretcher. Raiden's blood was now stained to his arms and legs, his eyes shut, yet his heart was still beating.

"What the fuck happened?" Gabriel asked, his tone far too calm for what he said.

"We were ambushed," Harper replied as Gabriel's eyes grew. He felt himself reach down for his pistol, preparing for battle. "Jaden...he opened a barracade that housed those people...those murderous bastards." The anger slowly swelled in Gabriel's chest. Jaden now knew how to open the city's barracades? More lies...more deception...

"Where is he?" Gabriel demanded as the other team members piled through the door.

"They killed him," Harper said, shaking his head. "Bled him dry and took him away. We couldn't give chase...we were overrun." Always skeptical, Gabriel now believed what the Major said. The clothing of the team was tattered, their faces worn and frightened.

"No!" Tess shouted, stopping at the bottom of the stairs she had just decended. "No no damnit no!" she wimpered, placing her hands over her mouth as tears began to stream down her face. Gabriel turned to look at the doctor and honestly felt sorry for her. Tess was crushed, and she rushed upstairs sobbing. Turning around, Gabriel saw the the teams had broken off and were now deep in discussion. In a corner, some medics tended to the wounds of the injured.

Gathering his wits, Gabriel walked over to where Major Harper sat and sat right beside him. Staring into the Major's shaken eyes, Gabriel offered up a handshake as a momentary truce. The Major took it, but his grip was weak and uninspired, much like his voice when he spoke.

"Why'd he take us there?" Harper asked no one in particular. "Why'd he bring us to them?"

"There are many things he didn't tell us," Gabriel replied, finding it his job to respond since he was sitting there.

"He talked about a virus," Harper continued. "A virus that brought instincts and emotions out to the front of someone's personality. He said it was on purpose."

"On purpose?" Gabriel asked, his thoughts automatically drifting back to the lab.

"Like they were meant to be infected..." Harper explained. Gabriel rubbed his chin with his left hand in thought. He hadn't shaved today.

"Gerald I found a lab under the lake," Gabriel began. Harper's eyes lit up as he turned to face the Agent beside him. "Under the lake Jaden didn't want us to investigate. It was a genetics lab of some sort...abandoned...yet well maintained."

"I should have went with you," Harper mused. "I was a fool to go into that damned city...I was wrong..."

"No," Gabriel said. "You saw the results of the lab I found. You caught what they were working on."

"And at what price?" Harper asked, looking over at Raiden, deep in surgery. "That Lieutenant...he saved my life...and because he took the time to do so...he was distracted...and gave those fuckers a chance to end his."

"You're not originally a military man, are you Major?" Gabriel asked off of a whim. Harper seemed not of the right mindset.

"I have been my whole life," Harper shot back, offended at whatever Gabriel implied. Gabriel could feel the heat of rivalry growing between the two once more. "What are you trying to say?"

Without response, Gabriel rose from the couch and walked away. As much as he hated to do so now, Tess had samples of the lake...samples which needed to be analyzed. Emily could do it for her if she had to. In silence, Gabriel climbed the stairs and made his way to the room Tess stayed in.

"Tess?" He said softly as he opened the door. To his surprise, she was already looking at the samples.

"Nothing in any of them," Tess said, shaking her head. She seemed to be hiding in her work. "Except for the water sample." Gabriel felt his stomach turn. He was in that water for a good while. "There's definately traces of infection present."

"What are you talking about?" Gabriel asked, now beyond concerned.

"Don't worry," Tess replied in a calm voice, not taking her eyes off the tubes. "It's not contagious. It's in the cells of the water, as if it was fused to it. I've only seen something like it back at school." Slowly Gabriel walked towards her. Her body was shaking, her makeup running down her eyelids, and she would not stop looking at the test tubes. Gabriel was convinced she simply didn't want to look at him.

"What does it remind you of?" Gabriel asked, placing his hands on her shoulders for comfort. She seemed so broken, so lost.

"The Q-virus," Tess responded, closing her eyes as tears began to flow once more. She turned, looking up into Gabriel's eyes, before burying her face in his chest and letting go. "I...I miss him so much..." she wimpered once more, and Gabriel was speachless. This was not the Tess he had met in Bivens' office. She was not the same person he had fallen for at the spaceport. The fiesty spirit had left, and all that remained was a shattered shell.

Gabriel knew what her finding meant. The lab, as he had suspected, was created by NiMBUS. They were the only ones with access to any of the strains of the infamous virus, and this place was no different. He breathed deep, a weight lifted off his chest, and wrapped his arms around Tess's trembling body. "What do we do now?"

"My father would know what to do..." Tess replied, perking up Gabriel's level of awareness. Could he be the Dr. Becken on the nametag?

"Where is he now?" Gabriel asked, to which Tess responded with tears.

"He died...years ago..." Tess said after some time. "It was a lab accident. That's why I never wanted to work in a lab. I became a field scientist to run from him...from the memories."

"Tess what was his name?" Gabriel continued as he felt the metal nametag press against his leg from inside of his pocket.

"Steven," she replied. "Dr. Steven Becken. I...I miss him too."

"I gotta go back down," Gabriel said after some time. Tess nodded.

"May as well," she said. "I'm really tired." Gabriel hugged her one last time then left, going down the stairs to where all the others were. At the bottom of the stairs, Lieutenant Raiden was now finished with surgery, and seemingly awake.

"That took a lot of balls back there, El-Tee," Gabriel told the Lieutenant, looking down on where he laid.

"Only got two, sir," Raiden replied. "Same as you."

"It earned you a great deal of respect," Gabriel continued, kneeling beside him.

"I don't do my job for metals, Commander," Raiden said, using all his energy to lift his left hand and place it on top of Gabriel's. "I don't want no part of this shit..." Gabriel nodded, noticably upset.

"It's almost too late for that," Gabriel replied, angry at the world. Jaden had caused this...all of this.

"Just get me out of here, and anytime you need something, anytime you want something...I'd give it to you..."

"Lieutenant no one wants to be here right now..."

"Bullshit, sir," Raiden replied. "I've seen the look in your eyes...in the eyes of Ms. Williams...you won't leave until you solve your goddamned mystery. Meanwhile, us nobodies die because of it."

Gabriel lowered his head and closed his eyes. The Lieutenant was right, they wouldn't leave...they couldn't leave. No one was meant to die. Still, they were soldiers. They knew what that meant every time they put on the uniform and picked up their weapon. They knew the risks involved.

"I know what you meant," A voice from behind Gabriel said. Gabriel opened his eyes, rose, and turned around.

"Major?" Gabriel asked. Harper was standing before him.

"You don't think I'm cut out for the job," Harper said, but with a different tone than usual. He wasn't defending himself, he wasn't offended, he was simply asking.

"I think you know all there is to being a soldier," Gabriel replied. "I think you are excellently trained, superbly fit, and vastly intelligent. I just don't think you have the personality a soldier normally has. You pause before decisions. You reflect upon your actions. That's not a luxury you're meant to have."

"All my life I wanted to be like my dad," Harper explained, staring at the floor. "He was a great soldier, a great leader. He died in battle not long after I was born, but he never saw me, nor knew of my birth. I...I wanted him to live through me, so I joined the military. No matter what happened, no matter what I didn't agree with, I stayed the course. It's what my dad would have wanted. I won some great battles in the civil war, but I was imprisoned in the siege of the capital and held by the resistance until the end. I had failed, and I felt the weight of my father upon me for it. This was my chance, Commander. This was my oppertunity to redeem myself. But now what have I done? I ventured off on a personal quest, killing our target and injuring another."

"You didn't kill him," Gabriel said.

"I killed countless numbers of those bastards," Harper said, looking Gabriel in the eyes as his voice raised. "And I'm responsible for Jaden. Damnit Gabriel I'm responsible for everyone here. You say that I don't have the luxury of reflecting upon my actions...well I also don't have the luxury of merely looking out for myself. The whole team is my responsiblity...everyone here."

Gabriel and Harper exchanged glances for a while, before Gabriel turned his head and went back upstairs. At the top of the steps, he turned right instead of left, and went into his own room, sitting on his own bed. As he pulled the nametag, with "Dr. Steven Becken" inscribed on it, out from his pocket, he thought not about what the doctor had done, but who the doctor had been.

Tess became a scientist because of her father, and changed what kind of scientist she would be due to the man as well, even after her father had died. Gerald Harper joined the military because of his dad, and no matter how many things he disagreed with, he never quit...so that his deceased father would be pleased. Gabriel's father had been slaughtered by terrorists at a young age. Deep in the diamond trade, his father had been robbed, his mother raped, but both were murdered before his eyes. Was this what drove him to be an agent? Was this what made him decide to do what he had to do, so that things like this would never happen again?

Loss was a part of life. Death came as sure as the sun setting at night. With all his might, Gabriel fought loss. With all his energy, Gabriel tried to make sure that the damned sun stayed in the sky, lighting the path before him. One day the sun would never set, Gabriel told himself. He'd make sure of it.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662447.png
Major Gerald Harper

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p668638.png
First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

Paul had picked up a few throwing knives, but the rest of his equipment was abandonned at the fight. He checked his pockets. A pack of chewing gum, a Swiss Army Knife, and some string. Perfect, he thought. I can beat any enemy with these... He quickly shoved those items back into his pockets. There would be some way to use them later, but for now...

"I'll need a gun," Paul said. "I used up mine in the fight."

Paul sat down. My memories are back now, but there is a gap in my memory, he thought. After Tatania I don't remember anything. Something must have happened between then and when I was at the spaceport - but what?

I must think. What was it? I have no clue of what happened. I must try to think and concentrate. I made it out of Tatania alive. Then... He thought hard. Then I was taken on some spaceship. And I was dropped off and...


I am in a spaceport on some strange planet. I have a ticket to earth and am about to go there when... when... I see them. NiMbus. They have guns. They surround me. I pull out my gun and try to shoot them. Two are taken out. They pull out their guns.

I am shot. It must be some kind of tranquilizer. They approach me. I keep shooting. I run out of ammo. They come closer. I kick one and start fighting. I am shot again. I am getting tired... Very tired...

The world is fading out. No! They cannot capture me. I will do everything I can to stop them from...


Paul woke up from the flashback. So that is what happened to me. The others were in the middle of a conversation. They didn't even notice that Paul was having a flashback. It made sense, then.

NiMBUS captured me, he thought. They must have... have... I don't know what they did to me. They captured me and did something and then installed that memory inhibitor. I was dropped off at another spaceport.

I don't know what they did, though. I could compromise the whole mission. I must go. Everything could be over. The only option I have is to leave. Anything else could bring down the mission.

But I wasn't chosen to go on this mission, he argued with himself. They took me along because I helped them before. I made it out of Tatania and I can make it out of this. I will help them make it through this. I can win this.

Now what am I going to do with what I have? Gum. Knife. String. ... If I managed to cut the string with the knife and attach it to a wall with the gum, then I have something that could slow down the enemy. I have one grenade left. I could attach the string to the grenade and whoever trips over the wire will be blown up. The explosion sound would also warn the team to fall back. It just might work. I just need to find a place to lay the trap. I'll ask the others later.

Paul picked up his three throwing knives. The knives were covered in blood from the fight before. He picked up some cloth and started to clean the knives. He happened to overhear what the others were saying. However, he did not speak. Paul had nothing to say to them.

Or do I? thought he. I still need some weapon. My trap is one-time only and I don't have too many knives left. I'll need a gun. Several actually. If that was merely the first of many battles, then I definately need several more weapons.

Many more fights are to come. I might not make it. I might not never know fully what happened when I was captured. If I don't make it...

Don't think like that. You're going to get out of here. I have to. After everything that happened to me, I am not going to accept defeat. I will live. I am sure of it. And what happened to me?

Paul continued thinking. Something happened to him and he needed to know what. He tried to concentrate. Tried to think. What happened to me after I was captured? After everything blacked out what did they do to me? I need to think. I need to picture that place.


Gray, plain walls. One door. A mirror - probably a one-way mirror in which they can see through but I can't. I'm in a wooden chair. There are speakers on the walls. The Voice speaks.

"Where are the others?" the Voice asks.

"They're not with me," I reply.

"And can you tell me their location?"

"No! I will not allow them to fall in harms way!" I shout defiantly.

"So you would rather die instead of those whom you barely know? Tell me their location and I might spare you."

"Never! You can kill me! I will say nothing!"

"Then I have no choice." Suddenly, a jolt of electricity comes through the chair. It hurts! I feel pain! I scream in the pain! Then it stops. "Don't worry. I won't kill you. There are worse things than death."

"You're not turning me into a zombie."

"No," the voice replies. "Not a zombie. Something far worse. I shall wipe out your memories. You shall walk around aimlessly not knowing who you are or where you came from. You will be half a person. Every 48 hours the memory inhibitor will reset wiping out everything you learned in that time. It will be nearly impossible to disable and because you won't know about it - you will not be able to. You shall live without living."


Paul screamed. The others looked over at them. Someone asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," replied Paul. "Nothing really. Just had a flashback."

"Oh."

"I need a gun."

[OOC: Not as long as SB's post, but still long.]

“What the hell happened?” said Kurt, eyeing Chad’s bandaged shoulder and the dried blood on his face.

“He led us into a trap,” Chad replied weakly.

“Who the hell are you talking about?” Kurt asked innocently.

“Jaden, Kurt! That bastard Jaden! He led us into a fucking trap!” exploded Chad. He sat down and covered his face with both hands.

Kurt sat down next to him. “Where the hell is he?”

“They killed him,” muttered Chad, his lips quivering.

“They?” inquired Kurt.

“The villagers, Kurt!” Chad burst out again. “The villagers! Apparently what so-called deluded bastard Major Harper saw wasn’t just a fluke. Apparently it wasn’t just fucking bad aim. Good men died today, Kurt… but I know you wouldn’t care about that…”

“What the fuck do you mean that I wouldn’t care about human suffering, you self-indulgent prick!” exploded Kurt, who immediately sprung to his feet. “I’ll tell you a little story about my indifference to human suffering. Not longer than four years ago, I was sent along with over a thousand other of my colleagues to Eris Kallisti in an extraction mission to get the civilians the hell outta there before the Morgies invaded. Thousands rescued and I was there each time, going back in to retrieve more. We only needed to drop in once, but I refused. And you’re calling me indifferent to human suffering? I saw the fear in their eyes and that’s what drove me back in again and again. I knew what would happen if Melkor’s forces landed, and I that moved me to go back in again. I knew the dangers that were present. I still went back in, all because of bloody human suffering that I wanted to prevent, you sick bastard!”

“I’m glad you’re so proud of yourself, you prick,” Chad retorted.

“You shitfaced dick. What the hell did you do? What the hell happened back there? Enlighten me to this great ordeal you endured. Please,” Kurt viciously replied.

“You wanna know what happened, Kurt? We were fucking ambushed by hundreds of deranged villagers infected with some virus used in biological warfare. Whatever the hell attacked us wasn’t human anymore. They were mindless beasts, yet that they were sophisticated enough to plot an ambush. They evolve, Kurt, and it isn’t going to be long before they figure out how to use the loose ammunition we left behind. This thing is much bigger than you and I would have ever imagined and I think if you took the time to look around the room, you’d see clear evidence that what I speak is the fucking truth. Wake up, Kurt, and start paying attention. Stop wallowing in self-pity. Because if we aren’t both in on this shit, we’re going to take a dirt nap.”

Chad stormed out of the room indignantly and up the stairs into his quarters. He had heard enough belittling for the night.

Jeez, what is he… a teenage daughter pissed off because I wouldn’t let her go to the prom? “God damn pussy,” Kurt mused.

“You fucking dickwad,” said a voice from behind him.

“Who the hell are you?” said Kurt, turning around to meet eyes with another commando, his clothing stained in blood.

“You inconsiderate bastard. You saw shit and you know shit. Wake up and smell the roses, grandpa… some serious shit is going down. Perhaps you should pay attention,” the commando answered, turning around to join with his friends.

“Fuck off,” Kurt returned.

“You’re going to need to take out the earplugs and remove the blindfolds sooner or later, bud,” the commando said, turning his head back to beam a dirty look at Kurt.

Kurt shook his head as the thought that what Flark may have been actually telling the truth gained ground. The other commandos were tattered and even Major Harper seemed both physically and mentally battered by the encounter. Surely something had happened, but the entire notion that evolved zombies had set up an ambush seemed foolish. Yet, the accounts were all the same. Six people he asked, and the stories remained consistent for the most part. Could it be possible that something like this had actually happened? Flark was telling the truth…

Upstairs, Chad was sitting alone on his bed with a bottle of vodka that he had seemingly smuggled aboard the vessel… concealing it somewhere. He was sweating profusely, his posture hunched over as he stared at the ground. The lights were off, yet the light of the moon was dim for one to easily recognize all the corners of the room.

“Shit,” groaned Chad in a slurred voice, as he took another swig of vodka. He had seen death before; he had been a Special Marine for over a year and was accustomed to the travails of war.

But perhaps the differing factor was the shock value and the thought of death lurking behind him. He had nearly been killed today by a mass of infected villagers, saved only by the unknown man that caused controversy when they first arrived. Still, Chad took another swig of vodka.

“You shouldn’t be drinking at this hour, especially since we’ll be most definitely heading out tomorrow,” cracked a voice from outside the door.

“Fuck off, Kurt,” dismissed Chad.

“Flark, you were right. I’ll admit it. What you saw was genuine. That doesn’t mean you can get drunk off your ass,” Kurt said, opening the door and entering the room. “Get some sleep.”

“Since when did you become a caring nanny?” sarcastically barked Chad.

“Since I discovered you said something that was actually true,” chuckled Kurt. “But seriously, Flark, there’ll be plenty time to waste your life drinking after this shit.”

“What do you care? Why do you care all of a sudden, Kurt? Give me a true reason, not some bullshit.”

“I still don’t care, Flark. I just want to get out of here too. I don’t know what the hell you saw, but I want out because of it.”

“Then WHY DON’T YOU JUST RUN AWAY, YOU COWARD!” bellowed Chad, hurling the vodka bottle against the wall, shattering the glass everywhere.

“Because it’s not in my nature to be a coward, Flark. I may not give a shit about this entire mission, but I deal with it. Maybe you should learn to start dealing with your problems too,” Kurt hissed, turning to leave.

“Kurt,” Chad addressed in an inebriated voice.

Kurt stopped. “What?”

Chad sighed and after a short pause, simply dismissed the direct address. “Nothing. Just remember that the next time you lecture me on how to cope to take a deep breath and realize the irony in that statement.”

“Whatever, Flark,” Kurt returned, as he closed the door.

The sounds of guns firing echoed in Chad’s ears as he lay on his back while staring blankly at the ceiling. Though his vision was blurred due to the excess consumption of alcohol, he attempted to count the tiles. All the horrors of the day would soon lose their bite by the next morning, as was the life of a Special Marine [to live and let live]… but for tonight they would remain fresh on his mind…

Kurt rubbed his eyes as he sat down on his bed and laid back. The ordeal was only just to begin and Kurt had yet to be drawn into it. I’m never going to get the hell out of here… he thought to himself quietly. He had neglected to do much this entire mission. Perhaps it was time for him to finally pay his due.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/kurt.jpg
Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

The mood at the safe house had been dreary to say the least since the arrival of the second team, word had quickly spread about the ambush. Each and everyone of handling it in their own way, Emily had taken refuge out on the front porch, choosing to be alone. Augustine and Jocelyn had remained inside trying to figure out what this all meant.

“We after all are trained to handle this” said Jocelyn continuing the conversation.

“We were trained to deal with the walking dead” answered Augustine quickly “similar to those at Tatania and Steel Moon, these are something different”

“So what, we are Tappee’s elite force” shot Jocelyn “All we have to do adapt”

Her arrogance was quickly beginning to annoy Augustine “Not only are we fighting something that doesn’t not fear death, but has intelligence equal to our” a hint of anger could be heard in his voice “Just look into the eye’s of everyone was there at the ambush, their different” It wasn’t that he was afraid, he was a realist. Unlike some many others he had actually taken time to listen, he had heard the horrors of her stories. Emily had seen more of this then everyone here, when she had returned he could see the terror in her eyes. That was a thought that scared him more then any other, in the next little while they would have to rely on her experiences.

It was then that he notice Emily had made her way back in, and her appearance worried him, even from where he was sitting she looked visible ill. “Excuse me Jocelyn” Augustine jumped from seat and cut his way across the room towards Emily

“Emily are you ok” he said quietly so no one else would here. Her face was pale, and from what he could see she was sweating profusely. “you don’t look so hot right now.”

“I’m fine” her voice weak and wavered slightly “I just need to get some rest that all” she pushed passed Augustine.

“Are you sure?” asked Augustine still concerned for her safety

Impatient and annoyed Emily turned to face Augustine “Listen I said…” she stuttered a few phrases, suddenly her world turned dark and her body gave way under her.

“Emily!” yelled Augustine as he reached out catching her. In panic he looked over at his partner “Jocelyn Help!”

Turning to see what was going Jocelyn was startled to see Augustine easing Emily to ground. Without hesitation she was on her feet running over the Augustine and Emily.

No sooner had Augustine got Emily to the ground when her body started to shake violently and uncontrollably. Getting down on her knee’s Jocelyn placed Emily’s head on her lap to prevent Emily head from hitting the floor. It clear to both Jocelyn and Augustine that Emily was having some type of seizure. Augustine pulled out his switch blade and handed to Jocelyn “Put this in mouth so she wouldn’t bit her tongue.”

Taking the blade she put the handle in Emily mouth “What the hell is going”

“She heating up and her pulse is erratic” Panic could hear in his voice

“Some one help” yelled Jocelyn trying to get the others attention.

"What the fuck's going on here?" Harper screamed, bounding up the stairs. Emily on the floor answered his question. Quickly he scrambled to his med kid. Gabriel would have as well, had he been there.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

All was quiet at the lakeshore in the dead of night. No birds sang. No crickets chirped. Tess touched Gabriel on the shoulder, comforting him. She had been discovered minutes ago, but Gabriel didn't mind her companionship like the others. Her comfort was not only in her touch, but her presence as well.

Less than a half an hour ago he had left, gun and nametag in hand, leaving the safehouse alone to venture off into the shadows. Tess, of all people, had seen him sneak away, and against her better judgement she had followed him as all the others sat idle in their beds.

Gabriel, upon finding her behind him, was about to send her back until she saw the nametag. Her father's name engraved, she begged Gabriel to come along, and out of pity he let her. They had walked through the still city in silence, cautious of their surroundings, fearing the horrors which they had been told of. Now, as Gabriel stripped down to his wet suit once again, preparing to descend into the murky depths, Tess was convinced she would come along.

"I thought it was too dirty?" Gabriel said, chuckling to himself.

"Nope," Tess said, purposly taking off her overcoat in a seductive manner. "That was you."

The two of them waded into the water, vanishing into the murky depths. Slowly they swam deeper, hand in hand, until they came upon the door of the lab. Opening it, Gabriel led Tess inside.

"So this is where my father worked..." Tess thought out loud. "This is where he...died..."

Gabriel hadn't thought of that. Nevertheless, if Dr. Steven Becken died in a lab accident, this would be the place.

"What in the world were they doing here?" Tess asked, meticulously examining each broken tube, each dish, each record. Gabriel made his way towards the computer, still on. The files were still open.

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"We need to stabilize her heart!" Major Harper yelled as the commandos made their way to the scene. "She's going into shock!"

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"These are all genetic experiments," Tess remarked. Gabriel rolled his eyes. That fact seemed rather obvious.

"Not anymore," Gabriel said, pointing to all the shattered tubes.

"No I meant the people out there," Tess countered. "The ones that the team met."

"Yeah, Tess, Jaden told them that," Gabriel replied, impatient.

"Jaden just skimmed the surface," Tess continued. "That whole instict thing...that's just one of the three."

"One of the three what?"

"Experiments, moron," She snapped, but her tone was light.

"Then what are the other two, your highness?"

"You heard about those Aurals...right?" Tess asked. Gabriel nodded, not turning his head from the screen. "Well one of the experiments involves them...and the traits they have. Stuff like regeneration, advanced reflexes, superior strength...speed...agility."

"Superman?" Gabriel joked. The Terran hero was a legend in the Empire as well. There was hardly a place where Superman had not been seen, read, or heard of.

"Pretty close," Tess said. "But probably better. I'm thinking super-soldier." Gabriel didn't reply, so Tess continued. "The third is much stranger. It seems to enable transformations...matter shifts. Wow this stuff is crazy. It brings the emotions...the instincts...to a physical, visible form. Gabriel are you listening to me?"

"Tess shutup..."

"Excuse me?"

"No no," Gabriel explained. "Look at this."

"Gabriel, I'm sure it can..."

"Tess...that transformation thing...what was it called?"

"The Angelos Project," Tess replied. "Enabled by the QIII-Angelos virus."

"Then what's the Acciaio Project?"

"QIV virus it says," Tess said. "The superman thing."

"Get your ass over here," Gabriel commanded. Shaking her head, Tess closed her book and walked over to the large screen. "Our...our names..." Tess scanned the list, and as she did, she covered her mouth with her hands. Gabriel was right; their names were listed. Both of them shivered, unsure of what to do next.

"Hello Tess...Gabriel..."

Gabriel froze. The room had suddenly become much colder.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Major Gerald Harper

Major Harpers response was the same as everyone else, utter shock. While Harper was off trying to find a med kit, Augustine and Jocelyn struggle to do what they could.

“What the hell is going on here” asked Jocelyn while firmly hold holding Emily head in her lap.

“Not sure but I have some idea” was the response that Augustine gave “Vitals?”

Jocelyn did her best to take Emily’s vital signs given the circumstances “BP 80 over 30, pulse 180” she gave Augustine a grim look.

Swearing under his breath he took the med kit that Harper had brought “We need to stabilize her heart, she’s going into shock!” proclaimed the Major.

Truth was the major wasn’t doctor, but he was right, they had to find a way to end this seizure and somehow stabilize Emily. Panicked Augustine searched through the med kit for anything that may be of value. Band-Aids, gauzes, and other standard medical gear went fly around the room as Augustine simply tossed away things that he did think were important until he came to the back of the kit where a series of injections were stored. Scaning over the injections he found a muscle relaxant injunction.

“This will do” said Augustine to no one but himself. Unstrapping his belt he tied it firmly around Emily arm. Desperately he furiously tapped he arm hoping for a vein to present itself, when one finally did he drove the needle in forcing the serum in to her blood. “Come on Kido don’t do this to me, your tougher then this”

For what seemed an eternity they waiting to injection to take effect. Gradually Emily seizure slowed down until she was resting on the floor. With the seizure over Augustine puller the switchblade from Emily’s mouth, a deep teeth imprint had been left in the dense plastic. “Help get her on a bed” with the others help Augustine moved Emily limp body from the floor to a nearby bed “She still burning up” he could feel the extreme being radiated by her body as they moved her “Jocelyn find Emily’s back pack there more medical gear there, I need some Saline and need it now.”

As Jocelyn went searching, he poured water from his canteen over her head, trying to bring her body temperature.

“Augustine” He turned to find Jocelyn standing behind him with a bag of Saline and an IV “Here”

“Thank” said Augustine as to took everything “Search her bag for anything out of the ordinary” While Jocelyn began looking through Emily’s bag, Augustine hooked up the IV in the same arm that he had did the injection.

With everything that he could do done, covered Emily is a thermal blanket that was lying nearby. Augustine turned his attention over to Jocelyn who by now was holding a small bottle.

Realizing that Augustine was now paying attention she tossed the bottle over to him “Yrazoprothanal” was all she said as the bottle floated through the air.

Catching the bottle Augustine noted the bottle was half empty “Thought as much”

“You knew” barked Jocelyn before he could continue “When where you going to tell the rest of us!”

“I didn’t think that it was that bad” shot Augustine back

http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/02.09/feature/3/amagi.jpg
Emily

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Augustine

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Jocelyn

"What?" The voice questioned, stepping from the shadows. "Did you think you were alone?"

"Y-you're dead," Gabriel stammered, slowly reaching for his pistol as he grabbed the chip that he downloaded the list onto.

"Did you see me die?" The voice asked. Jaden stepped into view. "Do I look dead to you?"

"Jaden!" Tess shouted, running up and embracing him. She gave him a playful slap. "Don't do that to me! I was so worried!"

"How'd you get in?" Gabriel asked, squinting his eyes. "The door's right there."

"Procul is an old mining town," Jaden replied. "There are plenty of passages underground."

"And all mining towns have passages leading to a secret underground lab..."

"With evil doctors, and henchmen, and world domination plans too..." Jaden laughed sarcastically.

"From the looks of it you're not far off," Gabriel spat. Jaden rolled his eyes.

"Oh get over yourself, asshole," Jaden shot. "The gig's up...the charade's over." Gabriel raised his pistol. "Oh put it away Michael. It's insulting to think that I hadn't planned out your every move."

"Michael?" Tess asked, giving Gabriel a strange look. "Jaden what's going on?"

"You live the life of a traitor...you die a traitor's death..." Jaden continued, glaring at the agent on the opposite side of the lab.

"You're the one with the knack for betrayal, Steven," Gabriel shot back. "To your kind, to the team...to yourself..."

"Steven?" Tess stammered. "Jaden what's happening? Why are Gabriel and I on this list?"

"Ask him," Jaden said, pointing to Gabriel. "Ask him why your names are on the list."

"I have no clue," Gabriel replied. "I don't know what you're implying..."

"Bullshit!"

"What are you trying to drag me into?"

"You know exactly what you're doing!"

"Arms above your head!" Gabriel demanded. "You are under arrest in the name of the Emperor, Dave..."

"He's on my side," Jaden shot back. "He's with me."

"Are you planning to betray him as well?"

"I'm planning to stop you!"

"ENOUGH!" Tess shouted, putting her hands over her ears and kneeling to the ground. "You two are driving me mad! Jaden...stop scaring me. Tell me the truth..."

"This man," Jaden accused, pointing towards Gabriel. "Is a monster."

"If she'd only look in your heart she'd see who the real monster..."

"PLEASE!" Tess begged, staring at Gabriel. Tears flowed freely from her eyes.

"This is his plan," Jaden continued. Gabriel shook with rage. "This is his lab...his virus...or at least he wants it to be."

"He's crazed," Gabriel countered. "Why do you think the Empire lost contact with him? Why do you think he ran here and not the safehouse after his presumed death? Those bastard fiends probably carried him here, him, their king."

"And yet I'm the one dealing with insanity?"

"I'm the one with the gun!"

"BOTH OF YOU!" Tess screamed, her head in her hands. "Stop it! Stop it! You're both wicked! Stop it!"

"Tess please..." Jaden pleaded. "This man has done nothing but hurt you. I'm here for you sweetheart."

"I've done nothing of the sort!" Gabriel shouted.

"And her father?"

"What of him?" Tess asked.

"You killed him!" Jaden accused.

"Fuck you!" Gabriel shouted.

"Tell me you don't forget!" Jaden said, his eyes ablaze. "Tell me he wasn't just another target for you to drain your clip into! Better yet! Tell her!"

"Fuck you, Steven!" Gabriel screamed, shooting Jaden in the chest twice. Jaden dropped to the floor, still alive.

"No Gabriel..." Tess cried, pulling out a pistol. Her hand shaking, her aim shifted back and fourth between the two of them.

"He's a fucking liar," Gabriel replied. "You know it...I know you do..."

"He doesn't care about you Tess!" Jaden continued from the floor. "This man...all he knows is death. He's here to sell us all to hell! He's at fault! He's the reason!"

"Don't throw your life away!" Gabriel screamed, pleading with the woman before him. "Don't listen."

"Did you kill my father?" Tess demanded at gunpoint. "Tell me now. Did you or did you not?"

"Tess, your father was a..." Gabriel began.

"NOOO!" Tess shrieked, letting loose a volley of lead into Gabriel's chest. The bullets tore through his lungs, blowing his body backwards as he collapsed onto the ground. "HOW COULD YOU?" She screamed, emptying her clip into the pitiful heap on the floor of the lab until his broken body laid silent on the cold metal, his blood spilled across the room.

Shaking visibly, Tess fell to her knees before Jaden, cradling his head in her hands. Ripping his clothes, she pressed the cloth against the bullet wounds, her tears running down her face and onto his.

"Tess," Jaden began. His voice was weak, rough.

"No honey, don't talk," Tess said through her sobs. "Save your strength."

"Your father," Jaden continued anyhow. His tone was growing in strength. Slowly, he sat up unassisted. "Your father was a bastard."

"W...what?" Tess whispered as her eyes grew. Quickly she crawled away from him, grabbing her gun once more.

"All this...this is your father's fault," Jaden explained, rising to his feet.

"What the hell are you?" Tess cried, raising her weapon. She pulled the trigger, but it was empty.

"Tess I came to save you from that asshole," Jaden said, pointing to Gabriel's corpse. "He was far too interested in what your father was doing..."

"Then save me!" Tess demanded. "Get me out of here!"

"It's too late for that, Tess," Jaden continued, shaking his head in misery. "You know the truth..."

"No I don't!" Tess screamed. "I don't know anything!"

"Tess you saw the list...I stood here watching you!" Jaden explained.

"NO!"

"You're not making this any easier..." Jaden said, raising his rifle.

"I won't tell anyone...I swear!" Tess pleaded, now on her knees.

"People like him...they have other ways of getting the information..." Jaden replied. "They don't need you to talk." Rifle raised, Jaden shot the mainframe of the lab's computer, destroying the information inside. "I can't let that information get out, hun. The world can't see..."

"No..." Tess whispered, sitting down. She knew what was coming.

"Besides," Jaden continued. "I saw how you looked at him. I can only guess what you did..."

Tess stared at the barrel before her, no longer crying, no longer scared. "You can go fuck yourself, Jaden!"

"Honey I wish you wouldn't..."

"Don't call me that!" Tess screamed.

"So be it..." Jaden replied. "This lab will go down with the both of you. It won't be recovered."

"I hope they fucking kill you Jaden!" Tess shouted. "I hope they tear you to pieces!"

"Didn't you hear?" Jaden responded. "They already did."

The bullet tore through Tess's heart, taking her breath, and her life, away.

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

"It's not like I'll be gone forever!" Dr. Steven Becken said, pleading with his daughter. His excuses now fell upon dead ears.

"Graduation is in two weeks!" Tess replied, crossing her arms. "I'm sick of it dad! You always have to go somewhere...always have to do something..."

"Tess I do the best that I can for my family," her father countered.

"No dad," Tess shot back. "We need you here...not out risking your life for people we don't even know!"

"For Christ's sake Tess," Steven Becken said, raising his arms dramatically. "I'm going away to do research. Risking my life? I wish it was that exciting, honey...but it's not. I run tests and record results...no more...no less."

"Well it sure takes up a hell of a lot of..."

"Don't use that tone with me, Tess," Steven warned. "Not now...not just as I'm leaving..."

"Fine dad," Tess replied. "Just fine."

"One day you're going to have to chose a future for yourself, Tess," Dr. Becken explained. "If there is one risk I have taken, it is to do whatever I can for my family. I hope I am always able to risk everything for those who I love."

"I'm going to be with those I love!" Tess said, a single tear rolling down her soft cheek. "I'm not going to do something that takes me away from them!"

"That's what I told myself once," Steven Becken said, closing his eyes tightly as he embraced his daughter, remembering those days and the promises he had made. Looking at her face he smiled, wiping away the tear. The sounds of the dropship grew louder as it landed outside his house.

"Then why didn't you listen?" Tess asked, holding back any more signs of sadness. She had to be strong in her father's absence, at least for her mother. Keira always missed her husband so much. It often worried Tess in her younger years, and that fear had not mellowed through the ages.

"Things came up," Steven replied, kicking himself inside.

"They always do," Tess said in return. Steven frowned as he opened the front door.

"I love you," he said to his daughter.

"Me too," Tess replied, waving as he shut the door behind him, leaving her yet again.

Dr. Steven Becken shook his head numerous times as he made his way to the dropship. She was right, and they both knew it. His wife wouldn't even see him off anymore. It hurt her too much to see him leave. This was the sacrifice he made for his family. This was the life he chose, to give them the life they deserved.

"You ok?" A balding man said as Dr. Becken sat down beside him in the ship. The man removed his sunglasses and put his arm around the doctor.

"If you have to know," Steven replied. "I can't say that I am..."

"You'd think it'd get easier," the man continued, removing his arm from Dr. Becken's shoulder. "Then again...what do I know...I don't have family."

"It's a shame," Steven said, referring to Mr. Cubeta's lack of a family. This fact was lost on the Vice President of Keccer, Inc., who thought he was still talking about them leaving.

"Don't worry, Steve," Peter Cubeta, Jr. responded. "After this one, there will be no need to leave again. We're finishing it up, buddy. The head honcho's proud as ever. Our facility pressed the corporation forward decades! In a few months, we'll be richer than god!"

"I was never a religious man," Dr. Becken replied. Peter Cubeta nodded. Neither was he, nor most people in the Empire for that matter. Still, even after centuries of athesism, old saying died hard. "And it's not your corporation."

"Not my money either, now is it?" Peter continued. "The point is, this is our last big trip. No more leaving your family in tears. No more missed appointments with the rest of the world!"

Dr. Steven Becken just smiled as the dropship vanished into the sunset, making its way through the atmosphere. How many times had Mr. Keccer told him that already?

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Dr. Steven Becken
Lead Developer
Procul Facility

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Tess Becken

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Peter Cubeta, Jr.
VP of Keccer Inc.

Don was sitting with his back on the wall, listening to the voices float about him from both inside the house and the porch. Staring absentmindedly at the golden streak of light from one of the buildings windows he reflected.

Why, of all the planets the Corporation could have sent me to, why here, despite their omnipresent control within AFRP I don’t think they really touch this far to know about this. So what then, fate? Bad luck? Don’t know, do I really care? I should have died in that forsaken torture pit along with the rest of my men. Every day it kills me, just a bit at a time, damn them, did they know that it would happen, did they know it would eat at me!

A low gurgle from his stomach roused him from his dialog.

“Ugh, so now I’m hungry, n’w that their slop wasn’t gr’at but hopid it last longa than this.”

Hearing the commotion from the porch, Don peeks into the window, empty, they must all be out there helping who ever…

Slowly pushing it upwards, he clamors as quietly as possible across the threshold. “Now, th’y must got some grub here…”

And began rummaging.

"R?"

"R. X?"

"X."

"Ready to save the world again?"

"This isn't for the world, R," Gabriel told Jaden over the comm link. "It's for us...remember?"

"Heh," Jaden replied. "I'm but a lowly personal assitant."

"How much more time?" Gabriel asked, brushing off the joke.

"The guard changes in ten minutes," Jaden replied.

"Damnit..."

"We've waited for three years, X," Jaden said. "Ten more minutes isn't going to matter."

Steven DuBose and Michael Xavier were the two most promising agents for the Empire. Three years ago, they had found out why. This far off facility had made them that way, changed them into supersoldiers for the Empire to use. However, they had found out, and three years ago they promised to bring down the facility at Procul, whatever way possible.

Steven, now known as Jaden to protect his identity, had been under cover for the last year and a half. Proving his trust numerous times, Jaden had risen to the level of Dr. Becken's personal assistant, the person who ran the doctor's every day life. Jaden wrote letters to the doctor's family, he prepared his meals, and he told him of any news going on in the outside world. Dr. Becken hadn't left the lab in over five years the rumors said.

"Three more minutes..."

Michael Xavier, known to everyone as simply X, had been planning this attack since the day he found out the truth. All his accomplishments, all his awards, they were all because of these bastards down below. X couldn't be sure if anything he did was because of his own strength, his own intelligence, his own person. "Enlightened Experiment," X told himself, laughing. Soon NiMBUS would see the error in their ways.

Even through the murky water, X could hear the bell ring, signalling the change of the guard. Silently, X crept into the underwater facility, sneaking his way towards the main room. Soon, Jaden stood before him.

"Miss me?" X asked, flipping Jaden a pistol with a supressor attached.

"Somehow I got by," Jaden replied sarcastically, pulling back the top of his gun to load the chamber.

"Well I know I cried every night," X laughed. Jaden rolled his eyes as Dr. Becken came into view.

"What the hell is this?" Steven Becken asked, dropping his clipboard in front of him.

"Recognize me?" X asked menacingly.

"Should I?" The Doctor asked, slowly backing up against a door.

"Well you should, motherfucker," X spat. "Yeah...you should remember me real well."

Dr. Becken slammed a button beside the door behind him. Almost instantly, Agent X threw a knife at his hand, pinning it to the wall and sending a bolt of electricity through the doctor's body. The shrill, piercing ring of the alarm cut through the air as guards poured in from both sides. As quick as they could, Jaden and X pulled the doctor into the open door, ripping the knife, still stuck on the wall, through his hand. The door slammed shut behind them.

"Like that, do you?" X taunted as the doctor held his torn hand in his other palm. Jaden quickly ran his gun across the shelf, knocking over all the vials holding the virus. X turned and opened fire on the large test tubes reaching from the floor to the ceiling in the middle of the room. Large, mutilated bodies fell from the tubes, gasping in anguish. X ended them all.

"More like us?" Jaden screamed at the doctor, now in tears. "How many people, doctor? How many people must you kill?"

"I was just trying to give my family..." Dr. Becken began, but X rapped him on the side of the doctor's head with his pistol. "My daughter...I promised...I promised..."

"Why the fuck would you ever...?" X began, beconing the doctor to reply.

"For the Empire," Steven Becken responded, slowly rising to his feet.

"Wrong answer," X shot back, both with his mouth and his gun. The bullets pierced the doctor's chest, quickly making their way up to his head. The last shot tore through the doctor's left eye, blowing out the back of his skull. Grey matter splattered across the wall. X reached out, grabbing a vile in his hand, and noticed that Jaden had not taken off after their other target, the Vice President of Keccer, Inc.

"If I had known you were going to..." Jaden began as X felt the anger swell up inside of him.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" X screamed, waving his pistol in the direction of the Vice President's room. "Kill him!"

"X...man I can't let you..."

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates
Also Known As
Steven DuBose

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Dr. Steven Becken
Lead Developer
Procul Facility

"The mission's more important..."

She knew and she couldn't know, Jaden told himself. He couldn't have risked her telling anyone. Well, she wouldn't be telling anyone now. He did his job. He stopped that.

"The misson's more important," he said aloud, making his way back to his safehouse, back to those who now undoubtedly believed in his demise.

Afterall, he told himself, he had died. Death was never something he counted on. Perhaps that's why he was so careless. The ambush should have been obvious...but only to him...only he would have known.

From the moment he laid eyes on Gabriel, Jaden knew that nothing good would come of this assignment. Why Emperor Bivens had let Gabriel come was now beyond Jaden's understanding. Maybe Gabriel was beyond the Emperor's understanding.

Still, Gabriel now laid slain on the steel floor as he slowly sunk into the lake along with the rest of the lab. Gabriel was another old landmark that needed to be passed, another sick dog that needed to be put to sleep. For doing so, Jaden would recieve little, but by doing so, he was that much closer to achieving his dream.

The house, his house, seemed peaceful as Jaden came upon it. Its walls hid the chaos within involving Emily on the second floor. It was this chaos that allowed Jaden to quietly sneak through the door, unnoticed except for one man.

"You're kidding me..." a voice came from beside the stairwell. "You're fucking kidding me." Jaden froze, not recognizing the voice or its tone. Was this man happy...mad...?

"Lieutenant?" Jaden asked, approaching Raiden, injured and lying on the floor.

"You're damn right you sonofabitch," Raiden whispered. "I'd get the fuck out of here if I was you."

"What are you talking about?" Jaden asked, squinting his eyes as his mind raced inside of his head.

"Well I'd murder your ass myself if I could," Raiden replied, catching Jaden by surprise. Perhaps this would be harder than he thought. "But thanks to you I'm kinda stuck right now."

"Listen," Jaden tried to explain, while trying to keep his voice down at the same time. "I had no clue that they wo..."

"No!" Raiden shot back, his face straining as his voice rose. "You listen to me! You led us through that damn gate blind...right into the ambush! I don't care if you didn't know they were going to attack us like that...you knew the code obvious...you knew what was in there and what they were capable of. Why the fuck would you say something?"

"You had to see it for yourself," Jaden said, scowling. "You didn't believe it when Harper told you."

"Well congradulations, Agent Gates," Raiden snapped. "We all have a damn good idea of what's going on now, dickhead."

Jaden shook his head, making his way up to the second floor slowly. The lieutenant was wrong, Jaden noted to himself as he ascended the stairs. With the lab destroyed, all the locks on the gates would be disengaged, allowing the villagers to run free. Soon they'd be here, Jaden shook his head, and soon the people of this house would realize that none of them knew what was going on.

It was Jaden's job to keep it that way, at least as long as he could.

"What the hell's going on here?" Jaden asked as he approached the people gathered above Emily.

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

“What the hell is going on” Augustine heard someone ask.

“It would appear that she’s been Yrazoprothanal” answered Augustine without looking up to actually see who had asked the question, he had been to busy making sure that Emily’s condition had stabilized.

“It a combat drug that is used by the military” he continued to explain “It allows soldier to maintain combat effectiveness with out sleep for extended periods of time. However, like most things it can only be sustained for a limited amount of time. If someone has been on Yrazoprothanal for to long the body will simply shut down in an attempt to get some rest. From the looks of it Emily has been using Yrazoprothanal for some time, and with attack in the city, it pushed her body to, and past the limit of what it could..” suddenly he paused as he looked to see who had asked the question.

In a smooth motion he had upholstered his gun an brought it to bare on Jaden “What the HELL are you doing here.” There was an awkward silence “From what I heard you died in the attack, and if you are here then your infected.” He glanced over at Jocelyn who already had her gun drawn, and then he glanced back over at Jaden “Protocol dictates that we are to immediately eliminate anyone we believe is infected without hesitation. So you HAVE 15 second to explain yourself before I put a bullet into you head.”

Silence fell as he waited for Jaden to explain what actually was going on.

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Augustine

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Jocelyn[/QUOTE]

"Protocol?" Jaden mocked as he stared down the weapon, shaking his head. "Prove that I'm infected, why don't you? Prove that there's a reason to eliminate me. You're a fool Augustine, far too deep in fear to have any resemblence of a rational thought. I stand before you as your savior...your only ticket out of here. Now return your weapons and tend to the woman."

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

“What the hell?” said Kurt, responding to the commotion downstairs.

Peeking downstairs, he spotted Augustine, Jocelyn, Major Harper, and several others surrounding Emily who had been seizing on the floor. Kurt hustled down the stairway as the convulsions came to a halt.

Confused, Kurt posed a question, “What the hell?” His question went unanswered as Augustine busily hovered over Emily, ensuring that she was stable.

From the crowd, another man posed the same question, “What the hell is going on?”

“It would appear that she’s been Yrazoprothanal,” answered Augustine without looking up to actually see who had asked the question.

As Augustine continued to explain that the drug’s purpose was to maintain a soldier’s effectiveness through long periods without sleep. Furthermore, Emily had been overdosing on the drug, causing the body to completely shut down, the root cause behind the reaction.

In a brief moment, Augustine had holstered his gun and aimed it at the inquirer. Several more guns followed, Kurt’s eyes following their directions until it met with an unexpected figure. Kurt reached for his pistol as well before the man shot back a response to Augustine’s holstering and sudden outburst.

Jaden answered smoothly, calmly dismissing Augustine’s accusation of infection. As Jaden declared his divinity, Kurt raised his pistol higher cautiously, to defend himself against any further deceptions and concocted surprises that Jaden was bound to offer to the team. Jaden was a lying mongrel; he had led Harper and Chad into that chaotic trap. He had supposedly died and now here he was standing before his eyes, apparently untouched by the wounds Chad had witnessed.

As he had become cognizant of the racket downstairs, the inebriated Chad clumsily lumbered down the stairway, attempting to maintain his balance in a blurred world. As he sighted the object of attention, his eyes widened and his face reddened.

“You fucking bastard!” he bellowed, pointing at Jaden. “You fucking bastard. What the fucksare you hiding? Why the fuck’d you try to kill us?” he continued roaring, making his way towards Jaden. Before he leapt onto Jaden, Kurt intercepted him, derailing the potential rampage, and pulled him off by the arm to the side, whispering into his ear to cease this nonsense and that he was in no state to contend with Jaden.

With his pistol still aimed squarely at Jaden and Chad leaning against the stairway to his side, Kurt asked the simplest question, sharply, “And what the hell does that mean?”

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

“Don’t you dare try to lecture me” Shot Augustine back in anger “From all account you died in that ambush, an ambush that you led the team in. Now you stand here and tell me that you are not infected, or to prove that you are.”

There were two people among the team that could test to see if he was truly infected. One was lying on the couch, and suddenly he realized that the other was now unaccounted for. A quick scan around the room told him that both Gabriel and Tess weren’t present. “Jocelyn find Tess and Gabriel” ordered Augustine “Bring them up to speed.”

As Jocelyn went off on her search he turned his attention back to Jaden “Once we find Tess we can settle this once and for all. An given your current track record I don’t think that you have long to live”

Jaden had withdrew his handcannon upon Chad's attempted assault, seemingly ignorant to the fact that all other weapons were pointed at him.

Harper stood, weapon drawn and aimed, in a calm state of disbelief as he stared at the man thought to be dead. There had been a knife through his neck, and yet Jaden had no scar and no blood to show for it. Still, there was no denying what Harper had seen, nor what he saw now before him. The paradox was hard for a man who's mind was deeply rooten in the military, and who's heart was full of logic.

Gerald Harper's head ached. Now, he was not sure if it was due to Jaden, or because his sleep had hardly been rejuvinating ever since he had arrrived on this bastard rock. Often, he mused, he felt more refreshed before he laid down than after he had awaken. It was another paradox he didn't understand as he stood still with his gun raised. In war, life was strangly simple. You won by killing the enemy without being killed yourself. Now, in a matter of three days, everything had changed. Life was complicated in places that it shouldn't be. Harper didn't appreciate this in the least.

With his pistol still aimed squarely at Jaden and Chad leaning against the stairway to his side, Kurt Caesar asked Jaden the simplest question, sharply, “And what the hell does that mean?”

"Have you a way to contact your superiors?" Jaden shot back. "Have you a way to return home?" The momentary silence gave him his response. "I do," he replied, almost bragging. "Beyond the depths of the lake there is a lab, used years ago for science. Within this lab is a broken communicator. With some assitance...I'm sure we could..."

As Jocelyn went off on her search he turned his attention back to Jaden “Once we find Tess we can settle this once and for all. And given your current track record I don’t think that you have long to live.”

Jaden paused, frowning. "If I was indeed infected, I wouldn't have long to live anyhow...at least of the right mind...and I wouldn't fight my suggested assassination. I also would hardly be suggesting that I help you as you threaten my life. Bring Tess here. Let us prove my story." Jocelyn shook her head as she left.

"What of Gabriel?" Harper asked. Gabriel had spoken of the very lab Jaden just mentioned, citing genetic experiments as its cause. Did Jaden not know of Gabriel's discovery?

"What of him?" Jaden asked in response, squinting his eyes.

"Why did you not want him venturing to the lake? What harm would come from the discovery of the lab?" Harper continued. The others, remembering what Gabriel had said of his discovery, began to catch on.

"The water's infected," Jaden replied. "Same stuff as the people. You have to get to the lab through an underground passage...and old mining route. If that water were to get into someone's body, through a mouth, nose, or even a cut on the arm, the results could be horrendous. I didn't want anyone even near that water."

"But..." Harper began, his eyes growing large out of fear. The others were thinking the exact same thing. "Gabriel went in that water...into the lab..." Jaden now froze, seemingly paralized by fear. Cautiously, Harper lowered his gun as he saw Jocelyn returning to the crowd.

"He knows of the lab?" Jaden asked. The Major nodded in confirmation. "Get him now! Hurry! Our escape is threatened! If anything is to happen to that lab...damnit get him now!"

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Major Gerald Harper

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

Nighttime sharpens, heightens each sensation. Darkness stirs and wakes imagination. Silently the senses abandon their defences.

Slowly, gently, the life of night revealed its splendor upon Gabriel. Blind, he could grasp it, sense it, as his tender flesh trembled on the floor. The cold and unfeeling light above rushed into Gabriel's eyes, and he turned his head away from its garishness.

Closing his eyes, Gabriel's past ignited within his mind as he surrendered to the dark dreams of his past. Quickly, Gabriel tried to let go of the hauntings, the life he knew before, but as much as his spirit attempted to soar, it was still bound to the hellish existance of life.

Softly, deftly, a tune echoed throughout Gabriel's head. He could hear it, he could feel it secretly possessing his soul as he laid dead on the floor. Opening his mind, letting his fantasies unwind, Gabriel began his journey through the darkness which he could never fight. In this strange new world he was floating, falling in his sweet intoxication, savoring each sensation that he touched and trusted in his grand angelic descent.

The dream had yet to begin, his darker side yet to give in, as the power of the music of the night echoed through his haunted soul. As the world came into focus, Gabriel once again tried to fade away, but like notes he had been composed, and like notes he was meant to be sung.

And you'll live...as you've never lived...before...

Gabriel opened his eyes once more as he felt the blood of life quickly rushed back through his veins. Within seconds, his heart was beating, and he gasped as the air forced its way back into his lungs. Gaining energy exponentially, he moved his limbs until he was able to sit up, propping his back against the wall.

Tess was sobbing, her body curled up on the other side of the room. She had risen before him. The thoughts reemerged within his mind. Suddenly paniced, Gabriel clasped his chest in his hands, searching for the bullet holes, feeling for pain. Around him, his blood was still wet, sprayed all across the wall and floor, however the holes in his shirt did not lead to holes in his skin, and pain was nowhere to be found.

Carefully, his hands on the wall, Gabriel rose to his feet and moved towards Tess. Gently he placed his hand upon her shoulder.

"Tess what happened?" he asked softly, interrupting her tears. She turned her head, looking up at him, frightened.

"I...I'm so sorry..." she wimpered.

"Tess that doesn't matter right now," Gabriel lied. How could their death and resurrection not matter? "I need to know what happened after I...died."

"I loved my father," Tess continued. "I...I..."

"Tess what did he do?" Gabriel asked, not wanting to talk about her father again. He knew what happened the last time. "What did Jaden do to you?"

"He...he killed me..." Tess replied, shocked at what she was saying. "He said I knew too much. He said he came to save me from you...but he said it was too late..."

"From me?" Gabriel asked, a sad look spreading across his face.

"He said you wanted what my father was..."

"Tess I needed to stop your father," Gabriel replied. "Why else would I...?"

"Kill him?" Tess wailed. "Kill him and then lie to me while lying with me in my bed?

"Tess, please," Gabriel begged. "Don't think that I don't care...but every hope...and every prayer rests on you now..."

"You're asking me to betray one liar for another," Tess continued, staring at the floor. "You both kill without a thought. You both murder all that's good. Can I betray the man who once inspired my heart? Does the fact that he also pierced my heart sway my decision? Do I become his prey if I lash out? Do I have any choice, here, held at gunpoint?"

"Then do nothing for me," Gabriel replied. "Test yourself. You saw your name as well. Tess look around. We died...and yet we're here, alive."

"Why doesn't that shock you?" Tess asked. "Why aren't you horrified at your awakening? Do you not realize what we now are?"

"We're not what you think..." Gabriel said, trying to explain.

"You knew...didn't you?" Tess asked, accusing him. "You knew that you were experimented on by my father...and you knew that I was as well. That's why you killed him isn't it? That's also why you hate Jaden so."

"I tried so hard to free you Tess," Gabriel replied. "But Jaden had you...he still has you..."

"You fought for me," Tess continued, nearing tears yet again. "You told me to stay away. You knew...oh my god..."

"Tess I'm so sorry that Steven Becken had to be your father," Gabriel said. "And that Jaden had to be your lover."

"Well my father is no longer alive," Tess replied. "And Jaden is no longer in my heart."

"Yet their wills live on," Gabriel said, frowning.

"What hope rests on my shoulders?" Tess asked, in reference to what Gabriel had said. "Why must I take part in this evil?"

"You're the key Tess," Gabriel replied, patting the chip in his pocket with the downloaded information. "The virus within me is not pure. Although it is the same as your's, they did other things to me as well. You were the first success, the stable sample all others were compared to."

"That still doesn't tell me why you need..."

"I need that virus Tess," Gabriel explained. "The one which flows within your veins."

"He sunk the lab," Tess admitted. "After he killed me...he broke the barriers...and sunk the lab to the bottom of the lake..."

"Then lets get out of here," Gabriel proposed. "...and stop him...once and for all."

"You honestly care...don't you?" Tess asked, taking Gabriel by the hand. "You need more than just the virus. I mean more to you than that...don't I?"

"Of course," Gabriel replied, kissing the hand which he held.

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

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Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

“Bullshit” barked Augustine at Jaden statement. Normally in Tappee, people refrained from swearing doing so in only extreme circumstances; Augustine felt that this was one of them. “Trick us once, shame on you. Trick us twice shame on us. You led us into a trap once before, and you think that we will just blindly follow you again.” His weapon remained ever focused on Jaden.

“We may not have a choice” Said Jocelyn finally speaking up “Like it or not Gabriel and Tess are gone, and I’ve seen no signs of struggle.” There was calmness in her voice. “Our mission objectives have been completed. We’ve got a team member down, and do not have the logistical resources to conduct a full investigation.”

“No!” shot Augustine “I don’t trust him”

“We don’t have a choice. There are no other options”

Taking a moment Augustine thought for a moment before lowering his weapon “Alright I’m in if the others are in” he looked over at Kurt and Chad “What do you two think?”

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Augustine

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Jocelyn

His nostrils flaring, Chad listened to Jaden’s response. The answer only furthered his opinion of the man that had led the team into a planned ambush. Why hadn’t he told the rest of the team? Why had he only made this information privy only so recently? What was he now hiding? He grit his teeth as the anger swelled inside him, igniting a flame in his belly.

Jaden dismissed Jocelyn’s accusation and answered with a reply to Major Harper’s inquiry of Gabriel… that the water had been infected. A paralyzed look seized Jaden as Harper continued to explain that he had ventured into the lake and discovered the laboratory beneath.

“He knows of the lab?” Jaden asked. The Major nodded in confirmation. “Get him now! Hurry! Our escape is threatened! If anything is to happen to that lab… damnit get him now!”

Kurt lowered his pistol to this response, but still kept it close to his side. There was still no confirmation that their safety was secure, especially in these such circumstances. Another trap might have been set, Jaden stalling until it was completely prepared. One must always be prepared in the face of danger.

“Bullshit you motherfucking liar!” Chad exploded. He retained his posture in doing so, pushing off against the stairway’s wall. “Why the fuck should we believe you? You’re just going to lead us into another trap! Don’t think you can ensnare us again!”

“Bullshit,” barked Augustine at Jaden statement. Normally in Tappee, people refrained from swearing doing so in only extreme circumstances; Augustine felt that this was one of them. “Trick us once, shame on you. Trick us twice shame on us. You led us into a trap once before, and you think that we will just blindly follow you again.” His weapon remained ever focused on Jaden.

Jocelyn spoke in response to Augustine. There was no alternative. No options remained but to entrust their lives to Jaden. These were her words. Augustine shot back with skepticism. He didn’t trust Jaden. And neither did Kurt, who had remained silent since he posed a simple question to Jaden. The others’ attitudes to Jaden were proof enough that he was scum, someone to be distrusted.

Augustine turned to the pair of New Genoans and asked them of their opinion.

“He’s scum. Pure and simple. Who knows what he’s hiding from us! We cannot put our trust in a liar that will end our lives! You bastard…” Chad sneered.

“Are there other options?” Kurt muttered to himself. “And how sure are we that you’re telling the truth?” Kurt asked Jaden aloud. “You’ve deceived us before and now you expect us to trust you with our lives?” Kurt paused, sighing as he continued, conceding to Jaden, “But… but there are no known alternatives. As of now, we know shit. There’s no other choice. But… deceive us again, you bastard, and I’ll fucking kill you.”

“You can’t kill him!” Chad roared. “Look at him! Completely unaffected from mortal stab wounds! I saw them! Major Harper saw them! And I’m sure almost everyone who was there saw him fall victim! Explain this immortality.”

“Flark,” Kurt said, restraining Chad, “and what do you suggest that we do?”

Chad groaned. “Put another fucking bullet in him.”

“There’s no choice… we’ll have to believe him, if only as a bare necessity,” Kurt said, turning his head to the rest of the team.

“Don’t be so simple, Kurt!” Chad shot back. “Test him for the virus. Do something! But whatever you do, do not let him take control of our lives. Do not give into him.”

“And how do you suggest we do that?” Kurt asked.

“I don’t know. But something just isn’t right…”

“Chad, I’m not going to argue. Just…”

“Just what? Concede?” Chad interrupted.

“For now,” said Kurt. “For now,” he repeated, glaring at Jaden.

Chad shook his head in disappointment, knowing that there would be no way to change Kurt’s mind. Wiping his eyes, Chad sighed in reluctant agreement with Kurt.

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

"Gone?" Harper exclaimed. "What do you mean they're gone?" Pushing Jocelyn aside, Harper bounded into their rooms in search. Jocelyn was right, their peaceful rooms gave little away other than the fact that they were not present. Returning to what was now a small crowd, Harper heard Chad's verbal explosion, although Jaden seemed uneffected.

"Who exactly are you conceding to Flark?" Jaden asked, squinting his eyes and beconing an answer. "Kurt? Me? Is there some sort of competition here I didn't know about? Did you become my rival without my knowledge?" Chad seemed to growl in reply. "Grow the fuck up, crybaby. I'm not running your life I'm saving it...and I hardly have to. You think I betrayed you don't you? You think I led you into a trap, only to let you die? Well listen to this you little piss ant, who's the one who wanted to open the barracade? Harper."

"I didn't want to be amb..." Harper began.

"Fuck you, Major," Jaden shot back. "Gates aren't put in cities for the hell of it, you dumbass! You wanted to see those people again. You obviously didn't get your fix the first time."

"You're sick..." Gerald Harper said, shaking his head as his arms trembled with rage. "You're fucking sick..."

"And Flark," Jaden continued. "Who exactly betrayed who? You left me for dead, you sonofabitch, just because you couldn't see me anymore. I had to fight my way through the waves of villagers alone, with the lot of you not even a hundred yards away. There was no fucking attempt at rescue, and there was no fucking grieving at the supposed loss of my life."

"We all saw you..." Harper tried to explain.

"No damnit!" Jaden screamed. "With all the bodies in that square do you really think you could pick me out? I stand before you alive, you piece of shit. You obviously saw wrong." Jaden turned to Flark. "Harper led you into that trap. If I had wanted you dead for whatever twisted reason you childish mind comes up with, why would I have went along? Why would I have endangered myself? No...you all betrayed me, leaving me for dead...and here I am...offering to get you all off this bastard planet and what do you do? You accuse me. Thanks a whole fucking lot, dickheads."

There was a violent banging on the walls of the lower floor. The doorknob, locked, shook with great intensity.

"What the fuck is that?" Harper asked. Jaden opened a cabinet in the wall, and started removing an arsenal of weaponry.

"What the fuck does it sound like?" Jaden replied, making sure that he took an extra rifle.

"GET YOUR ASSES DOWN HERE NOW!" Raiden's voice wailed from under the stairs. "They're trying to break in!" Jaden jumped down the stairs and threw Raiden a rifle.

"Lock and load motherfuckers," Jaden shouted over the banging to the team, shoving a clip into his PHAR. He glared at the door before the lock was blown open from the outside as the others made their way down the stairs. Jaden let loose a volley on the villagers funneling through the door, his energy blasts searing the flesh as they tore through muscle and bone alike. He spat at the fallen before loading another clip. "Time to die."

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

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Major Gerald Harper

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

Paul heard a loud explosion. His trap had went off. Paul thought, Someone must have tripped the wire. Perhaps the villagers are attacking? He went to check out a window. A Swarm of villagers was outside. A villager punched through the window and grabbed at Paul, but Paul dodged. I told them that I needed a gun and they didn't listen.

Paul picked up a chair and whacked the head off of one of the villagers who climbed through the window. He then lodged the seat bit of the chair in the window to block it. Paul broke off two of the legs of the chair and twirled them around in his hands. Villagers knocked down the front door. To them he said, "Do you dare mess with me?"

Half a dozen villagers walked at him. For the first three, their heads were knocked clean off by the legs of the chair. He kicked another that approached him. Even more villagers approached. Paul blocked their attacks with the legs of the chair. He lodged one chair leg straight through the chest of the villager, but the villager kept advancing toward paul. Startled, Paul reached for a gun someone had left on the safehouse floor and shot the villager several times in the head.

When another wave of villagers moved toward Paul, he shot at them with the handgun. Eventually, there was a clicking sound and Paul ran out of ammo. He knocked villagers to the ground with kicks and picked up one chair leg and used it like a baseball bat to knock off the heads of the villagers. However, he was badly outnumbered and did a gradual retreat back to the stairs of the safehouse and walked up to the second floor....

The loud noise echoed as Chad angrily refrained from lunging at Jaden, drawing his attention to the newfound problem. Another wave of villagers had found their home, penetrating the barricades, and the team now found itself under an assault. Pinned inside, there only hope was to either fight their way through the pack of villagers or hope for an external force to rescue them. The second option seemed highly unlikely, leaving them with only one true option: to fight their way to safety… if any bastions of such still existed.

As Jaden leapt to the ground floor, he let loose a volley that completely decimated an approaching villager at the doorway. Spitting at the victim to the rifle’s ammunition, he encouraged the team to join in with the simple statement foreshadowing the villagers’ demises, “Time to die.”

“Get our rifles!” Kurt hollered to Chad while waving towards in the direction of the weapon arsenal, neglecting the fact that Chad was still intoxicated, a hindrance to his physical movement. Chad stumbled towards the cabinet as Kurt released two shots into a villager’s chest, shocked that the volley hadn’t ended its life.

“Its head!” Chad shouted in a slurred voice, as he had caught a glimpse of Kurt’s failed assault. “Aim for the head!” Kurt looked up towards Chad and nodded, releasing a successful shot into the next villager that burst in through a window, shattering its glass as it hungrily approached with a knife in clenched in its hand.

Chad snatched both NGR-18S rifles (and their ammunition), slung one over his shoulder, and stumbled towards the stairway until he spotted Kurt at the bottom, bludgeoning a villager with his pistol. “Kurt!” Chad yelled over the mayhem. Kurt turned around as Chad tossed the loaded rifle, catching it in one hand. He returned his pistol to its holster, grasped the rifle with both hands, flicked off the safety to three-round burst, and pulled the trigger, nailing two more visitors that had entered from a window.

“I’m going to need more ammunition, Flark!” he barked.

Chad stumbled down the stairs, struggling to maintain balance in the double world. Groping the stairway’s railing, he felt his legs slip, and his body rolled down the stairway, cutting Kurt from under his legs.

Kurt unleashed another burst of fire into the face of a villager who stood before him, sending bullets through its eye sockets and out the back of its head. “You fucking idiot, Flark! I told you not to drink! I told you! Hand over the fucking ammo!” Kurt angrily exploded, veins bulging from his forehead as the battle heated up.

Flark did so, handing several magazines to Kurt, who properly stored them before rising to his feet again and retaining balance. “Fuck you, Kurt,” Chad said, attempting to dismiss his own tomfoolery.

He hopped to his feet as well and sidestepped to the left, nearly tripping, to another end of the room to combat other enemies, unleashing two volleys that tore through the cerebra of two villagers climbing through the window. They were pouring into the safe house from all sides now, climbing in from an assortment entrances, mainly different windows. Hearing a crashing noise, both Kurt and Chad realized that they were now attempting to break into the safe house from above, to trap the team.

A loud string of gunfire startled Kurt as he turned to see a villager drop to the floor, looking back to see Raiden viciously firing at the villagers. Nodding his head in gratitude, Kurt attempted to establish a position several yards to his right. The room would be getting awfully congested with villagers and team members pouring into the battle zone, and sooner or later the team would be rendered immobile if the rampaging villagers seized the top floor. Realizing that a sprint to that area would be useless, he stepped back next to Raiden and joined him in his duties while crouching, perishing another villager with a bullets that ripped through its jaws and tore through its nasal cartilage.

Chad caught glimpse of Paul, too, who had no weapons, swinging a chair leg that smashed hard against a villager’s skull. As he pulled the trigger again, he heard a loud click, signaling the time to reload. He searched for another magazine, seized it, and fumbled it incoherently as he tried to load it.

“Damnit!” he cursed, before looking up to see a figure lunging at him. He eluded the attack by stepping to the side, hearing a large crash on the floor, and managed to load the magazine successfully. A hail of gunfire from behind him finished the fool, and Chad tugged the trigger once more.

The war begun outside, but will it now end here? Chad thought as he saw a villager’s knife slice through a commando’s neck, diving deep into his jugular vein and spurting blood all over the attacker’s face. He released two three-round bursts to finish this villager off, and it toppled over the dead commando’s body.

“They’re coming in from upstairs!” Kurt bellowed under the crackling gunfire that filled the room.

“No shit!” someone loudly replied over the deafening noise.

“Perhaps we should intercept them?!!” Kurt barked, ejecting his magazine and popping another in.

“We’ve already got two people upstairs!!!”

“And you think that’ll be enough?!!” Kurt shot back, flicking the trigger back several times as he spoke.

He had since moved to the left of where he had previously been (with Raiden), and now found himself and several others with the burden of dealing with five ravenous villagers and their mighty knives. Suddenly, a lumbering body tackled Kurt and brought him to the ground. Its eyes widened as Kurt wrangled with it, attempting to knock the knife from its hand. Its mouth was open wide, its teeth dripping with blood, moving closer to Kurt’s neck.

“Damnit!!!!” Kurt spat into its face. “Get the fuck off you fucking shitfuck!” Struggling to turn his rifle into a favorable position, he managed to pump three rounds into the monster’s leg, giving Kurt several seconds of leeway to push the villager off his body. It quickly jumped back to its feet, but Kurt had already defined its demise by feeding it a mouthful of bullets.

“Eat shit and die, motherfucker!” Kurt said as breakfast, lunch, and supper of bullets made their way through the back of its neck.

Another commando fell to a stabbing to his neck, and another villager sunk its teeth into its neck. The team was overwhelmed; a familiar situation for Chad, and time was running short. Peering over, he noticed Major Harper dealing his portion to oncoming villagers, as well as Jaden. Perhaps… just perhaps… this wasn’t Jaden’s fault. Gabriel had known of the lab and Jaden was here… perhaps… just perhaps… it was Gabriel who had set this attack up. Why else wouldn’t he be at the safe house when these mongrels assaulted?

“God damnit, Gabriel!” Chad cursed, with another trigger-pull that ripped through a villager’s shoulder. “Fuck you!” he said, pulling the trigger again, as the bullets cut through its forehead. He held the trigger tightly as the rifle vibrated in his hands, sending bullets all over the place.

“Fuck!” Kurt shouted as a metal blade slid into his arm’s skin from behind. He elbowed the villager’s nose, knocking it back, reaching for his pistol with his other hand, and cracked two shots into its lungs. As the villager fell back even more from this second attack, Kurt managed to present it with two bullets, one cutting its ear and the other finding a new home in its cheek. The knife had hit the bone of his humerus, and blood was poured from the open wound. “Shit!” Kurt said, biting his lip, as he noticed the wound’s severity.

The villagers were smashing windows and shattering glass, they were climbing into the house by any means possible, and the bottom floor was to start getting congested. One seemed prone to friendly fire, and Chad was still struggling to bring down villagers, relying on luck and the assistance of other team members to ensure his living status. Often his stream of bullets would irregularly flail all over the place, putting holes in the wall and occasionally a villager’s body… but the precise aim needed to bring down one was difficult.

“Flark!” Kurt hollered, catching notice of Flark’s isolation. “Get the fuck out of there!” Kurt managed to bring down a villager lunging for Chad, its body falling before him. “Get out, Flark! You’re fucking surrounded, dude!”

“What the fuck do you care, Kurt??!!” Chad replied, fumbling with the ammunition again.

“Come on, Flark!” Kurt said, extending his arm to Chad to help him up. Chad grasped the noblest action that Kurt had ever shown towards him and was lifted to the ground.

Guiding Chad towards where Raiden was, Kurt stopped. “Just stay here with Raiden. He can use another gun. If anyone needs you to move, stick with him. That okay, LT?” he said, looking at Raiden.

Kurt turned around and rejoined the second battle of the great war. “Let’s kick some fucking ass!” Kurt shouted to encourage the others, although under the noise it was likely that it was barely heard.

It may have been only the second battle, but it surely wasn’t going to be the last… just as the war had begun under Major Harper’s command… it was continuing as well. The war was entering its next phase. And conditions sure as hell weren’t going to be improving any time soon.

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

Some uninvited guests had cut their conversation short; it would appear that fate had decided their choice of action for them. While the others were downstairs dealing with the emerging crisis, Augustine and Jocelyn had their hands full trying to deal with Emily, they couldn’t simply leave her here.

“Grab the gear” ordered Augustine as he fumbled with Emily’s I.V. Given the situation he thought that it would be best to remove the I.V line from her arm, he could risk it getting caught on something and ripping the vein. After a few tense moments he had finished.

“Augustine” yelled Jocelyn over the battle that was now taking part below them.

As he turn to face her she tossed him his gear. Quickly he put his gear on, then picking up Emily lifted her on his shoulder. “Come on Kido, time to go. Jocelyn you’re going have to cover us.”

Jocelyn gave him a quick nod, she had already picked her weapon of choice, the shotgun “I got your back” she answered cocking her gun.

As they went to make their way to join the others, they were startled as a number of the fiends began breaking through the upstairs windows. “I don’t think SO!” with little hesitation Jocelyn raised her gun and quickly fired, taking the creatures head off. No sooner had the creature remains hit the floor than Jocelyn started tracking her next target. Even Augustine was using his free hand to fire off whatever rounds he could.

Given the closed quarter, Jocelyn weapon left a bloody trial pf death and destruction. For the time being she was able to keep the creatures from even getting close.

Augustine was the first of the two to start making his way down the stairs, but stopped halfway down. “I don’t think that we are going that way” he finally proclaim seeing the chaos down below. He took a moment to consider the options, as he saw there were two. Fight their way out on the ground floor, then deal with those outside. Or make their way out from the second floor, then deal with those out side. From there it came down to simple numbers, from his count there were fewer fiends upstairs, and once outside they would have the benefit of a higher firing position. “EVAC OFF THE SECOND FLOOR, IT OUR BEST CHANCE” he had yelled it as loud as he could, and only hoped that the others had heard him. He looked up a Jocelyn, who he though for a moment was actually enjoying herself “Get ready to clear a path”

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Augustine

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Jocelyn

Major Gerald Harper stared through the slaughter before him, out the window, and into the streets. Bodies, as far as the eyes could see, littered the roads, all making their way towards the house which could no longer be called safe. Harper stared out the window, firing down on those funnelling into the house, tearing through skulls and shoulders alike.

For no reason other than instinct, Harper spun around and met a villager who had come through a nearby window eye to eye. The eyes of the villager were dark and bloodshot, as if empty inside. The fiend seemed to feed off his fear and Harper frantically searched for its weapon as he swung his rifle around.

The dull blade dug into his theigh as Harper bent over in pain, latching onto the villager's filthy wrist with both hands after dropping his rifle onto the ground. Screaming as loud as he could, he pulled the knife out, the villager's hand still attached. With all his strength, Harper snapped the villager's forearm, and the knife dropped to the floor. Spinning the villager around, Harper relocated his hands and snapped the man's neck from behind.

Letting the body drop, a small cry escaped from Harper's throat as emotions poured from his eyes. Reaching down, he swiped his rifle off the floor and reloaded a new clip. As he looked up, a small but sharp metal pipe tore its way into his left abdomen.

"That okay, LT?” Kurt asked, looking at Raiden. Raiden scowled and nodded, downing two more villagers from his forced prone position.

“EVAC OFF THE SECOND FLOOR, IT OUR BEST CHANCE,” a voice yelled from upstairs.

"Get me the fuck outta here!" Raiden screamed, trying to prop himself up with his rifle.

Back upstairs, Harper stumbled into a bedroom, the pipe still lodged in his abdomen. Slowly the fiend followed him through two doors that Harper attempted to slam as the Major crawled on his back into a corner. The villager leaned over him, arms outstretched, as the world began to fade before the Major's eyes. Withdrawing his knife, Harper hacked at the bastard with all his strength, hacking at it until it stopped moving.

As the remaining commandos began to make their way towards the stairs, Jaden stood in their way.

"NO!" he screamed, firing into the crowd. "Under the floor! The passage! Get everyone down here now!"

Somehow, Harper heard the scream. Somehow, he understood Jaden's words. Somehow, using the wall behind him, he propped himself up, but there was still no way for him to move.

"Open the fucking gate!" Jaden shouted, beating his way to the back of the house. "Get everyone down here!"

Harper blinked, the blood draining from his leg and his stomach, and realized that even with thousands of beings around him, he was all alone. Had Jocelyn or Augustine seen him scatter off? Had anyone realized where he now was?

Downstairs, Jaden stood with one hand on the open gate and the other firing his weapon out into the crowd. As quick as they could, two commandos lowered Raiden into the passage, one falling victim to a thrown knife in the throat. As Raiden's stretcher crashed against the hard passage floor, Jaden could see Chad making his way towards the hole in the floor.

A handful of other thoughts raced through his mind. Who would be left? Who did they need? Would they accept his apology? Would they believe his lie?

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

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Major Gerald Harper

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

When the creatures began coming through he grabbed metal box, which once contained food. The creatures broke through the window. Standing beside he waited for one to stick its head in, bringing the hodgepodge weapon down cracking sickeningly against its skull.

The room was alive with gunfire, out of the corner of his eye, Don saw a man falling back, deciding to take his chance with this stranger he hurls the box through the window knocking several creatures off their feet and allowing Don to run after this man as the creatures swept in from the failing resistance.

"Get everyone down here!" the man yelled out, now running Don reaches the gate and these unknown men.

“Under the floor! The passage! Get everyone down here now!” Jaden shouted.

The mayhem had intensified, bodies littering the interior and exterior of the building. Chad had remained fixed where Kurt had left him, and Kurt had strayed to the left of Chad’s location.

As Jaden shouted and signaled to the passageway below, Kurt moved to the escape point, firing as he jogged backwards to ward off the assaulting villagers. He caught sight of two commandoes couriering Raiden down, one falling victim to a thrown knife that pierced his throat. Continuously firing and reloading when necessary, Kurt managed to reach the escape point. Another villager lunged at him from his right, digging a knife into his shoulder, dangerously near his neck. Wrangling again for possession of a knife, Kurt was able to seize it and dig it deep directly into the village’s eye socket, sending the man backwards.

Chad, too, made a break for the escape point, but as he examined the crowd entering through the passageway, he noticed the absence of one particular man. “Where the hell is Harper?!” he said, to which he received no response. “Damnit, where the hell is the Major?!” he said again frantically.

Kurt grabbed Chad by the shoulder. “Flark,” he said, “we gotta get the hell out of here or we won’t be lasting much longer.”

“No!” Chad countered. “The Major! Where is he?”

“I don’t know, man,” Kurt replied, quickly scanning the room for the Major. “I just don’t know. But we…”

“What do you mean?!” Chad interposed indignantly. “We can’t just leave him behind to die!”

“I’m sure he heard us. He’s probably upstairs making his way towards the escape now. He’s just a little belated,” Kurt said, consoling Chad and trying to prod him further down the exit.

“Bullshit and you know it! By the time he can get down here, he’ll be toast. The entire fucking building will be overrun! We have to go back!”

“Flark!” Kurt said sternly. “Get a grip. If we go back, we’re toast too!”

“Three guns is more than enough manpower!” Chad returned, making way back to the ground level. “I’m getting the fuck out of here. Are you coming or not?”

“God damnit, Flark!” said Kurt, agitated.

“C’mon man!” Flark pleaded. He had grown a particularly fond respect for Harper, despite Jaden’s remarks. Harper was a good man, in his mind, and didn’t deserve to die abandoned. He didn’t deserve to be left behind as extra cargo.

Kurt groaned and followed Chad back upstairs. “Die, motherfuckers!” Chad yelped, firing into the crowd like a mad man. His aim hadn’t improved, but his ambition to save Harper perhaps ignited a sense of direction to guide him.

“This is a bad idea,” Kurt murmured to himself. While Chad fired aimlessly, Kurt pulled the trigger at intervals and more precisely, decapitating one villager with nine rounds that absolutely ripped through its neck.

The villagers had begun making their way upstairs. Kurt contemplated. A grenade would do an excellent job at clearing the path. Though he was unsure whether or not Harper had been overrun and was still below the hooves of the fiends. But if that was the case, he was already doomed. Nothing would save him at this point. Actions, rather than thoughts, were more important at this climatic point, so Kurt decided to heave the grenade towards the stairwell. The stairs would be damaged, but they would still remain sufficiently intact, since the power of the New Genoese grenade was much weaker compared to its cousins in other armies.

The explosion that ensued sent body parts into the air in flaming ball of fire. A thick black smoke rose from the flames, impeding their vision, Chad’s even more so. Perhaps the decision was rash, but chances of fighting their way upstairs had dramatically improved. Several more bursts of rifle fire exploded and streamlined the remaining villagers, as well as fresh ones that entered the safe house. Very little time remained. Kurt checked his supplies. A quick glance told a chilling story. No grenades remained. An escape would be nearly impossible unless Harper or Chad held these explosives of salvation.

“Chad!” Kurt said, trying to gain Chad’s attention. “Do you have any ‘nades?”

Chad quickly checked. He slowly, but grimly shook his head. “No.”

“Damnit, man! We aren’t going to make it back if there are no grenades to blast our way through the next congestion of villagers! Do you want to risk three lives rather than one?!” Kurt said.

“Look, Kurt,” Chad said. “You can go back. I’ll save the Major. I’m not a valuable asset to the team anyway at this point. Just look at me. I’m a fucking wreck. Go now!”

“Flark, I know we’ve had our past…”

“Go!” Chad demanded.

“No!” Kurt responded vigorously. “I will not let a soldier make his own grave.”

Chad nodded and both made their way upstairs, Chad leading forwards while Kurt covered his back and carefully walked up the stairs, back first. Firing rounds into the faces of the villagers he found himself at the second floor where they suspected Harper to be stranded. If he wasn’t in fact here, their fates would be sealed. They would be relegated to a fate of death. They would be utterly doomed.

“Harper!” Chad yelled, hoping to attain a response. He heard a groan from a room. Tracking the direction of the groan, Chad was able to successfully deduce where Harper was. Entering the room, he saw Harper on the floor, propping himself up, and wounded.

Kurt followed Chad into the room, furiously firing at the villagers who had begun to collect on the stairway. Another magazine snapped into the rifle, as the previous one was discarded. Kurt checked his packet. This was his last magazine. Chad was bound to have at least two more left in his arsenal and it was better to have two men firing with one round left, than one man firing with two rounds left. More firepower would greatly increase chances of survival. Such a notion was common sense, especially to specialized soldiers like Kurt or Chad.

“Chad!” Kurt said.

“What?” Chad asked as he investigated Harper’s wounds.

“Do you have an extra round? I’m on my last.”

“Yeah!” Chad said, tossing the extra magazine to Kurt, who packaged it in his packet. “Harper’s here and he’s hurt, man!”

Kurt, trying to preserve every bullet possible, flicked the trigger back once more to end the life another villager with three rounds that cut through three locations. One tore through the forehead and was eventually slowed down and stopped in the brain. Another ripped right through its right cheek. And the third hit the bridge of the villager’s nose, squarely between its eyes to be more precise. He moved back into the room and caught a glimpse of Harper as he glanced back to see Chad extending his hand to the fallen Major.

“Need any help?” Chad said, arm extended.

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

Harper's pale face stared up at his redeemer and gently nodded. His hand shaked as he extended it, grasping Chad's fingers and holding on tight. These idiots had come back for him and for that he owned them his life...

...if it wasn't already over...

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Major Gerald Harper

Harper’s pale face stared up at his redeemer and gently nodded. His hand shook as he extended it, grasping Chad’s fingers and holding on tight. Chad aided him in his trip to his feet, throwing Harper’s arm around his shoulders.

“Chad!” Kurt said, reminding him of the grenade situation.

Chad turned to Harper and promptly asked, “Major, you wouldn’t happen to have any spare grenades, would you?”

Harper’s hand shook as his index finger weakly pointed to the arsenal cabinet. Chad’s eyes followed Harper’s finger its target, quickly yelling to Kurt once he noticed it, “Kurt, the arsenal!”

Kurt retreated from the fray, and peered into the cabinet. All that remained were a few scattered magazines incompatible with his weapon, a grenade, and a shotgun. Reaching out for the grenade and grasping it, Kurt slinked stealthily, his back to the wall, peering out to the stairway. More and more villagers were slowly making their way up it, shoving and pushing one another as they went. In a quick, single motion, he pulled the pin and rolled it down the stairway. Bouncing down a few steps, it exploded, sending an entire body flying backwards and smashing against a wall, denting it. The smoke thickened, and Kurt popped out his magazine and reloaded his final, the one Chad had donated. Forty-five rounds would have to be enough. Slinging the rifle over his shoulder, he grabbed the shotgun.

“Flark!” he shouted.

“What?” Chad responded.

“You and I both know you’re in no condition to bring this man out of here, especially in these circumstances. The intoxication, smokescreen, and damaged stairway are just way too many obstacles for you to bring down an injured man. Let me handle Harper, you lead the way down and cover us. I know you still got good fight left in ya!”

Passing Harper onto Kurt’s shoulder, Kurt handed Chad the shotgun. Chad followed this action by slinging his rifle over his shoulder as well and took the lead in the charge. The stairway’s railing was nearly totally demolished. Cocking the shotgun’s forearm, he began the fight once more. Two explosions ripped through two men’s brains, spewing their remains onto the wall.

Kurt tentatively assisted Harper in his trip down the stairwell as Chad pumped the shotgun several more times, slugs tearing through flesh and bone. With the last shots fired, Chad discarded the shotgun and returned his rifle to his hands, spraying gunfire in the faces of the damned. Soon too, this rifle’s ammunition fell to an empty state, forcing usage of the pistol.

Forty-five rifle rounds discharged later, Kurt found his rifle’s stock on empty. He, too, resorted to his pistol as a last defense against these mongrels. He refused to discard his NGR-18S, as a possibility remained that extra ammunition among team members could be supplied. Relying on his FN-57 pistol was the last thing he wanted to carry in a nightmarish endeavor such as this one.

The three forced their way through the crowd, Kurt shielding the Major as well as he could while trying to pick off any attackers at close range. With a reload of his pistol, Kurt turned his attention to Chad... hoping that rediscovery of the escape point would come soon.

Chad spotted the escape point and gestured to it, “Kurt, we’re almost there! This way!”

Kurt followed with the Major still limping aside him. Chad hopped down into the exit passageway. After this, Kurt carefully lowered the Major down to Chad. He, too, made his way into the passageway, firing as he left, until he finally receded into the tunnel’s depths.

“Wait!” Chad hollered. “We’ve got a wounded person here!”

Both New Genoans panted as they waited for a response. Kurt examined both of his knife wounds that were spewing blood. He exhaled a sigh of relief. Their lives had been temporarily secured with the foolish rescue mission completed, but a myriad of potential dangers still awaited in the near future.

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

In an panic Jocelyn rushed down the corridor rushing back the safe house. When Augustine and her had realized that Chad and Kurt and went back Harper, she volunteered to go back and help. However, given the time lapse she doubted that she could be have much help.

Relief came as she neared the entrance and heard a voice call. “Wait, we’ve got wounded person here”

As she arrived she could see that they had Harper, and from the looks it he was in rough shape. Jocelyn made a vague attempt to lighten as she help carry Harper “Here I thought that I would have to come bail you boys out.” There was a hint of a smile on her face.

Meanwhile, further up the corridor, Augustine was felling a bit strained carrying Emily over his shoulder. Suddenly he could feel her moving. Stopping he gently lowered her to the ground. “Hold up, I think that she waking up.”

Everything was spinning around Emily, as she watched helplessly as the man that she loved slipped away in front her. Looking down at her hands, she found that they stained in Henry’s blood. Anger consumed her soul; she turned her scorn to the one that had caused her this pain. Much to her horror the man that had caused this was no longer standing there, and was no place to be found. He had instead been replaced by something much more sinister, her.

Shocked, Emily stared over at the woman that looked liked her. She looked identical to her dressed all in black, everyone else in the room had disappeared, and only the tow remained.

“Don’t act so surprised” casually remarked the Pseudo Emily “This is all your fault”

Emily placed her hands over her ears and shook her head violently “no..no..no.” Desperately she fought to catch her breath, fighting the panic she tried to regain herself. Finally she looked up “You’re wrong, this is not my fault”

A smile came across Pseudo Emily’s face “Are you sure that its not.” She started walking towards Emily “He was here to save you after all. Had you stayed in the holding cell, you would never found yourself here. Not to mention the fact that you should have never taken the job in the first place.”

“Shut UP!” yelled Emily in response

Pseudo Emily threw her arms up in the air “What and you think that its my fault. You were the one that went out into the field to prove to both Henry and your father, that you were not weak. You could have simply stay back at Tappee, and Henry would still be alive today.”

With nothing but anger Emily swung out “ENOUGH!”

However, Emily attack ended quickly as Pseudo Emily stopped Emily’s fist mid flight, then twisted it dropping Emily to one knee. “You made me, do you honestly think that I’m simply going to disappear.”

Suddenly it all came clear to Emily, it all made sense. Ever since Henry death she had been running, not from his death, but from herself. She had tucked all her emotions away, every last one of them. In doing so she was now being control by the very emotions that she was trying to hide.

Using her position to her advantage she kicked out at her attackers knee. The sudden chance of events forced Emily’s counterpart to release her grip. Going with her momentum Emily grabbed Henry’s rifle, which was nearby. “Bitch, go Fuck yourself” With all her might she swung the rifle as if it were club.

“No” cried Pseudo Emily, as the rifle connect.

Pseudo Emily exploded, as she was glass statue. Standing over the remains Emily felt strangely free, as if a weight had lifted off her shoulder. Suddenly the world began to change. For the first time since she could recall her entire body hurt, suddenly the a new world became came into focus, off in the distance she could hear voice yelling.

“What’s going on” were the words that she was able to force out.

A wave of relief fell over Augustine hearing Emily speak. “It’s a long story. Can you walk?”

Forcing her body she got self off the ground, despite the pain she felt could walk. With a little hesitation she gave Augustine a nod of approval.

“Good” quickly answered Augustine. He gave Emily a protein bar “This will help trust.” He looked to the other. “We should wait the others to catch up.”


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Emily

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Augustine

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Jocelyn

Pulling up the rear, Jaden slammed the heavy gate above him, cutting off the villagers and any light within the damp tunnel. Above, the knives and fingernails could still be heard scratching the thick metal on the floor, and for a moment Jaden paused, staring up through the darkness.

It was not long, however, before the team turned on their flashlights and gazed down the passage way. There were two people severely injured, but no one had gotten out without a wound or two. Quickly, the team members checked themselves, applying first aid when necessary.

Thrown from his stretcher as he landed on the hard dirt ground, Raiden rose to his feet. His muscles still ached, but medical technology had come a long way, and puncture wounds took little time to heal anymore. That was, of course, unless the object that did the puncturing hit any major organ.

For Harper, no one was quite sure. He was obviously dizzy from the blood loss, and the pole sticking out of his abdomen was far from comfortable, but they could not think of a good reason to remove it...not without something to close the hole effectively enough. If an organ was punctured, removing the pole could be the worst thing to do. So, as Raiden limped down the hall beside Jaden, Harper was carried on the stretcher by two battered commandos...the only two expendables remaining.

"It's amazing that he's still with us," Jaden mused, thanking Chad and Kurt for saving the Major.

"I was thinking the same about you," Raiden replied, using the butt of his rifle as a cane.

"You expected me to die?" Jaden asked, giving the Lieutenant a strange look.

"No," Raiden replied. "I'm just glad you stuck around this time."

"I'm glad no one left me behind," Jaden snapped, a smile forced on his face.

"Yeah," Raiden said, looking down at Harper and remembering that the Major had saved him not long ago. "Yeah me too..."

"The lab should be this way," Jaden said after a long period of silent walking.

"Underground?" Raiden asked. "I thought it was in the lake?"

"There's a door from the lab to these tunnels," Jaden responded, shrugging. "It's amazing what you learn when you're stuck somewhere."

"How'd those things get out?" Raiden asked. Jaden stopped walking abruptly.

"They're all contained behind a gate," Jaden replied. "There are many gates throughout this city. Something must have opened one."

"Sonofabitch," Raiden sighed.

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

"This lab's connected to all the electricity in Procul," Tess announced, looking through papers scattered across the floor.

"Not anymore," Gabriel replied, pushing boxes aside in his quest to find an exit.

"With the lab out, hundreds of things could be affected," Tess continued. "Who knows how this is effecting the others..."

"If Jaden hasn't killed them yet," Gabriel said, frowning. "Neither of us know how long we were...out."

"I yelled at him," Tess said after a while. "The last time I saw him...I was really angry."

"Jaden?"

"No..." Tess continued. "My father. I told him I wouldn't treat my children as he treated me."

"Tess I'm sure he..."

"But he broke his promise," Tess said, turning around with tears in her eyes. Gabriel reached out and embraced her. "He said he'd be back..." Gabriel sighed. For once in his life he felt remorse for killing a target...not for the target himself...but for who the target left behind.

"Child..." a voice called from the shadows. Both Gabriel and Tess turned to the voice. They had not searched down that hall. Gabriel pulled out his pistol and readied himself.

"Who are you?" Gabriel asked, squinting in the now dim light. It was funny, he remembered, for when he awoke he had thought that the light was far to bright to even open his eyes. Now he could barely see.

"Do not be frightened..."

"Show yourself!" Gabriel commanded. He was beyond fed up of surprises.

"I cannot..."

"And why not?" Gabriel asked. Tess stepped foward.

"Come to me child," the voice instructed. "Let me look upon your face to see that it really is you." Tess stepped foward once more. Gabriel stepped in front of her cutting her off.

"Who are you?" Tess asked. Her voice was weak and shaky.

"Have you forgotten me?" The voice asked. "Am I only remembered by name and last words now?"

"Get your ass out here now!" Gabriel ordered, raising his pistol and aiming through the shadows. "Don't risk your life, buddy."

"I hope I am always able to risk everything for those I love," the voice replied. Tess froze, her eyes growing wide with both fear and interest. Gabriel was confused, although he did not show it.

"Who whispers my father's words from the shadows?" Tess questioned, her voice growing stronger in tone.

"None other than he who first spoke them," the voice responded.

"Bullshit," Gabriel said, shaking his head. "Get the fuck out here."

"Too long you've wandered in winter," the voice continued, his words ripe with metaphor. "Far from my far-reaching gaze."

"Get out!" Gabriel screamed, his mind racing through the murder scene. "Show your face, coward!"

"Do not shun me child," the voice asked of Tess. "Come to me...remember me..." Without warning, Gabriel tossed a flare into the hall where the voice was from. Throughout this time, Tess had slowly walked towards the hall, and now, as the hallway was illuminated, Tess gazed at the fiend before her.

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Its misshapen body had grown hideous over the years of death. Random fingers sprouted from what used to be hands, and its posture was hunched and crooked to one side. The same dreadful color covered all of its skin, and its face was beyond recognition.

"F-father?" Tess stammered, her mind alive with horror and residual love. Gabriel gritted his teeth. This bastard had lived just as they had, although the results were far from similar. Dr. Steven Becken was pronounced dead years ago. Gabriel was about to insure that.

"Tess, Tess listen to me!" Gabriel beconed, trying to draw her back to him as the monster tried to hide its face from its daughter. "Whatever you may believe, this man...this thing...is not your father!

"I love you honey," the creature said from behind its mangled hands. "I didn't want you to see me this way..."

"Your father is dead!" Gabriel screamed. Tess was frozen in place, between them. "Dead by my own hands. I killed him, damnit!"

"Don't let him decieve you," the monster pleaded with its daughter. "That's what he does...that's what he always does..."

"Tess please!" Gabriel begged, pulling a plasma grenade from his belt. "Back away sweetheart, please back away!"

"He'll kill me again," the fiend said in fear. "He'll haunt you forever; he won't let you go!"

"Don't let the memory of your father haunt you," Gabriel pleaded.

"How dare you," Tess told the creature, lying to herself as she ran back to Gabriel. "How dare you pretend to be my father, lying to me to save yourself!"

Gabriel tossed the grenade to the creature. Within a second, the outter casing melted away as hot plasma spilled over the monster, melting flesh and bone to nothingness. Tess cried into Gabriel's shoulder as the plasma melted the floor. Slowly, water began to trickle in through the small holes it left.

"Come on," Gabriel said, grabbing Tess by the hand and leading her through the small puddle and down the dark hall.

"I love you, Gabriel," Tess said. Gabriel turned and forced a smile.

"I know," he replied, unwilling to admit his true feelings to her just yet. Granted his reply would luckily be what she wanted, but Gabriel simply wasn't sure if she was ready for such a commitment. Afterall, Gabriel was a man like none other. Tess would have to come to understand that.

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

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Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

"It's behind this door," Jaden said, stopping and reaching out his hand to touch the cold metal.

"What is?" Raiden asked, walking up beside him.

"Your safety, your future, your tomorrow," Jaden replied. "The lab..."

"How do we know it is?" Raiden questioned, not ready to place his trust behind anyone at this point, much less Jaden Gates.

"How do you know it's not?" Jaden asked in reply.

"The only good thing that could come from opening that door is finding the lab," Raiden said touching it with his hand as Jaden had. It was cold, almost unnaturally so. "There are millions of bad things that could result from that door being open."

"Thinking that way," Jaden responded, rolling his eyes. "There could be millions of good things as well. Perhaps heaven is beyond this door. Perhaps immortality lies just beyond this passageway. Perhaps...but you may never know unless you open it."

"The lab's just behind this door?" Raiden asked again. Jaden nodded.

"The lab's just as I left it," Jaden replied cryptically. In reality, it was just as he had left it, sunk to the lake floor.

"How do we open it?" Raiden asked. Smiling, Jaden led him through a normal sized door to the control room.

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

"Goddamnit," Gabriel cursed as he opened the door. Water spilled out, soaking his legs knee high. The escape route was already half flooded, with the lake water up over the walkway.

"The computer's over there," Tess realized, walking through the door after Gabriel. "Emergency power's still on..."

"Well get over there and open the door, Tess," Gabriel said, growing impatient. "We have to be running out of air here."

The two of them splashed through the cold lake water towards the controls. Before they arrived, however, the metal walkway shook beneath them. Stabling himself, Gabriel reached out and caught Tess as she fell into his arms. A dark shadow swam beneath the surface of the water, and it didn't take long for Gabriel and Tess to realize what it was.

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As fast as lightning, the horrible shark surfaced and smashed itself against the pathway once more before diving under and going to the other side. The frigid lake continued to spill into the control room, and now even on the elevated walkways the water was knee high. Gabriel withdrew his pistols, walking backwards behind her as Tess made her way to the control platform.

The shark rounded on the walkway once more, ramming the metal with its head. Tess had already made it to the control platform, but Gabriel fell to his knees from the blow, the icy water covering him up to his chest. Quickly, his pulled his dripping wet pistols from the depths and unloaded two clips into the shark simultaniously.

"There are seven locks!" Tess screamed from the platform. Gabriel rose to his feet and spun in circles, searching for the shark.

"Just open the damn door!" Gabriel screamed as the shark lunged for him mouth first. Sidestepping the great beast, Gabriel's guns tore into the shark's flesh, but barely even slowed it down. "This fucking thing's infected!"

"One down!" Tess yelled in reply, providing Gabriel with a small sliver of hope.

Putting the guns away, Gabriel withdrew his dagger. Almost instantly, he was knocked off the platform by the bastard shark and into the water below.

"Two more!" Tess yelled from the platform, but Gabriel could not hear.

Spinning in the depths, Gabriel could barely see in the dim light. He could hear the shark coming...he felt the ripples in the tide...but where the shark was he could not determine. Closing his eyes he prepared himself...and then somehow he realized where the beast was.

At the last moment, Gabriel turned to his right and dug his blade deep into the shark's eye. The fast shark seemed to move in slow motion as Gabriel's speed now far outclassed that of his predator. Gabriel twised the knife inside of the shark's eye, wrenching the socket before removing the blade and digging it deep into the skull of the great white beast. The shark's body went limp as it sunk to the floor. Gabriel pulled his knife out as the fiend fell and then rapidly made his way to the surface.

"Only two left!" Tess shouted over the sound of rushing water. Tess was now literally sitting on the consol as she worked, and Gabriel could barely walk through the water as he made his way towards her. "One more hun," she said as she turned and smiled. Gabriel looked to the ceiling, where the door was, and paused.

When she opened the door, water would rush it, possibly crushing them both. Tess followed his gaze and seemed to read his mind.

"We can make it," Gabriel said aloud, trying to convince himself as much as he was trying to convince Tess. "Just hold your breath and swim."

"Get down!" Tess screamed in reply, and Gabriel turned just in time to see another infected super shark lunge towards him from the water, mouth open, teeth exposed.

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Gabriel flipped backwards so that he was flying parallel to the shark, underneath the great beast in the air. With his hands he tried to grab hold of it as it fell on top of him when the two of them collided with the water. Submerged once more, Gabriel wrestled the hunter until the jaws of life came right towards him. In a last ditch effort, Gabriel threw out his right arm in an attempt to punch the monster.

To the surprise of both of the combatants, a metal blade emerged from Gabriel's hand and forearm, stabbing the shark through the throat. Gabriel screamed in pain as the blade that was seemingly his tore through his own skin from within and then ripped through the skull of the shark.

Is this the experiment? he asked himself, wincing as the blade returned to his bones and his hand returned to form. Is this what they did to me?

Swimming to the top just as Tess released the last lock, Gabriel grabbed her as the water rushing in knocked her from the platform. Kicking their legs as hard as they could, the two of them swam up through the hole and continued upwards towards the surface of the murky lake.

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

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Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

“Whatever you do, do not open that gate, let’s look at this logically.” Said Emily as she made her way in front of the group. Her voice was still weak and frail, but was getting stronger. Augustine had brought her up to speed as they made their way through the tunnel, and she didn’t like what she heard. She knew what she had seen during the ambush at the city, she trust Jaden as far as she could throw him, which at the moment was not far.

“Let me get some thing straight here” Said Emily looking directly at Jaden “You say that there is a working transmitter in the lab, that you know is there. So why haven’t you used it earlier to contact us, or tell us about it earlier. It was you who told us to stay away from the lake, and now it is clear that you knew about the lab and this so called transmitter, as well as the hidden passage. If Gabriel want the lab for himself, he would have simply told us that he found nothing.” she paused as an awkward silence fell over the crowd.

“Or is leading us here, part your master plan.” She suddenly added “Lets look at the facts, first you lead us into an ambush, where everyone there saw you die. Then, when you reappear Gabriel and Tess go missing, and we are attacked at the safe house. An attack that conveniently lead us here, where we now have no choice but to follow you. I wonder if Gabriel and Tess are even still alive. Tell me Jaden, did you lead them into a trap this, or did you have the courage to kill them your self. I for one have no ambition to follow you into the depths of hell.”

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Emily

"Then you can fucking go back," Jaden screamed at Emily from the inside door to the small control room. "The courage to kill them myself," he repeated, spitting at the end. "Go fuck yourself, Emily."

Raiden paused, his hand on the button to open the door as Jaden furiously imputted the codes. Realizing Raiden's pause, Jaden himself stopped and looked up at him.

"Are you ready?" He asked. Raiden wasn't sure. "Oh come on," Jaden continued, glaring at Emily. "Don't you think I want to get the hell out of here too?"

"I...I don't know..." Raiden responded.

"So now you're letting the stoner bitch get to you?" Jaden asked, glaring down at Raiden. "Who protected your ass in that house? Who got you down here? What...you think I want to die?"

"I swear to God I already saw you..." Raiden began but Jaden backhanded him. Raiden collapsed to the floor.

"I didn't fucking die!" Jaden screamed, tearing off his shirt. "Look at me! Where are the cuts? Where are the scars?"

"There are none..." Raiden replied.

"You're damn fucking right there aren't!" Jaden yelled in response, turning back to the computer.

"We just went through hell twice over in the past few days," Raiden said, slowly climbing to his feet. His body still ached, his limbs still rather numb. "How the fuck don't you have a cut or a scar?" Jaden slammed his fists off the consol and turned around.

"Maybe I just fight better you ungrateful piece of shit," Jaden snapped, pointing his finger at Raiden who slapped it away. Jaden slapped Raiden once more. "I'm tired of you fucking people with your questions and your comments. You coming here ruined everything! I had a motherfucking job to do and I was doing it...and now you bastards come and ruin it all in three days! You endanger yourselves beyond your wildest dreams, but more importantly you endanger me. Now we sit here, footsteps away from salvation, feet from rescue, and you have the fucking balls to tell me that I'm wrong...to accuse me, of all people, of trying to hurt you...when I've done nothing but save your asses as you've hated me for every second of it." He turned to Emily, "Shut your fucking mouth," and then to Raiden, "And open the fucking door."

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662445.png
Special Agent
Jaden Gates

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p668638.png
First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

Emliy went to say something in anger, but held back went Jocelyn placed her hand on Emilys shoulder shaking her head. Unlike Emily Jocelyn was a soldier, and could ill afford the luxury of thinking too much. She saw it only one way, “face it Emily, we have injured team member, who are in desperate need med evac. Their hope may be on the other side of that door. Either you are right, and Jaden is a liar, or he’s just bad luck. We will not fond out either way unless we go through that door. However, it is a chance that I’m willing to take”

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Jocelyn

“I’m sorry, Emily, but there are chances one must take. This is one of them. Unless you see a possible alternative?” said Kurt, his face begrimed with a thick, black residue from the battle that was patched with stains of blood.

“Why should we trust him?” said Chad (equally begrimed), briefly glancing at Jaden with contempt before turning his head back. “Why?”

“Look. I understand that you’re a shaky after the shit that went down earlier. But… he’s led us from danger this time. We… have no other choices. He’s led us this far. Trust him now.”

“There is no need for trust. This man is a monster. His temper doesn’t agree with the situation. He wants us to reach for something. He wants us to meet something and I don’t trust what that is. I saw him die before my very eyes and something tells me that he doesn’t have much to lose… but we do.”

“Flark, there’s nothing else to do. You can’t possibly want to return to the mayhem above?”

“Perhaps,” said Flark. “There are other solutions. You’re just too impatient to see them.”

“Why can’t you take a chance?!” Kurt snapped.

“Ah, now look who’s lecturing on chance! I had to rip you off your ass to come save Harper! I know about taking chances! And I do them in the interest of others, not to just save my own ass!” Chad exclaimed.

“Don’t give me that bullshit,” said Kurt.

“What, you were eager to go?” Chad shot back.

Kurt sighed and shook his head. “This is a chance that must be taken and I say open the damn door. Either way, we’re fucked.”

“Pessimistic son-a-bitch,” Chad cursed under his breath.

Kurt’s statement was true, in a sense. If they returned to the swarming villagers above, they would most certainly be overwhelmed in a frenzy that would ensue. If they opened the door and it was indeed a trap set in place by Jaden, they would be doomed that way also. Another quagmire had entrapped the team, forcing them to make a decision few would voluntarily make. But, perhaps, salvation waited beyond that door. Shaking his head, Chad reluctantly conceded. Their fates had been entrusted to a man no one seemed to trust.

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/oceanseleven4.jpg
Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

Raiden heard a scratching noise in the brief silence and then a low growl. He had heard this sound before and there was no denying what it was. They were coming.

"OPEN THE GATE!" Jaden screamed, realizing what was approaching them at the same time. Raiden looked at him, now without doubt, and pressed the button.

The dial at the center of the large circular door began to slowly rotate to the left. The scuffling of feet down the tunnel became faster as the villagers approached, and the door seemed to be taking longer than any escape should.

Finally, a gasp of air escaped from the seal surrounding the door and it slowly inched open, water seeping from the crack. The tiny droplets spattered on the ground of the tunnel, the puddle growing larger faster as the door opened wider. Emerging from the control room, Raiden squinted his eyes at the sight of the leak.

"Hey..." He said quietly. Most eyes were focused down the hall. "Hey we got a problem here!" Jaden walked out of the control room and looked at the door which was slowly opening. Along the open crack, water was leaking through. The drops had turned to a constant stream, the puddle was now much larger. "Is there a leak in the connector to the lab?"

"If so," Jaden shrugged. "We're going to have to move fast."

"Hey!" Major Gerald Harper shouted from his spot on the floor. The pole was still lodged inside of his stomach, but the medics had sealed him off, and it no longer threatened his life. Still, he was in bad shape. "I fucking see 'em! Gimme a motherfucking gun!"

Raiden turned as a knife flew past his cheek, slicing a thin red line right under his eye before smacking against the door and falling to the floor. Raiden reached across his waist to grab his pistol, turned, and fired three shots into the villager's face. As the cursed man fell to the ground right before Harper's feet, all hell broke loose from the team.

The barrage of bullets was endless as it tore through the oncoming mob effortlessly, ending lives with swift ease. All the while, the door continued to open, and water continued to push its way into the tunnel. Raiden looked down as he slammed another clip into his rifle and saw the water now flowing over his boots.

Turning, he saw the water rushing through the now-wide crack, pushing the door open faster as it flowed through. It was as if life had slowed down before his eyes as the water crashed open the door, filling the tunnel instantly. Jaden tried to jump into the control room but the water swallowed him whole. Raiden had since run up in front of Harper to defend him, and now looking back, with the tide and the people flowing violently towards him, there was no escape.

The villagers didn't faulter, pressing towards the tunnel-consuming wave as it raced towards them. Raiden dropped his rifle and hooked himself to Major Harper before the wave attacked, sweeping up Harper and Raiden in its horror. The thrashing water threw the two of them around in the constant undertow as they flew through the tunnel, the water at their backs.

No one had escaped, and Raiden barely had the time to hope that they would survive.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662445.png
Special Agent
Jaden Gates

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p668638.png
First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662447.png
Major Gerald Harper

"All this shit," Tess said in between coughs. She had swallowed more water than she had thought. "Why Gabriel?" she asked, pulling her hair back and ringing it out. "Why do you need me?"

"I love you, Tess," Gabriel replied, dropping his guard. It had not been his intention. He had not planned on falling in love with her. She was a specimen, the key to their race. She was a secret, a secret hidden so well by her father that it had taken his kind so many years to find it. He didn't know why it happened, why he fell for her. All he knew it that it did happen, and there was no use fighting what already occured.

"I..." Tess replied, a tear flowing down her eye alongside the droplets of water. "I love you so much..."

"Tess I would do anything for you," Gabriel continued. "Anything and everything I could...no matter what..."

"You know I'd do the same," Tess said.

"That's what I wanted to hear," Gabriel responded, shaking the water from his hair and putting on his pants and boots. He covered Tess's shivering shoulders with his leather jacket.

"Is this about you?" Tess asked as they made their way back to the city through the dark streets. "About your arm?"

"It's about us, Tess," Gabriel replied, turning to face her, holding her in his arms. "About both of us...about all of us. We're different...new...years ahead of our time. We will always stick out."

"Why?" Tess asked, shocked but trying to understand.

"Because we're different," Gabriel continued. "I've never understood it. I've never valued one life over another. Life is like all things. It can be given, taken, improved, changed...but can it just be good? Can it be simply bad? No Tess, life just is. Just like everything else is how it is, free to be used however. It is without reason, yet not without purpose. Our lives, your life, my life...each has a purpose. Why are we different, Tess? What purpose does it have? Why make us different from all the others? Like life itself, there seems to be no reason...but what if there is a reason? What if there is a reason that goes along with the purpose? It is this question that drives me, Tess, for without an answer...our difference is meaningless."

"And Jaden?" Tess questioned, blinking her eyes.

"Jaden and I...we argued about ourselves," Gabriel explained. "Jaden wanted to destroy us all. Why? I don't know. Perhaps he wanted to be unique...perhaps he wanted it all to himself...perhaps he saw us as 'bad.' But if life cannot be bad, Tess, then how can our very existance be so damn threatening? No...Jaden doesn't ask questions...he doesn't seek answers. Jaden only sees life as it is, mindlessly going from one point to another, not thinking about how he got there or why. Jaden only thinks about what he knows, not what he doesn't."

"So Jaden doesn't care why we're here?" Tess asked.

"Correct," Gabriel replied. "And in his mind, we shouldn't be here. But he never thought why we're here...why we're like this. He never even found a reason why we shouldn't be here. To him, life is full of reason...black or white...right or wrong...good or bad. Jaden denies purpose in favor of reason, whether one exists or not. While we seek these answers, Jaden merely denies them. We can grow Tess. We can change...but not Jaden. Without questions he can find no true answers. Without answers...he will remain how he is...never growing...never changing."

"Does he think he has all the answers?" Tess asked, now understanding. Now believing.

"Perhaps," Gabriel said, looking up at the sky. There were no stars tonight. No light among the darkness. "If he does, he's even more wrong than I thought."

"I thought you said there was no right or wrong?" Tess asked.

"There are no absolute rights, no complete wrongs," Gabriel answered. "Life never equals itself entirely. There are always things lost, things gained, things changed, things manipulated. There are always variables unthought of, untouched."

"So he doesn't have the answers?" Tess questioned.

"No more than he knows the purpose," Gabriel replied. "Tess I believe that our difference has a purpose, that it has a reason...but I am not sure. Jaden is "sure" that is doesn't. This blinds him to things hidden. It shelters him from the truth."

"From the variables?" Tess asked. Gabriel nodded.

"We're alive, Tess," Gabriel said. "We woke up. We came to. That shouldn't have happened, but it did anyway. If our difference had no meaning, then we'd still be dead. There would be no reason for us to revive...our second lives would have no purpose. Obviously that's not the case. The question is...why? Jaden...he'll never know. He could not predict us coming back because he does accept that our difference has meaning. Jaden will never understand why we're here because he does not ask."

"We can use that to our advantage..." Tess said. "Can't we?"

"If we find the answer," Gabriel explained. Tess nodded in reply. "If we keep asking questions."

"Should we find the others?" Tess asked. "Warn them of Jaden?"

"If they don't know by now," Gabriel began. "If they haven't asked the right questions...they will never find the answer...they will never discover the truth."

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

Jocelyn had turned her attention to the villagers that were bearing down upon them when the water hit. Caught by surprise she was knocked off her feet. Now sooner had she hit the ground when the might of the wave started pushing her down the corridor. In an act of desperation she reached out grabbing a near pipe that ran along the wall, for the moment the pipe acted as her saviour.

Other had not been so lucky as to have something to grab a hold of. Through the mists of the current she saw both Augustine and Emily being swept towards her, Augustine must have grabbed Emily when the water.

“Augustine!” she yelled extending her hand as the approached “Grab my hand!”

At the last possible moment Augustine reached out taking Jocelyn hand. Jocelyn yelled out in pain as the force of stopping the two nearly tore her shoulder out it socket, but despite the pain she kept her grip. Augustine on the other hand had not been so lucky, he had lost his hold on Emily, and now watched helplessly as Emily was pushed further in the darkness.

“Swim damn it” desperately hoping his words would give her the strength needed to swim back against the raging current. Both Augustine and Jocelyn watched in Horror as Emily fought against the water, but in the end was simply to still weak, and drifted out of sight.

Waves poured through the corridor from both ends. On one end, the ravenous villagers that they had just escaped from approached with great furor. On the other end, powerful waves rushed through the pathway. Jaden had led them into another trap. This was no coincidence. There would be no reconciliation, but somehow, it was likely that he would ultimately be absolved of any direct blame in the name of coincidental occurrences. Or blame placed directly on Gabriel.

Still, the weak trust that existed was now broken and if there was to be any survival, a fierce outbreak of verbal violence would ensue. Jaden would dismiss these attacks, perhaps blame Gabriel, and pin the blame on unknowing ignorance.

But this could no be allowed to continue. As the waves rushed through the corridors and the two New Genoans grabbed hold of life-saving pipes, Chad’s eyes caught sight of the man he despised anchoring himself on the other side of the corridor. In the distance, Emily had been swept away in the thrashing waters. Raising his pistol while struggling under the pressure of waves, Chad aimed it at the perpetrator of the flowing water that tumbled towards the team.

“Flark, what the fuck are you doing?!!”

His eyes were keenly fixed on the man for whom he held so much contempt. He must be accountable of his own actions. He must. The anger that had swelled was too great to be expressed in volatile expression. Perhaps it was exaggerated. Perhaps it was justified.

“He must be accountable for these actions. He must. This was the last straw.” These words were spoken clearly, as if his judgement had not been diluted by his condition.

“Be reasonable you fool! Think of the ramifications of your actions!”

Ignoring the advice, he felt his grip weakening and the pistol trembling in his hand. His shoulder was still sore from the knife wounds, his vision still impaired, and his breath exhausted from the preceding battle. The waters were engulfing villagers as they viciously made their way towards their prey, immersing their bodies under the lake’s water. Chad watched, as the knives were the last items to disappear under the water. Finally, he continued. The pistol was aimed. The sight was adjusted. Would he fire? Would it hit its target and prove successful? Would his impairments contribute to the attack’s success? It did not matter. Tightly holding the gun in one hand and the pipe in the other under the increasing pressure that bombarded him, he pulled the trigger and fired a single shot.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/kurt.jpg
Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/oceanseleven4.jpg
Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

The bullet sped towards Jaden, death at the speed of sound. He gripped the wall with his left hand, tirelessly trying to fight the waves. Jaden turned in time to see the projectile cut through his left bicept, plunging him into the depths.

The liquid stampede tossed the Raiden-Harper combination through the tunnels, ramming them off walls and pipes alike. Multiple times, Raiden had reached out, only for Harper's weight to pull him back down into the lakewater.

Angrily, the waves slammed the two of them against yet another giant door, the pressure of the water slowly crushing them against it. Holding his breath, Raiden tugged at the manual control wheel, trying to force it open. The water needed somewhere else to flow.

Harper's eyes were closed, further underwater and pinned against the door. Two or three villagers smashed against the door as well, long dead. Fighting the current while dragging Harper along, Raiden pushed his way to the roof of the tunnel, quickly inhaling the last breath of air available.

Behind him, he could make out the distant shapes of men approaching. Chad? Augustine? Kurt? Jaden? He couldn't tell. Blowing the air out of his nose as he descended, Raiden again attempted to force open the door as body after body slammed up against it.

Slowly, after what seemed like forever, the wheel began to move. Raiden struggled with both the door and his mind as the pressure within his lungs began to feel like the pressure of the water against him. His chest burning, Raiden threw open the door, and was instantly pulled through, Harper still attached to his waist.

The water now rushed them upwards, around turns until at last Raiden could make out some semblence of light. Raiden closed his eyes as water tried to rush into his lungs, his lack of air gone on for too long.

The two of them were thrown from the tunnels into the air like a giant fountain, and both gasped for air before realizing that they now were free falling nearly two stories towards the ground. Their bodies made a sickening collision with the puddles on the ground as lakewater still rushed from the hole that it created.

Raiden opened his eyes, slowly trying to control his breathing, as the lake water rained down from above. They were hardly the only ones spit out by the massive fountain, but as Raiden looked around, most others at least appeared dead.

Reaching down to his waist and unhooking the latch, Raiden turned Harper onto his back, pressing his fists down into the Major's chest. Harper coughed, as water and blood spilled from his mouth, and so Raiden continued, despritely trying to keep the man alive.

The sun was beginning to rise, the large buildings casting menacing shadows upon the damp street. Raiden rolled onto his back as well, exausted, and stared up at the orange sky. They were in the middle of Procul, deep within what was once the business area, as the skyline was littered with enormous skyscrapers.

Raiden closed his eyes momentarily, but they flew open almost instantly afterwards. The sound was unlike the water, unlike the wind. No, Raiden told himself. He knew exactly what they were. Footsteps.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662445.png
Special Agent
Jaden Gates

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p668638.png
First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662447.png
Major Gerald Harper

“Where are we going?” Tess asked, quickening her pace to keep up with Gabriel.

“The city,” Gabriel muttered in response, waiting until she caught up to look at her as they continued to walk.

“Why?” Tess questioned, struggling to maintain her stride.

“That’s where he is,” Gabriel replied, looking forward once more.

“Why the city?” Tess asked.

“To him we’re dead,” Gabriel explained. “To him, his mission is complete. To him, he destroyed the anomalies he wanted to destroy. However, yet again there were variables that he failed to or refused to account for. The entire team distrusts him, Tess. Soon they will venture to the lab, and discover that it is in fact not there. Jaden will then pin their entrapment on us, but again…to him…we’re dead. Still, they could figure it out, putting his mission or his survival in jeopardy. To him, if he kills them, there will no longer be any proof of what he has done. They are unexpected variables that must be accounted for...that must be balanced out. His whole plan, his whole mission from here on out is predicated on the falsehood that we no longer exist.”

“But how can he see that they are variables if you said he doesn’t want to see the variables?” Tess questioned. Gabriel nodded.

“Just because he doesn’t acknowledge them obviously does not mean they don’t exist,” he continued. “However it is most likely becoming harder and harder for him to hide from them, to deny what’s right in front of his eyes. He’s most likely unstable, brash, controlled by instincts. His logic will soon break down, and he’ll take to drastic measures.”

“He’s already planning on killing them,” Tess said. “How much more drastic can he…?”

“I don’t know, Tess,” Gabriel said as the buildings aside the road gradually became taller, more metallic. “I’m sorry…but I believe that this is why we’re different. I believe that whatever measures he takes can be stopped, balanced, by us.”

“So we save the others?” Tess asked. Gabriel shrugged.

“Perhaps,” Gabriel replied. “But we don’t do it for them, Tess. We do it for us…and those like us. We’re different, Tess…a whole new race…and Jaden’s trying to destroy that race. Who knows how many he’s already killed…people…people just like us! We have to deliver these people! We have to save them from Jaden’s plan for them and open them up to their own!”

“We have to kill Jaden?” Tess asked, but she already knew what Gabriel’s response would be…she already knew the answer.

“Somebody does,” Gabriel said. “And if the others are already dead, it’s up to us.”

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

The next sound Raiden heard was much more frightening. The cold, metallic sound of a pistol cocking echoed into his ear and throughout his mind.

“Rise, Lieutenant,” Jaden commanded, his voice bellowing out the order. The pistol was aimed at Raiden’s head.

“Did you think you’d get away with it?” Raiden asked, struggling to stand. He was still injured, still exausted…

“Yes,” Jaden replied. “I still do.”

“And you think that what you’re doing is right?” Raiden continued. Jaden grinned.

“I’m sure of it,” he said.

“Really?” Raiden questioned, the anger growing inside of him. He had always suspected it, but still, now when it was right before him, it hurt even more. “Leading us into traps? Trying to kill us over and over again?”

“To be honest with you, Lieutenant,” Jaden responded. “I tried to save you. I tried to show you what was wrong here…I tried to show you the horrors of what happened here. I tried to save you from that damn house, from your own collective ignorance.”

“You led us to the lab,” Raiden realized. “You led us there knowing full well that there was no lab.” Jaden shook his head in disappointment.

“Still blind,” he muttered. “Even after I open your eyes and point you in the right direction, you’re still fucking blind.”

“Why?” Raiden asked.

“What a pitiful question,” Jaden replied, frowning. “Look around you, Lieutenant. Witness the horror that NiMBUS created for all of us. They played god, creating life, altering life, damning life as well in the process. This is their fault. It is my job to destroy it.”

“NiMBUS?” Raiden said in horror. “They were destroyed in the civil war.”

“Correct,” Jaden replied. “Yet while the head and heart stopped, the Corporation’s right hand lived on alone, venturing into projects unknown.”

“Are you trying to tell me that I’m some sort of…?” Raiden began but Jaden cut him off.

“Don’t give yourself the credit,” Jaden snapped. “If you were, I would have killed you ages ago. I would have eliminated you from existence, and existence so vile, so evil, that it has no right to continue. All you fuckers did was stand in my way…delay me from my ultimate goal…”

“Gabriel…” Raiden mused.

“Yes,” Jaden said, a wicked grin stretching across his face. “He and Tess were part of the problem. That’s why I drew them here, that’s why I brought them, that’s why I eliminated them.”

“What the hell do we have to do with any of this?” Raiden asked. “Just let us go, leave us out of it.”

“Oh, Lieutenant,” Jaden said, shaking his head. “How I tried…but you see…you pathetic beings can’t shut up, can’t stop asking questions for one fucking minute to realize that keeping quiet would have kept you alive. Staying dumb, or even playing dumb, would have saved you all. But you all hated me. You distrusted me for opening your eyes. That’s the thanks I get…that’s why I had to destroy your dropship…”

“What?” Raiden asked, the fear freezing him. The ship was their only escape.

“Face it, Lieutenant,” Jaden announced, raising his weapon as the lake water from the enormous fountain in the ground rained down upon them both. “I can’t let you live…much less let you leave…”

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662445.png
Special Agent
Jaden Gates

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p668638.png
First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

Major Gerald Harper coughed, blood and lake water flying from his mouth as he laid on the ground, wet and weary.

The sun was rising in the distance, and from his location he had a perfect view through two buildings. Ripples colored the skies, each inch away a different color, a different shade. The sun was rising on a new day, as Harper's own sun was setting. The irony was not lost on the Major.

His mother was right, he thought to himself as Jaden and Raiden argued near-by, their shouts dimmed by Harper's dreams. She always told him that if he was to follow his father's life, he'd meet the same fate. Now, on an abandoned planet, he was fulfilling his destiny it seemed.

All his life he had wanted to be like his father. This was his chance to do something great. This was his oppertunity to be remembered. What had he done? He had failed.

The thought brought tears to his eyes, and yet they could not be noticed since water and blood droplets littered the rest of his body. Besides, Harper thought, shaking his head, Jaden and Raiden had bigger problems to take care of. They had little time to worry about a man who should have died by now.

The pipe through his stomach would make his death slow. His organs would slowly fail, his body dying from within as the cold metal forced inside of him prevented most of the blood from escaping. There was little he could do to prevent this fate his father had handed down to him and his mother had feared.

Still, he mumbled to himself, he had lived a good life. He had fought hard and fought well...the fight was now simply over. The villagers had got to him, as they would soon get to the others. Harper merely wished a better death upon them.

Raiden was held before him at gunpoint by the man who betrayed them all, and Harper felt useless. Jaden was standing mere inches away from him, and there was nothing he could do. Sure he might be able to reach out and touch the man, but what good would that do?

Slowly, Harper's thoughts drifted back to the pipe protruding from his stomach. It was, after all, sharp on one end, definately capable of doing some damage. In less than a moment Harper's mind was made up. Admitting defeat was always harder than actually being defeated. Perhaps greatness was still within his grasp.

Sitting up, Harper was completely ignored by Jaden as he wrapped his wet fingers around the pipe. He gave it a slight tug, just to see what it would feel like, just to judge the pain. The slight tug echoed through his body, as the pain spread throughout. Harper took a deep breath, perhaps his last, and pulled as hard as he could.

The shock of the pain took back the breath that Harper had swallowed, but there was no time to worry about such things. Harper knew exactly what to do, and letting out a tribal scream, drove the sharp pipe through Jaden's calf.

Jaden's leg buckled in pain as he fell to one knee, grasping his leg in his left hand while holding his pistol in his right. Screaming, Jaden turned and fired round after round into Major Harper's head, but the Major didn't feel a thing, for he had already bled dry.

His actions did not reverberate consequence however, as Raiden now had the upper hand. Swinging his fist, Raiden punched Jaden from behind, knocking him onto Harper's bloody body.

Jaden turned, firing his pistol in Raiden's direction. The impact of the bullet caught Raiden by surprise, knocking him on his back as it tore through his left shoulder. Jaden crawled over to him and put his pistol against Raiden's head.

Violently, he pulled the trigger.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662445.png
Special Agent
Jaden Gates

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p668638.png
First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662447.png
Major Gerald Harper

The world seemed to pause as both men waited for the gun to go off, for Raiden's brain to splatter across the wet pavement, for Jaden to win. However, the trigger simply clicked. No explosion. No bullet.

Jaden stared down in rage as Raiden looked up in horror. Furious, Jaden started beating Raiden in the face with his pistol until suddenly Jaden flew off of the Lieutenant and collapsed on the ground beside him. One by one, shells connected with Jaden's body as the man with the gun approached.

Any man who took such punishment surely would have died, but of course, Jaden was no man. Rising to his feet, he stared through the shadows cast by the rising sun, trying to find his attacker. Steadily, Gabriel emerged, shotgun in hand, aimed, and took fire.

Knocked down once more, Jaden looked up horrified. "Y-you're dead," he stammered as he saw Tess walking behind him. Gabriel smiled at the irony. It was merely days ago when he had said the exact same thing.

"Do I look dead to you?" Gabriel asked, mimicing Jaden's taunts from before. "Did you see me die?"

"How'd you get out?" Jaden yelled. "I-I shot you! I sunk the lab!"

"The gig's up...the charade's over," Gabriel continued, saying Jaden's lines as if he was reading them from a script. "You live the life of a traitor...you die a traitor's death..."

"No..." Jaden stammered. "No you have to be dead! You have to die!" Gabriel shot him once more, driving him back again. Pulling out a knife, Jaden picked Raiden up and used him as a human shield.

"You betrayed us, Jaden," Gabriel announced. "You betrayed Tess and I...and the rest of your people who you slaughtered."

"How are you alive?" Jaden questioned in a shrill voice.

"Because I must fulfill my purpose," Gabriel replied. "There is no escaping purpose, Jaden. Not even death can shield us from it."

"Horseshit," Jaden snapped. "Your purpose was to die. My purpose was, and still is, to kill you." Reaching down, Jaden pulled the pipe from his leg and held it so that its sharp end was touching the bottom of Raiden's chin. Jaden then threw the knife at Gabriel.

Dropping the shotgun, Gabriel pulled out a pistol and shot the knife from the air, deflecting it off to the side. Reaching down, Jaden pulled out Raiden's pistol and fired it at Gabriel, hitting Tess in the arm instead. Gabriel turned for a second to look, only to have three bullets rip through the skin in his back and smack against his spinal cord. He dropped to the ground, paralyzed.

Kicking Raiden to the ground, Jaden ran towards Tess as Gabriel looked on, immobile. Grabbing her by the hair and holding her at gunpoint, Jaden smashed through the door to the tallest sky scraper in the city, and disappeared from view.

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

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Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

As the bullet sped towards Jaden, Chad’s grip on the pipe loosened to the point where he could not maintain balance against the thrashing water. He felt his hand slip and his body plunged into the lake’s water. Tossing him about, he vanished and then reappeared. This continued several times, each emergence with a struggling gasp for precious oxygen. Groping the walls, he searched for something to hold on to, but this search seemed futile as he was continuously thrown about… at the whim of the violent waters that Jaden had unleashed.

“Damnit!” Kurt cursed when Chad had fell victim to the flooding.

At this time, he too was taken the way of the water along with the others. It carried him in a fashion similar to Chad’s, tossing him above and below the water’s surface with a desperate gasp for air at each time the waves admitted him to rise above them. The swarming waters moved faster than time, but the time spent struggling against seemed to last a millennium. Finally, Kurt managed to grasp a pipe to slow his descent downstream. But the pipe soon gave in to the water’s might and snapped, sending the sergeant back into the fray.

As he returned to watery onslaught, a sharp sensation flashed through his leg, until it grew to a sharp piercing pain. Struggling to catch glimpse of the perpetrator who had stabbed him, he managed to put his boot into its face sending the villager to its long-delayed death. Few villagers seemed to have survived the initial surge, and such an attack seemed awkward. But this didn’t matter; Kurt’s primary concern was obtain enough oxygen and to find something to anchor himself to. Unfortunately, the second goal was never fulfilled.

Chad coughed, his eyes fluttering, as he struggled to his feet. A loud, crackling noise (a gunshot, he presumed) had awakened him. As his senses returned gradually, another explosive shot left a ringing in his ears. Another shot followed, but Jaden maintained mortality.

Knocked down once more, Jaden looked up horrified. “Y-you’re dead,” he stammered as he saw Tess walking behind him. Gabriel smiled at the irony. It was merely days ago when he had said the exact same thing.

“Do I look dead to you?” Gabriel asked, mimicking Jaden’s taunts from before. “Did you see me die?”

“How’d you get out?” Jaden yelled. “I-I shot you! I sunk the lab!”

I knew it… that bastard.

Chad watched Gabriel drop to the ground, succumbing to three shots that seemingly paralyzed him. Jaden pulled Tess by the hair, and scurried into the nearest skyscraper. In his mind, Chad knew something had to be done to stop this madman. His comments had only further confirmed his suspicions. He ran his hand down his pant leg, searching for a viable weapon. Nothing. But a second scavenging discovered an army knife that had been issued. A knife against a pistol was an unbalanced fight, for sure. Thoughts raced through Chad’s mind as he searched for a solution.

Do I wait for the others? No… no. Too much time will pass. It’s now or nev-

A pat on the shoulder interrupted his thought. As he turned his head, he saw Kurt with a pistol in his other hand. Acknowledging Chad’s implied intentions, Kurt nodded. Both approached the skyscraper.

“And what the fuck are you planning to do?” Kurt asked, cocking his pistol’s hammer. “Didn’t you see him take those shells? He isn’t human.”

“Correct. But rupturing the nervous system would render him immobile. A shot to the spinal cord, the head, the neck… whatever could do him in, and most definitely kill the bastard. Even if he’s a superman, without a functioning brain, he’s worth shit.”

“I suppose that means you intend for me to fire the shot?” Kurt said, already knowing what Chad’s response would be.

“You’re the one with the gun. Last time I tried to take down that bastard, I merely grazed him.”

“This is drastic, you know?”

“Drastic times call for drastic measures,” Chad said as they neared closer to the building.

Kurt nodded affirmatively. He already knew his fate. He knew he was to accompany Chad. There was no doubt in his mind to conflict with this belief he held. Their earlier feuds did not matter. Jaden was the greater evil who had done so much harm. Glancing at Gabriel, Kurt paused.

“Flark, wait!” Kurt said, turning to Chad. “Gabriel… how could you ignore him?”

“I thought you hated him,” Chad said, stopping as well.

“Perhaps we can put a hold to this shit and have a brief chat with our friend? He obviously knows more about this shit than we do,” Kurt responded.

“Bah,” Chad said, spitting at the ground at the idea. “He’s been holding out on us as well. Scum, too.”

“Perhaps we should get him to divulge that information to us now instead of leaving him here to rot?” Kurt replied. While he still held disdain for Gabriel, he knew the man possessed valuable information that could be extracted. He was an enemy of Jaden as well. And at this moment in time, the enemy of their enemy was most definitely their friend. “Commander Graves,” Kurt said, as the two changed direction hastily. “Perhaps you should do a bit of explaining before we throw our lives away?”

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

"Morons..." Gabriel muttered to himself as the feeling slowly returned to his limbs. Reaching out his arm, he gabbed hold to a newspaper vendor and used the metal object to pull himself to his feet. He moaned, squeezing his muscles together as the bullets were slowly forced out of his back from within. "There's no way I'm going to be able to explain how I did this..." he thought to himself as the three bullets dropped to the pavement.

"Hey..." Raiden said from his space on the ground, his shirt soaked with blood from his shoulder. "Hey guys...I...I need some help..."

"If you already plan on throwing your lives away," Gabriel replied to Chad and Kurt. "Then you don't need to know anything. It won't matter in an hour anyhow."

"W-why an hour?" Raiden asked, crawling to the three of them. They seemed not to be paying much attention to his wound.

"Because if you rush up after him," Gabriel said. "That's the most you'll be living."

"Hell..." Raiden said. "No one stays dead anymore. Not Jaden...not Tess...not you...why should we be any fucking different? Tell me why Major Harper won't get up and give me a motherfucking high five ten minutes from now!"

"Because we...Jaden, Tess, and I...we were made this way," Gabriel responded. "That's why you can't go after him. He'll kill you in a matter of seconds."

"You were made that way?" Raiden asked, then he thought of the answer himself. "NiMBUS...sonofabitch." Gabriel nodded. "So then, Mr. Undead...what do you suggest we do?"

"I'll go in myself," Gabriel announced. "I'll kill him. I'll take care of it."

"Bullshit," Raiden countered. "Don't lie to yourself. He's beaten you twice already. You should be fucking dead two times over!"

"And what are you going to do?" Gabriel asked. "You can't even walk, you bastard."

"You're just not the only one here," Raiden said, dropping his head in defeat. "We've got along without you, man. We're still here...still living...three guys have to be better than one."

"Three?" Gabriel questioned. "What about you?"

"You said it yourself, fucker," Raiden laughed. "I can't do shit."

Gabriel turned, looking at the other two men before him. He raised an eyebrow, as if questioning what they wanted to do, fully aware that he hadn't answered their original question.

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p668638.png
First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

With what strength she had left Emily had she fought the current, getting a grasp of air before being force underwater. Despite everything that was going on, things seemed almost surreal to Emily, almost as if things were moving in slow motion. Suddenly he felt her back hit a wall hard, the impact had knocked the wind out her. She had hit a junction, and like before was pushed off in a direction in which she had no control. Coming up for air, she realized that she had actually no idea where she was. However, since she had traveled some distance the strength of the current wasn’t as strong as it was. Her ray of hope quickly faded when she hit a dead end, and the air space started to quickly diminish. Out of the corner of her she saw her salvation, a ladder to which she prayed lead to the surface.

In a panic she hurried up the ladder to find a hatch at the top. Looking down she saw the water quickly rising to meet her. Pushing with all her might she forced the hatch open, quickly crawling out, she sealed it behind her.

Lying on her back for what seemed and eternity, she took a moment to just relax, and enjoy the fresh air. Emily could help but chuckle to herself. Given the situation most people would glad that they were alive, or worried that they might not attack, not Emily. To her it seemed like this was nothing more then just another day, she had seen to much of this in her lifetime. “No more field work for me” she said quietly under her breath.

Sound of gun fire of in the distance got her attention, quickly sitting up it took her a moment to figure out the direction to which the sound came. Hearing it again gave her a confirmation, from what she could tell, she wasn’t far away. Pulling her pistol Emily jumped to her feet running in the general direction.

Coming around the corner she caught movement in the corner of her eye, swing her pistol she brought her sight on the movement. Instead of finding an enemy she saw two familiar faces looking back at her, Augustine and Jocelyn. Augustine was helping Jocelyn walk, and her arm hung limp at her side.

“Are you two alright” asked Emily, even though she knew the answer.

“Dislocated shoulder” quickly answered Jocelyn.

“Perhaps a few broken ribs, some scratches and cuts, but nothing major” interrupted Augustine. His face changed “we thought we had lost you”

“It seems for the time being that fate has other plans for me” answered Emily. “Were are the others, I heard gunfire not to far from here.” Noting that it was just the two.

“We got separated” Jocelyn paused as she winched in pain “but we heard the shots as well, and were on way.”

“We shall we” proclaimed Emily giving a brief sigh.

Slowly the trio made their through the street, but it was not long until they approached they made it to where the gun shot had come from. As they round the corner they her voice speaking

“Three? What about you” said a familiar but thought lost voice.

A quick laugh ensued “You said it your self fucker, I cant do shit.

As they came around the corner they found that Gabriel had his back to them, facing Kurt and Chad. “I take it that the asshole got you too.” Said Emily sarcastically to Gabriel. She turned her attention to Chad and Kurt “If we are going after Jaden you can count us in.”


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Emily

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Augustine

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Jocelyn

“I say we take that bastard down… down all the way,” said Chad, responding to Gabriel’s arched brow. “But,” he continued, glancing at his knife’s blade, “I’m going to need a gun. I got shit now.”

Coming from around the corner, the team members from Tappee joined the freshly formed coalition against the one, true enemy. Once they had approached the four men before the towering skyscraper, Emily spoke, “I take it that the asshole got you too.” Said Emily sarcastically to Gabriel. She turned her attention to Chad and Kurt “If we are going after Jaden you can count us in.”

Both Kurt and Chad nodded in agreement at her comment, well aware now that retribution would come swiftly against Jaden; there was no doubt that they six of them were a formidable force to be dealt with. But this was no ordinary man. This was the samee man who had dodged death multiple times and stopping him would prove extremely difficult if not done correctly. The hostage he held especially played to his advantage.

Still lacking a pistol, Chad waited, as did Kurt. Finally, the brief silence was broken.

“So, what the hell’s the plan, Graves? You know this man personally… perhaps you can enlighten us now? That would be nice.”

The war had started against a few mindless, ravenous villagers and had now culminated into a battle against Objective 1A.

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

Gabriel stared up at the cold metal of the building, unsure as to why he was hesitating to climb. He killed for a living, he repeated over and over again in his mind as the rising sun reflected off the surface, casting a glare into his eyes. With his wet hand he wiped the mud off his face, running his dirty fingers through his soaking hair afterwards.

"I think our options are rather limited," Gabriel replied, frowning at Raiden who was losing blood rapidly. "Whatever we do...it's still going to be us following him. I...I think that's what he wants us to do...but I also think that following him's our only option. He's got us and he knows it..."

"So we just play into his trap?" Raiden asked. "Let him pick us off one by one from inside?"

"We force him to the roof," Gabriel thought to himself. "A wide open space. He's got us in close quarters. We need to get him from a distance."

Turning back to the entrance of the building, Gabriel took out his twin pistols, switched his grip, and pulled the top of them back with the fingers of the same hand he was holding them with. Returning his grip to normal, Gabriel kicked down the door and made his way into the reception hall.

The electricity was out, and with it the main lights and the elevator. The halls were lit by eerie red lights which casted shadows in all sorts of odd directions. Gabriel walked towards the stairs, which were illuminated by the same dim light, and began his ascension towards the top. The others followed behind, speaking in whispers, as Raiden remained on the bottom floor, drearily staring out the front door and into the sun.

The building seemed to be a hotel until they reached the higher levels, which had security locks to what looked like office space. Why miners or felons would need such things was beyond Gabriel, but now was not the time to contemplate why the cubicals and offices were there. This team, now his due to Harper's passing, had two objectives before them: rescue Tess and kill Jaden. They knew why they were there.

The uneventful nature of the climb let minds wander and hearts race. Each person, now faced with what may be their fate, seemed very introverted, examining their souls and those souls which surrounded them.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p668638.png
First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

“What is it was bad guys and abandoned towers” said Emily quietly as the group made their way up the staircase. The irony of the fact that she had been in a similar once before was not lost on her, but despite the similarity this new foe proved to be more cunning then the last. In the deep crevasses of her mind Emily tried to play the final shutdown in her mind, with so many variables coming up with the conclusion was proving to be difficult.

“Maybe they are compensating for something,” said Jocelyn sarcastically interrupting Emily’s of thought. Emily gave Jocelyn a sharp look “What, if I am going to die in the near future I’m not going to spend what little time I have worrying about it.”

“No else is going to die excepted that treacherous dog” shot Augustine from the rear “Payback is a bitch. We are going to make him pay for all friends that we lost today.”

“True that” quickly answered Jocelyn.

Unlike the others, Emily was a bit hesitant on rushing head long guns a blazing. “No matters what happens keep your heads up, I’ve got a feeling that we should be hitting a trap sometime soon.”



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Emily

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Augustine

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Jocelyn

The New Genoans followed the rest of the team’s convoy, as eager to deliver retribution as the others. Gabriel harnessed his twin pistols as he made his way into the building’s entrance, while Kurt holstered his pistol once again. Chad kept the handle of his knife tight in his hand, entering the building after Kurt.

“Some serious shit is going down,” said Chad.

“You ready for this?” Kurt said.

“Why?”

“Seem a bit nervous,” Kurt noted.

“Fuck no. I took a shot at that bastard before; I’d gladly do it again. This time I’ll blow his fucking brains out like a motherfucker,” Chad explained, dismissing Kurt’s claim.

In reality, Chad did feel a weak sense of anxiety swelling inside. He was trained to do this sort of thing, but it was natural to feel the jitters before a major mission. After he engrossed himself, his fears would be demolished as he slipped into the mentality of Special Marine.

“Good luck,” Chad said.

“We’re going to need it,” Kurt sighed. “But, hell, someone’s gonna need to take that bitchfuck down a peg sooner or later and it might as well be the people he deceived and duped and betrayed time and time again. Let’s do this shit.”

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

Paul was just ahead of the New Genoans, but behind the rest of the team. Paul had a rifle he found on the ground. He strapped the rifle on his back, but kept his hand on a handgun. Paul was nervous, but most people would be more nervous in his situation.

Paul's eys scanned the area, nervously. The slightest movement would lead him to draw his gun every time, but then he usually put his gun back because most of the time it was just the wind blowing objects through the area. Better safe than sorry, he'd think each time after he dismissed the movement.

He saw something in the distance, rapid movement toward him. Without further hesitation he raised his rifle and shot it. Great. A peice of paper moving in the wind. He sighed. Better safe then sorry, I guess. He picked up the paper, hoping that it might contain a clue about what was going on. Anything might be written there, but anything was better than nothing. It was blank, so he turned it over to see and...

"A blank piece of paper," he said to himself. "It never hurt to try, though."

[OOC: Sorry for the short post, but there is a complete lack of anything good to do right now and I need to post in this RP because I haven't for a while.]

Pistols in hand, Gabriel climbed the silent stairs towards what he had already decided was his fate. If Jaden’s purpose was to try and destroy Gabriel’s kind…Gabriel’s race…then it was Gabriel’s purpose to try and stop Jaden and save his people. He assumed by now that this was not his original purpose, nor was it the original intent of those who altered him, but he had come to believe that purpose was adaptive. Created for whatever reason, Gabriel’s choice was now obvious, kill or be killed. For a man who lived life firmly entrenched in the “grey,” his purpose was quite black and white anymore.

Gabriel knew not what Jaden’s intentions were, or what his own were beyond the murder of his nemesis. Jaden could have killed Tess when he grabbed her, Gabriel mused, and yet he took her alive and drug her up this building. It was obvious that he was being led into a trap, but like a starving mouse he wanted the cheese above all else. Focused on the opposition, Gabriel was quickly blinding himself to the questions and answers that should have been asked and answered, but he closed his metaphorical eyes intentionally, not wanted to be distracted by such heavy thoughts during the hunt.

He had done this countless times before. The prey never accepted its imminent defeat, and Gabriel was partly glad. It was the thrill of the hunt, and not the hunt itself which drove him to succeed. In a way, Gabriel was back to his own self, seemingly in control as he stalked his victim. However, this time control was an illusion, and although Gabriel had to realize this, he nevertheless pressed on, climbing stair after stair.

Looking at the tattered and torn behind him, he wondered who else would die in this, his vendetta. Would they even know what they died for? Would they ever realize, even in the end, what his true intentions are and what they once were? They had made a choice, taken a route at a crossroads. On one side was Jaden, on the other was Gabriel, the path which they now traveled on. Gabriel wondered if they would ever realize which choice was right, making him wonder if there even was a right choice at this point.

To him, he was right, even if he hadn’t been in the beginning or years ago. Even now, like always, he did what had to be done, damn good at it and damn proud of his excellence. The building around him was completely devoid of life, without people or plants to populate it. It was an eerie feeling, causing Gabriel to feel alone, even among the others who followed behind him. Still, seclusion was just what he wanted.

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves

As the team made their way up the staircase Emily had the face the fact that she may not actually survive this. For the first time since all this had began her thoughts drifted toward her newborn son Robert.

With everything that had been going on in recent months, she hadn’t been able to spend much time being a mother, choosing instead to left the care of her son to others. If she died here today, then little Robert would never have the chance to know either of his parents, a thought that gave Emily the determination to make it through this alive. Thinking of leaving her son alone in the world was more terrible then the thought of death itself.

Emily now wondered if she was given a choice between giving the life of team member or hers, which one she would actually pick. She would have liked to think that she was willing to die for the other, but deep down she knew the if it actually came down to it, she would hesitate.

Taking deep breath, Emily tried to get a grip on her emotion, she had already let her emotion get the best of her once before. There was a job that had to be done, everybody here had placed their trust in everyone else, she had to be strong. Tightening the grip on her pistol she prepared herself for what was to come.

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Emily

Gabriel wandered up the stairs, drudgingly making his way to where he thought Jaden was. As usual, he was right.

“Gabriel...” his voice rang through the upper halls. “Gabriel, Gabriel, Gabriel...” Agent Graves’ eyes darted across the ceiling, frantically searching for the man behind the mystery.

“Get your ass down here now!” Gabriel screamed. Jaden’s laughter echoed through the building.

“Always so impatient...” Jaden mocked. “When will you ever lighten up?”

“Shut your mouth, Steven,” Gabriel shot in reply, spinning in circles as he looked above.

“Tisk, tisk, Gabriel,” Jaden said, pronouncing the words as they were written. “You simply don’t get it...do you?”

“Bullshit,” Gabriel responded. “You’re trying to kill us...I’m trying to save us...”

“You make this sound like a comic book,” Jaden continued. “So obvious, so clear-cut, so cliché. It’s more than upsetting, Gabriel...it’s rather pathetic.”

“You’re pathetic,” Gabriel said. “Abducting Tess...betraying us all...”

“Come now,” Jaden said. “I may be many things...but my friend...I am no traitor. My intentions have been the same from the beginning. You on the other hand...”

“We have nothing to talk about,” Gabriel retorted. “Now come out so I can kill you.”

“Heh,” Jaden replied, his voice closer. Gabriel spun around, only to see Jaden in the doorway. “I have a better plan. Why don’t you put yourself out of your misery before I get to you?”

“I wouldn’t give you the satisfaction of watching me die,” Gabriel shot back, sprinting towards the door as he unloaded both of his pistols. Jaden turned, running up the stairwell.

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

Frantically, Gabriel bounded up the stairs after Jaden, loading his guns as he ran. The spiral staircase gave no shots, so Gabriel concentrated on his running as he ascended towards the roof. The dimly lit stairs grew brighter as the door above was flung open by the man before him, and Gabriel darted towards the light.

The open door to the roof in his sights, Gabriel rushed forward, only to see Jaden standing across the roof. He could see Tess tied to a poll, and Jaden was standing behind her. For what seemed like hours, the two men stared at each other, black and white, good and evil, right and wrong. Jaden cocked his head to the side, cracking his neck in preparation as Gabriel stood upright with his pistols in each hand at his side.

Instinctively, both men leapt to their right, firing at each other as they flew through the air and landed hard on the ground. Lying on his back with his feet raised, Gabriel shot in between his legs as Jaden rolled behind a ventilator shaft protector. The bullets tore through the metal of the shaft, but although Jaden was struck, he was unharmed. Tess screamed in fear as the bullets hailed around her, and Jaden had now made his way to the door which Gabriel had come out of, kicking the door shut and locking the others in the stairwell.

Flipping from his back onto one knee, Gabriel unloaded the final shots of his clip at Jaden, somehow missing him as his target moved with inhuman speeds. Still, Gabriel connected; knocking a slug through Jaden’s left knee and dropping him to the ground. Rising to his feet, Gabriel dropped both clips out of his pistols and loaded them as he quickly walked towards his target.

Jaden, collapsed on the ground, was taking the bullets to the back when he threw a grenade at Gabriel. Diving out of the way, Gabriel looked up through the smoke to see both Jaden and Tess gone from his sight. Gabriel squinted, looking around, but Jaden was above him and dropped down, smacking Gabriel in the head with the butt of his rifle. Gabriel’s skull bounced off the hard roof and he closed his eyes, disoriented. Jaden aimed the rifle and fired, but no bullet came out. Enraged, Jaden slid his hands down to the tip of the barrel, brought the gun behind his head, and in a fierce downward swing clubbed Gabriel once more.

Spitting up blood, Gabriel wrapped his hand around one of his pistols, and just as Jaden was about to bludgeon him again, Gabriel shot him twice in the face. Jaden staggered back, blood pouring from his wounds, as Gabriel slowly rose to his feet. Checking his pistol, he realized that no bullets remained, and that his other one was nowhere to be found. Throwing the gun aside, Gabriel marched over to Jaden and clenched his fists.

Letting go of his anger and letting out a loud roar, Gabriel swung hard with his right fist; his first two knuckled connecting against Jaden’s bloody temple with a sickening smack. Stepping forward with his right and again with his left, Gabriel re-cocked his fist and threw another right hook, knocking Jaden back but not yet onto the ground. Another step forward, and Gabriel laid a vicious backhand across the left side of Jaden’s head, spinning him around and dropping him to the surface of the roof. Reaching down with his left, Gabriel grabbed Jaden by the collar, lifted him into the air, cocked back, and unleashed the most violent jolt he had ever delivered into his enemy’s face. The blow shattered Jaden’s nose, making yet another hole in his face from which blood poured. Limp, Jaden fell to the ground, immobile.

Turning, Gabriel made his way to Tess. Quickly he untied her and the two embraced without saying a word. Hand in hand, they turned back to the door, only to see Jaden upright and angry. Tess screamed as he raced towards them, connecting multiple times with Gabriel before Gabriel had a chance to respond. Their fists flew, as punches were blocked as often as they connected, each man drawing on their skills and their emotions to try to emerge victorious.

Slowly, Jaden was gaining the upper hand, pushing the fight closer and closer to the edge. Realizing this, Gabriel kicked Jaden back, creating separation between the two combatants. As Jaden dashed back towards him, Gabriel withdrew his dagger and stabbed Jaden through the gut. Gabriel scowled, but Jaden merely laughed as his eyes rolled back into his head and his eyelids slowly shut. His muscles bulged, each contracting at odd and inexplicable times, as his skin grew dark and leathery.

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In less than a minute the bastard before him had transformed into something unexplainable, and Gabriel cowered within. With the knife still in its stomach, the Jaden abomination roared through its gaping mouth and razor fangs, raising its arms in preparation.

“Tess!” Gabriel screamed to the woman frozen in horror and fear. “Open the door!”

But it was too late, Gabriel soon realized, for as Tess sprinted to the door to unlock it, the Jaden monster gave him a simple shove, snapping a few ribs and sending him falling over the edge of the skyscraper. Tess was successful, as the door flew open and the team funneled onto the roof with guns blazing, but Gabriel was falling to his death, and Tess’s safety was yet to be ensured. Jaden was far from dead...and nothing human...

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

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Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

"It's time!" shouted Paul. He quickly grabbed for his rifle. He lifted it up and aimed, but the creature took it out of his hands and snapped it like a twig. Well, there goes the option of shooting, he thought. And I don't think my handgun will do any better. He looked at the monster again. It doesn't hurt to try, though. Paul lifted up his handgun and shot at the beast. At least it can't rip it out of my hand.

The bullets appeared to have no affect. It seems if I have failed. I guess all I can do is to keep shooting. Paul shot round after round, but nothing worked. Soon he ran out of ammo. "Eat this!" he shouted as he through his pistol at the Jaden abomination." Now he was entirely reliant on the others and hoped that he did enough damage that the others could take him out.

Think. What can I do? It snapped my rifle and I ran out of ammo in my handgun. This creature seems to have survived every attack we have put out at it so far. It must have a weakness. If only I had that sword with me. I could have possibly hacked it in two. An idea came to him, though. Paul scanned the roof for any small objects that he could throw or use.

Nothing. Just like I thought. Even those throwing knives I had before would be something... He paused for a moment, realizing that he was on the edge of figuring something out. Thats it! Throwing knives. He checked his pockets and found one in a pocket that he had forgotten about. Paul must have I could probably get a nice shot from here. Though that knife in his stomache probably means that this will not have much affect. It'll be probably something.

But how could I get it more than something? I need more than just knives. The knives in itself won't kill it. I'd need to try something like... poison! The others' attack will distract it long enough for me to have my second strike on it. I just need to find some sort of poison to dip this knife in so I could get some affect.

As the door opened, it took Emily’s eyes a moment to readjust to the natural light. With her pistol in hand, she pointed her weapon at the person who had opened the door, more as a precautionary measure then anything else. Her senses were on overdrive, fearing the possibility of trap.

When Gabriel had first ran after Jaden, she had yelled at him to stay back. Either it Gabriel’s hunger for revenge, or he had not heard her, but he had ran after Jaden leaving the others behind. Despite their best effort to try and catch up to the two, the team had been lock behind a door for the past few minutes. While they where struggling with the door gunfire could be heard on the other side. However, moments before the door had open a eerie silence had fallen.

Emily let out a small breath of relief she realized that it was Tess that had opened the door. With little hesitation the rest of the team rushed out on to the roof. It was not long until they realized the error of that decision. Standing before was giant menacing creature.

Paul was the first to react, but before he could get a shot off with his rifle he had it pulled grip, pulling out his side arm he launched a punishing volley which did little to slow the creature down. While Paul temporally had the creature attention Emily scanned the roof looking for Jaden and Gabriel, though they were not in sight that did not mean that they were not there. “Where are they?” barked Emily at Tess desperate for answers.

Her attention was quickly drawn back to the struggle between Paul and the creature. “Eat this!” yelled Paul throwing his gun in anger at the creature. It was clear that mere bullets alone were going to be no match for this adversary. They needed something with a bit more stopping power, and they needed it fast.

As if sensing the hesitation from the group, the creature pushed forward. Augustine and Jocelyn were the first to be caught in it destructive path. Swinging it enormous arm it caught Augustine with a backhand knocking him back into a nearby heating unit.

Defiant Jocelyn stood her ground attempting to draw the creature’s attention away from Augustine, firing round after round. It was not long until her choice of tactics worked. Turing, the creature let out a angry roar. With lightening speed it was upon her, before Jocelyn even had time to react it had grabbed her around her chest. In an amazing display of strength it began to squeeze. She screamed out in pain at the sound of her rib cage buckling under the weight could be heard be all. As she body went limp, the creature threw her body of to the side.

Anger began to swell within Emily, now it was her that was the one that was thinking about revenge.


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Emily

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Augustine

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Jocelyn

The door flew open, letting the team flood onto the roof, an action followed by a blazing fury of bullets by the others – the first being Paul. What they had seen was something inconceivable, an unfathomable monster that you would only see in elaborate science fiction films. It was surreal, and its leathery body bulged with enormous muscles as the rest of the team snapped into action.

Following their examples, the New Genoans joined the battle, though without sufficient firepower their efforts seemed to be futile. Chad cautiously stayed back as he scanned the premises, frantically searching for an alternative mode of attack – his knife’s blade would prove to be useless against such a menacing animal. It had sustained a flurry of bullets; why would it buckle under the knife’s cold blade?

Kurt scurried out of the way of the creature’s pounding hands that swung down at him, clicking his pistol’s trigger three successive times. Backing off, he saw the creature pummel Augustine into a nearby heating unit, leaving only Jocelyn in its path of senseless destruction. She stood firmly, exhibiting true courage, firing round after round into the animal. But before long she was in his tight grasp, and soon after that she was limp… her ribs crushing after she let out a piercing scream.

Chad watched in utter horror as she fell victim to it, allowing a massive swelling of anger to gather. Gabriel had already been struck down off the skyscraper and Jocelyn was crushed to death. Retreat was not an option… he was tired of continuously running. He was too angry to run this time. This beast’s outrage was the straw that broke the camel’s back. For too long he had watched men fall victim to raving villagers and other fantastical animals, that continuously harassed the team – mercilessly removing fathers, husbands, brothers, and cousins from families.

Knife clenched in his right hand, Chad let out a howling scream as he charged towards the beast from behind. It quickly caught notice of his charge, swiveling around to deliver to deadly blow to Chad who flew several feet backward and slid across the skyscraper’s roof, until friction finally brought his body to a stop. Dazed, he struggled to his feet, spitting blood onto the ground, and prepared to charge again. The menacing mammoth lunged at Chad again, but this time Chad eluded it, managing to scrape his knife against its leg.

The bullets still flew through the air from the remaining team members, and from the corner of his eye Chad caught sight of an equally enraged Emily. Without warning, the towering creature let its arm sweep down and strike Chad again. This time, it hovered over Chad, ready to deliver the final fatal blow that would put an end to his life.

“I’m down!” Chad yelped, hoping someone would pull him out of the path of its fists. His muscles ached sorely; he also sensed that several bones had been broken – he was barely able to see one poking through the skin on his leg. Inhaling a final time, he closed his eyes and prepared to die.

Not too far away, Kurt had spotted Chad at the mercy of the animal, waiting at death’s door. A swirling confection of emotions stirred inside his heart, overwhelming him with a gamut of emotions: from hate to anger to sympathy to duty. Kurt had already lost everyone dear to him many years ago, his entire family. Chad was still a young man with many years ahead of him, and many loved ones to miss him. Kurt was a downtrodden man, writhing in his own self-pity and anguish from past wounds. His pistol was nearly empty, but four bullets remained. Four is enough. he thought to himself as he began his race against time. This was his redemption, his chance to show to the world that he cared… his chance to end this miserable ordeal he called his life on a good note, an honorable note. He had seen Jocelyn die while defending Augustine from impending death, and now it was his time. Rushing quickly, he fired two shots aimed at the monster’s head. They ricocheted off, drawing its attention to Kurt.

“Get out of the fucking way!”

Disarrayed, but still conscious, Chad managed to roll away towards the remaining others and get to his feet as the animal moved towards Kurt at an alarming rate. In an instant, two more shots rang out and a gigantic fist intermingled with human flesh, followed by a scream of immense pain, marking the end. Letting out a final gasp as his rib bones pierced his lungs and other vital organs, Kurt Caesar felt all feelings cease to exist, as did he – finally redeeming himself as a New Genoese Special Marine, the most valiant of the valiant.

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Sergeant Kurt Caesar
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

It was odd, Raiden told himself, sitting alone in the building entrance. The roof was too far up for him to hear the gunshots, the screams, or the death. Alone, he was in pain, holding his shoulder with his hand as the blood slowly seeped through his fingers. All his limbs were stiff from the stabs he had endured, and although the medicine of the Empire was very advanced, healing still takes time, and it was time he hadn’t had.

Lieutenant Augustinus Raiden was nobody when he came here, he thought, once again noting the oddity of his survival. Yet here he was, one of a handful still living in the literal hellhole they found themselves in. The others had left him, and he understood why, but throughout these three days they had been running, and now as the fourth reached midday, running was the thing he felt he should do.

How many times had they laughed at death, spitting in the face of fate as they pressed on, denying destiny its perverse pleasure of their end? It was quite amazing what they had accomplished, and yet still there were no celebrations, no answers, and if they were to die right here, it all will have been for nothing.

No one would know if they failed. No one would know what they went through. The leaders would probably send in a larger force, only giving Jaden more trouble in his vicious quest to kill his own kind. Raiden wondered if NiMBUS had altered Jaden’s mind along side his body. Perhaps he was a disposal unit, created to clean up after their mistakes. Still it wasn’t as much the existence of Jaden which worried him, but instead his own indecision about the battle at hand.

The idea that Jaden may be right slowly crept into his mind, like a man who slowly came on to his neighbor’s wife after twenty years of marriage. Perhaps these abominations of humanity ought to be destroyed, he pondered, staring out the front door. After all, this was now the third known time they had caused this kind of situation, one in Tatania, once on Steel Moon. Naturally with this sort of thing there would be countless others he would never know about as well.

That very thought bothered him more than anything else. Tatania and Steel Moon were only known about because humanity survived. If Emily, Commander Ivanova, and the others had never made it out of Tatania, no one would have been the wiser. The sunken city was destroyed hours after their departure. If the resistance hadn’t been victorious at Steel Moon, NiMBUS would have won, and with the Empire fallen to pieces, NiMBUS would have been free to reign supreme over the entire sector. The fact was, if they didn’t make it out, there would be a handful of people who even knew they were there in the first place, and most likely none of them would be willing to share such information.

With a loud crash, something fell from the heavens and collided with the pavement just outside the door Raiden was gazing out of. The ground rumbled with terrible tremors, knocking Raiden onto his back as small bits of the white ceiling fell on his face. He closed his eyes and mouth so that the paint chips wouldn’t get in them as the explosive sound of the impact still rang in his ears.

Slowly, after the rumblings had ceased, Raiden slowly rose to his feet, leaning against a desk covered with paint chips and dust. He stared through the front door, which had been slammed shut and broken due to the impact, and into the crater. Amazed that he could not see the bottom, he slowly stumbled towards the edge of the hole and peered down into its depths.

It was indeed a man who had fallen, but why a man had fallen was lost on him as he stared down at the man. The man was on one knee with his hands on the ground and his eyes squinted shut. Slowly he looked up at Raiden, and both men were shocked at the other being there. Gabriel looked back down at his hands, which had become metallic shields to protect him from the fall. His bones could have withstood the impact regardless, but Gabriel’s measure of safety had now damned him in the eyes of another.

A look of horror stretched itself across Raiden’s face as he stared down at the being which could be called neither friend nor fiend. No words were necessary as Gabriel’s arms became normal once more and he climbed out of the crater, emerging on the other side of the large hole. Where Raiden’s horror showed, Gabriel’s pain radiated. It was not a physical pain, but one much deeper…

…one much more frightening.

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves

Watching Jocelyn’s ordeal, she knew with little doubt in her mind that she had died, her attention then shifted to her other fallen team-mate.

Temporarily ignoring her own safety Emily ran over to Augustine, who was lying motionless in the ground near the heating unit. “Please let him be alive.” She said quietly as she reached Augustine side. Reaching for his neck she began a desperate search for his pulse, finding a weak but steady pulse.

Augustine let out a brief moan before he tried to get up, but soon collapsed back to the ground.

“Careful there.” said Emily reaching out and catching him “You probably have concussion, so things are mostly likely a bit shaky for the moment.” A slight vibration in the ground caused her to worry; looking up she saw the creature coming down on them, it business with Kurt done. “Augustine go NOW!”

As Augustine crawled away Emily quickly tried to come up with plan, it was clear that the weapons that they in there possession. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed that a panel on the heating unit had been bent in from when Augustine had been thrown against, a plan came to mind. Pulling out her combat knife, an pried the panel open, much to her relief she found a power cable connecting to a junction. With all her might she pulled the cable free, the plastic bracket that held the cable into place broke apart.

Emily spun around just in time as the creature closed in on her. Using the exposed end of the power cable she jabbed it hard into the creature abdomen, praying that there was still power running through it.

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Emily

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Augustine

The abomination roared, the bastard pulse rushing through its veins, its muscles, its mind. Back muscles contracted, its shoulders reared back and its arms reached for the sky. The genetic makeup of the creature began to shift back and forth between monster and man but stopping before it reached either one as if it was caught somewhere in between.

The primal force of the flailing monster knocked Emily aside, and with her the cable in question. Charred, bloody, and not quite human, the man staggered backwards as gunfire continued to rain down upon him. The team had prepared for a fight, but Jaden’s goal wasn’t to be reached here. Running through the metal hail, Jaden seized Tess, his prey, in his hands and leapt off the roof and onto another, disappearing from view.

Back on the ground, Raiden wouldn’t let Gabriel go, and Gabriel was beginning to fear he’d have to take drastic measures to get this injured man away from him. It was clear that Raiden now regarded him worse than Jaden, for as far as Raiden knew, Jaden was still a normal person. The only thing keeping Gabriel closer to humanity than his nemesis was his current mindset, and Raiden couldn’t begin to comprehend its complexity.

Jaden had dealt with the bullshit long enough. He cursed the bastards on the roof for their hate, but they had only strengthened his beliefs. All of NiMBUS’s creations had to die. All were a threat to society, himself included. Quickly, he raced to a pre-destined control room, slung Tess’s unconscious body onto the floor, and loaded the controls.

Procul, the abandoned city, was laced with explosives and set to be firebombed if need be. The loading process was long, and the certification process was even longer, but Gabriel had proven that his will to live was strong, and Jaden couldn’t think of any measure currently more drastic. Within an hour, the fucking city would be gone, and with it the filth within.

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves
Also Known As
Michael Xavier

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Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

Going with the blow Emily tucked into a roll, after rolling for a few metre she came out of the roll with her gun drawn. Placing the sights on her target she hesitated.

With both intrigue and horror she watched as the creature that had attacked her began to change started to change form. After all the things that she had seen it was not inconceivable that such things were possible. Emily stopped thinking as soldier, but now as a scientist. Her thoughts drifted not to the physical attributes of the creature, but instead to the molecular.

Deep in her head she could see it clearly, as if she was watching T.V. At the very molecular level she could see the tissues expanding and contracting. New cells were being created while others were being destroyed. Emily now understood, this creature had two types of DNA hidden within its genetic material, the two combine into one, while one was active the other was dormant. However, a catalyst that would cause a switch to occur and the active material would switch with the dormant one. What ever the catalyst was it would cause the bodies own immune system to target the proteins that were associated with then active material destroying them. While at the same time the body would rapidly produce new cells that had the dormant material now acting as the dominate material. Thus in theory a new creature would be produce depending on the difference in genetic material.

Furthermore, if someone was able to have cells reproduce at that speed, manipulation and accuracy they could almost bypass death all together, at least in theory. External injuries such as a knife wound would see tissue regrowth at such a rate that the wound would heal long before any detrimental tissue damage could occur. Again theoretically aging would be severely slowed down due to the fact that the cells would perfectly reproduce without the slightest deviation. It would all fit with everything that she had seen so far, and was well within NiMbus ability to manipulate.

The electrical shock may have prematurely initiated the catalyst, which would explain why the creature was having so much trouble changing back

Somewhere beneath the genetic struggle Emily caught glimpse of something more human, Jaden. What the hell have they done to you Emily thought to herself. She went to say something, but was interrupted when Jaden turned and ran grabbing Tess as he jumped off and on to another roof.

“Was that?” Asked Augustine as he walked up beside Emily.

“I think it was” answered Emily coldly “He well outside our ability to pursue him. It time to deal with our dead. Then we should head back for Raiden and move on.”

Quietly and calmly Emily made her way over to Jocelyn’s body, kneeling down beside it. Jocelyn’s eye’s were still open, her face was expressionless. With a subtle motion Emily moved her hand over Jocelyn’s face, closing her eye’s. As sign if respect Emily said an prayer that she had learned from father. “May your deeds in life bring you glory in the life after this.” After a moment silence Emily stripped Jocelyn of all her gear, the underlying truth was that the team needed the gear much more then a dead woman. Splitting up the gear with Augustine Emily started to make her way to the door; she could see that Chad was dealing with the loss of his team-mate. “We’re heading down to the lobby. When your ready you can meet us there, take all the time that you need.


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Emily

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Augustine

Emily was forced to on the odd occasion help Augustine navigate down the stairs, the blow from Jaden had done more internal damage then even she had initially thought. Though his injuries were not life threatening, like so many of the others that were still alive medical attention would have been nice.

As they made their way down Emily had sometime to reflect on everything that had happened since they had arrived. From what she could tell was that NiMbus had used this planet to conduct experiments that were even outside the scope of the Corporation in it entirety, even well beyond the scope of what they were doing in Tatania. A startling notion even to her, it had been hard to fathom what happened in Tatania. As to what end these experiments were for, she didn’t have the answers to that question either. As they reached the base of the staircase she was startled to someone who she thought should be dead talking to Raiden.

“Why am I not surprised to see you here” remarked Emily with a hint of sarcasm in her voice direct solely at Gabriel. “We weren’t able to stop Jaden, and well..” she paused looking back at the stair well “There were some who wouldn’t be walking down from the roof.”

Making sure that she would not let her emotions get the best of her, she turned her attention back towards Gabriel. “I know that we have not always got along, but if we are to stop Jaden I need to know the truth about went on here?”


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Emily

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Augustine

Gabriel looked towards the sky, the sun burning his retinas, slowly fading from his vision as his eyelids slid back over, shielding him from the light. He wiped his mouth with the back of his wrist, looking at those around him, serious as death itself.

“Jaden and I worked together,” he began, noticing the surprised reaction in the faces of all those around him. “Not recently...but long ago. We were experimented on here, in the lab, in the lake.”

“There is no fucking lab in the lake!” Raiden screamed, his fact contorted with anger as he grabbed onto his clothes, still a bit moist from their venture in the tunnels.

“Not anymore,” Gabriel replied. “But up to even a day ago there was. We were changed there. Aural blood, the Q-virus, we don’t really know, but once we were let free we knew we had to stop it. Jaden and I...we killed the others...slaughtering them in massive numbers, making our way back to the lab itself. Once there, I killed Tess’s father, Dr. Becken, but Jaden didn’t kill his target. No, instead of killing Peter Cubeta, Jaden got in an argument with me!”

“Are we supposed to feel sorry for you two?” Raiden demanded. Gabriel shook his head.

“No,” Gabriel responded. “You’re supposed to hate him. Before I came here, I finally killed Mr. Cubeta. I finally achieved my objective. I finally ended this bullshit....but while I thought Jaden had died, or Steven DuBose as I knew him, the bastard had somehow lived. I thought he had died...because when he fought with me...I killed him. However, it seems that death no longer has power over the two of us, and frankly I don’t know how to stop him. All of this...is his fault. He let the virus out as he fought, knocking it from my hands and breaking it in the lab. From there it spread across this bastard city, and the entire small planet as well. We could have stopped it, but for whatever reason, he didn’t want that.”

“Then what do we do, Gabriel?” Raiden asked. “He got rid of our way out, got rid of our method of communication, and god knows we can’t stay here.”

“I don’t know,” Gabriel replied. “But whatever it is...I think I’m going to do it alone. I think I have to.”

“Bullshit!” Raiden screamed, aiming a threatening finger at Gabriel. A gentle rumbling could be heard in the distance. “Don’t even think about it.” The sound slowly increased, the rumbling growing to a dull roar as the seconds flew by. Gabriel knew that sound, and he could all but guess what Jaden had done.

“Doesn’t look like you have much of a choice,” Gabriel said, pointing down one of the many streets all connected to the town square on which they stood. “That sonofabitch just opened the gates of hell onto us all. I’ll stop him or die trying...you...you all need to get out of here.”

“How the fuck do we do that?” Raiden asked. Gabriel turned, checking his weapons.

“By not following me,” he replied, running down one of the streets then disappearing into an ally.

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves

Chad watched helplessly as Kurt slipped away into the next world, feeling a sudden emptiness inside him as he stared as Kurt’s lifeless body. He said a few words of prayer (though not a religious man) under his breath and returned his attention to the primal beast at hand.

Its muscles contracted once more and the abomination that had just stolen two lives returned to the man Chad had always had a passionate hate for. Jaden seized Tess and leapt off onto another building, disappearing from his sight. The current ordeal had been conquered, though with major repercussions that seemed to outweigh the preserving of his own life.

His leg still pained him greatly as the bone poked through the flesh, peeking out every time he flexed it, though the grief over Kurt’s loss would be far greater. Though the expression on his face was gloomy, Chad kept his composure like a marine should. Battle deaths were statistically expected, but in reality, deaths of a friend could never be predicted.

“We’re heading down to the lobby. When you’re ready you can meet us there, take all the time that you need,” said Emily, as she left.

Chad nodded, took a deep breath, and joined the surviving members of the Procul team. They still had a mission to accomplish, whatever it was, and Chad had one as well: to avenge Kurt’s death.

Chad struggled as he made his way down the stairs, pain piercing him every few steps. When he reached the bottom, he would think to himself, he’d bandage himself up. But to show signs of helplessness now would be cowardly, and uncharacteristic of a Special Marine. He had to persevere and he did so with a great struggling. Nearly exhausted and tearing (though only slightly and against his will), Chad let out a great sigh of relief.

“Shit, any one have some first aid?” he said in light manner. “I’ve got a couple of scratches that need some patching up before I kill that bastard.”

At the time he had reached the bottom floor, Gabriel was speaking and explaining of the past he and Steven DuBose had shared. Gaps were filled and explanations finally offered, though a clear direction not given. It was made clear that Gabriel would be the only one to kill Jaden… to stop him. Bullshit… thought Chad silently to himself.

“Like hell you’re going to kill that motherfucker alone,” said Chad, grabbing his wound as a sharp pain shot through his leg again. “That bastard’s done too much harm to get away with a beating from you. I’ll kick that bitch’s ass, too.”

But it was too late; Gabriel had disappeared into one of the alleys.

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

As Gabriel ran off, Emily watched Chad went to follow, only to be stopped by the limits of his own body. She could understand is need of revenge, to say that she didn’t want the same would be a lie. However, she was a realest, like it or not her a ability to get that revenge was well outside her means.

“Forget it, Chad let him” she knew deep down that they would only get in Gabriel’s way “Besides I think that we have more serious problem to deal with” she suddenly added noting the rumbling in the ground.

“That can’t be good, Gabriel did mention something about Jaden opening the gate to hell before he ran off.” Interjected Augustine.

For a moment Emily tried to figure out what the exactly meant, there were a number of option that she came up, each more terrifying then the next. Shifting her thoughts away from the impending danger she began trying to figure out way out of this hellhole. “Augustine?” she eventually asked as a thought came to her.

“What”

She thought for a moment “There should be a communication centre in the basement bunker of the government building.” It was standard for all major government facilities in Tappee to have some sort of emergency bunker in place.

“It should” quickly answered Augustine “That assuming that Jaden hasn’t already dealt with it”

“But the communication centre would be in the secure part of the building” shot Emily back.

“True” answered Augustine as he thought for a moment “However, getting around those security point wouldn’t be difficult for someone with Jadens training. We’ve made the mistake of under estimating him in the past.”

Emily let out a brief sigh “perhaps it him that’s now under estimating us. I’m sure that he had planned for us to all be dead by now. You maybe right Augustine, but if we got the government building we could at least make use of its bunker, and the medical supplies there.” She looked over at the others “Well Raiden, Chad, since we are all in this together what do you think.” The rumbling in the ground got a bit worse “I don’t think that we have much time.”




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Emily

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Augustine

Torn, Raiden stared down the ally, squinting his eyes to where Gabriel had disappeared. Had he been able, he would have ran after the man, but like Chad, Raiden’s mind was halted by the limitations of his body. He wondered if this is what NiMBUS was trying to avoid. Obviously, Jaden and Gabriel had transcended physical limitations, even death, but as Raiden pondered this new thought, another, more forceful one quickly worked its way into his mind. Jaden and Gabriel were still unhappy.

“I agree,” Raiden replied, a distinct moaning sound rising above the rumblings. “Whatever we do,” Raiden said. “We need to get the fuck out of here. I think we all know what’s coming.”

In the distance, the shapes of bodies could now easily be made out. Although far away, the flood of men and women was approaching fast, as precious seconds passed by Raiden’s life. Prying his eyes from the approaching death, Raiden turned once more to Emily.

“Lets go,” he said, a sad look seemingly unable to leave his face. “Lead the way,”

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

Let him go...

It was seemingly too late now that the man who held the keys to all the mysteries behind this endeavor had departed into the distant alleys. Hordes of villagers would be approaching them again, and the team itself was weakening. Chad had a broken leg and lacked any projectile weapon that could effectively deter an assault against him. Raiden had been immobilized from the very first encounter, and Emily and Augustine surely would not provide enough manpower to repel an attack.

Their best hope was to escape, as everyone easily figured. But escape had seemed to always lead them to destruction. They escaped from the villagers the first time and they just followed them to the meetinghouse. They escaped from the villagers that time and they were swept away by a rage of water that led them to a frightening encounter with the perpetrator of all this angst and death. They even managed to escape this danger, and now they faced yet another wave of hungry men and women. Would another flight save them? It was unlikely, Chad had thought to himself. But it was still worth a chance.

He winced again as the pain shot through his leg like a needle before exhaling and turning his head back to the others. Raiden had given the order to Emily to lead the others and Chad was to follow that. Though the outlook of this mission seemed grim, he persevered... and followed to a hopeful salvation that awaited them at the end.

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

Augustine pulled a grey metal sphere out his pocket, he twisted the top half 90 degree then threw it deep into the crowd that was quickly approached. After waiting eagerly for a moment nothing happened “Damn it was my last one too.” Remarked Augustine as he lifted Raidens arm over his shoulder.

Emily quickly joined in the effort, taking the other arm, she knew that they could move fast if they both helped the crippled man. “This way” she said point in a general direction. “and lets hope that the group behind us is only sight seeing”

she wondered if Gabriel was doing better then they were.

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Emily

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Augustine

Tess blinked, lights flashing before her eyes. Her entire body ached, yet she pushed herself to her hands and knees.

“You’re too late, Gabriel,” Jaden announced as his nemesis slowly entered the room. Silent, Gabriel pressed forward, a constant glare aimed at his adversary. “Any second now this bastard city will become the physical manifestation of the hell it truly is.”

“No different than what it is now,” Gabriel commented, continuing on his gradual yet commanding pace towards Jaden.

“You’re wrong,” Jaden replied, smiling. “It will be ablaze, a living inferno destined to engulf this cesspool in its flame, cleansing it the only true way, through fire. Ashes to ashes, Gabriel, aren’t you afraid?”

“I am fearless in a way you’ll never know,” Gabriel said matter-of-factly in a low tone which signified his suppressed anger, a rage yearning to be unleashed.

“And I’m dominant in ways you could never imagine,” Jaden replied, insulted.

“Now you are the one who’s wrong, Jaden,” Gabriel responded, shaking his head. “You can never be dominant in any way. You don’t have the answers, Jaden. You don’t ask the questions. To you, we shouldn’t be here, but our very existence just stands to prove you wrong. Everything has a purpose, Jaden, everything. I had thought that you simply denied whatever purpose you may have, but I was mistaken. Right now, you’re embracing your purpose. By not adapting, not changing, not asking, you’re doing exactly what you’re meant to do.”

“And what is this purpose you claim I have?” Jaden asked, half skeptical, half concerned.

“Your purpose is to die, Jaden,” Gabriel instructed. “Your purpose is to be the figurehead of what could happen to our species if we don’t defend ourselves, if we don’t fight for ourselves. You, defeated, broken, and truly dead, are who I point to as I lead our kind from the hellish existence they now lead, and existence you both deny and punish them for.”

“You’re insane,” Jaden spat. Rising to her feet in the background, Tess stared at Gabriel, confused as to what he was saying. “I had trusted you, Gabriel...”

“Trust,” Gabriel laughed. “What a quaint idea. I never trusted you...my problem was that I assumed you would do your job. Had I known it was too much to expect from you...”

“And what would you have done with it?” Jaden asked, in reference to the virus Gabriel had tried to steal from the lab, the first time they had arrived. “Sell it? Release it into god knows what society?”

“I would have freed our people with it!” Gabriel roared. “But you’re too goddamned busy kissing the asses of people not so secretly hoping you die on your mission to realize the big picture. You’ve blinded yourself to any answer...you’ve completely stopped asking questions.”

“Stop fucking telling me I’m not asking questions!” Jaden screamed. “How many have I asked you in the last five minutes? You have seventeen seconds, Gabriel. You’ve lost...that the only answer that matters. One by one I’ll destroy our kind, as I have since I left you that fateful day in the lab. Soon I’ll be the only one, and without opposition, there will be no conflict.”

“So be it,” Gabriel muttered, his voice resuming its low tone. A cold shiver ran down Tess’s spine as she made her way towards the two of them. He’s not giving up...is he? “If my purpose isn’t to free our people...perhaps its simply to save them from you. You’re not fucking leaving this room, let alone this city...this planet.”

“Being wrong isn’t a good habit to have,” Jaden laughed, quickly running towards a door. He punched in a key code, and yet the door was unresponsive. It remained locked.

“You’re right,” Gabriel said, smiling as the explosives rocked the entire city, setting it ablaze.

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

“FUCK!” Raiden screamed, his breath torn from his lungs as the flames rushed through the alleyway, knocking all of them down and passing by overhead. Coughing and rolling to put out his clothing, Raiden clasped his face in his hands as a primal rage exploded from his throat, echoing across the charred buildings.

Singed, his eyelashes and eyebrows crumbled between his fingers as massive explosions, the result of fire going where its not meant to be, rocked the ground nearby. Buildings, once heated by now stagnant gas, erupted in enormous blazes. Sweat dripped from Raiden’s semi-burnt face, soaking his blackened shirt.

The distinct and horrific smell of human flesh descended upon the group, and as Raiden looked around, no one was any worse off than he was. The smell, one even worse than that of his charred hair, intensified as the seconds raced by, and although Raiden knew exactly where the bastard scent was stemming from, his mind would not let him believe it.

The body emerged from the shadows, dancing in the flames. It was half burnt, and the parts which weren’t yet were still on fire, still waiting to char. His face twisted in a horrible scowl, Raiden painstakingly raised his pistol to the fiery fiend, shooting the monster twice in the head. To everyone’s horror, it continued to advance upon them, however Raiden was now beyond reason.

Holding his ground, Raiden shot it again, and again, and continued as the zombie approached. It reached out for him with its hand, still on fire, and was only inches away before Raiden shot out its knee, dropping it to the ground. Not giving up, the creature latched onto Raiden’s leg, but Raiden stood still, loading another clip and unloading it into the bastard on his leg.

Ultimately, the threat subsided as the fiend retreated into whatever hell its mind belonged. Triumphant, Raiden closed his eyes, pissed at the world. Blinking in the dancing light, Raiden rose his head to see a horde slowly approaching, ablaze. Buildings crumbled around him, and Raiden clenched his teeth, only wanting to live to spite the forces that wished him dead.

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

“STOP IT!” Tess screamed. “STOP IT, BOTH OF YOU!” Jaden and Gabriel opened their eyes, rising to their feet as Procul burned around them. Tess stood between them, a single pistol held before her eyes, a single round in the chamber.

“Tess, please...” Gabriel began. There was no time for this.

“So here we are again, Tess my darling!” Jaden bellowed, his voice echoing above the dancing flames. “Him or me...although we all know who you're choosing this time."

“Shut up,” Tess begged, her face shifting between fear and rage. Both men thrived off the fear.

“It’s funny though,” Jaden continued. “He kills your father...and yet you turn your pistol on me.”

“I listened to you once,” Tess snapped. “I’m not making the same mistake again.”

“No,” Jaden agreed. “You’re just compounding on your first mistake. Make up your damn mind, woman. Shoot me Tess! It won't do any good. This "Gabriel"...this monster...he dies tonight!” Smiling, Jaden pressed on. “I guess I can’t blame you for being so indecisive. You’re trapped, Tess. Either way you choose you cannot win.”

“I fought so hard to free you...” Gabriel pleaded.

“This is it, Tess,” Jaden laughed. “Of all the questions you could ask, they all have one answer. Of all the choices you could make, they all have one outcome.”

“You’re the monster,” Tess said quietly, glaring at Jaden, the man she once loved.

“What?” Jaden asked, unsure if he had heard her correctly. Gabriel took a step forward.

“You’re the monster,” Tess repeated, this time with more confidence. “You’re the monster...not Gabriel...you’re more hideous now than ever...”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Jaden spat. “This is a man who lied to you. This is a man who tried to steal a virus so that he could take a handful of people and force the majority to look up to them on some sort of distorted, convoluted altar. You’re being ridiculous, Tess. I don’t have time for your empty metaphors.”

“Then my decision has been made,” Tess replied. Raising her weapon, she fired her only round into Jaden’s chest. The man stumbled backwards, pausing before he reached into his flesh and pulled out the bullet himself.

“And what did that accomplish?” Jaden asked. “Did it make you feel better? Did it vent some anger? Are you going to be content with your meaningless sense of pride as you watch your pitiful universe come crashing down before your crying eyes? The universe shakes as I speak, you bitch. It kneels before me in awe!”

“Tess get out of here,” Gabriel instructed, pushing her behind him. “Find someplace safe.”

“And you,” Jaden continued. “I won’t let you damn this universe with your selfishness. I won’t have you try and ruin everything natural and pure.”

“You’re no different,” Gabriel snapped. “You’re just like us.”

“I was born with this defect,” Jaden replied. “But I don’t embrace my distortion as you two bastards do. I fight to restore order to the chaos. The universe needs order, Gabriel. It pleads for it.”

“It’s in your soul,” Tess said. “Where the true distortion lies.” Jaden, silenced for a moment, scowled at the idea.

“You’ve chosen the bad guy,” Jaden told her, shaking his head.

“Gabriel has more good in him than you’ll ever realize,” Tess snapped back.

"So be it," Jaden replied, morphing into his hideous form once more. "Then let it be war upon you both!"

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p662817.png
Special Agent
Gabriel Graves

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

As the fiend approached Raiden Emily went to go for her gun, but the action soon proved to be a costly one. With her attention focused on Raiden another fiend was able to catch her by surprise.

It had caught her in mid stride, the impact caused Emily to fumble with her side arm, in the end she watched helplessly as fell from her hand falling slowly towards the ground. With her option limited she swung out, but too many battles had taken their toll, connecting squarely with the creatures chin she did nothing more then to annoy it. Quickly it came down to nothing more then a pushing contest, a contest that Emily was losing. Inch by agonizing inch it push her back. It was not long until she found herself with her back against the wall.

From the heat that was being thrown off by the brick wall, Emily could only assume that the building itself was on fire. Slowly the heat cut through the protective layer of her combat suit, before burning the skin underneath.

At first Emily had done her best to control the wave of pain, but even it came just too much, she screamed out as if it was the only way to release her suffering.

In an act of desperation she tired to drive her knee into the creatures abdomen, only too find that it was just out side her reach. Suddenly it seemed as if hope was fading, out of the corner of her eye it seemed that Raiden wasn’t doing much better.

In the blink of an eye salvation came as Augustine charged in from side body checking the fiend from the side body checking it, freeing Emily from its grasp. Free at last Emily pushed off the wall, getting away from the burning wall. Smoke resonated from her right shoulder which had the most contact with the wall, she dropped down too one knee overcome by pain.

Just to her right she saw had gun, laying among a small pile of debris, reaching for it she lifted it off the ground, for some reason it seemed much heavier then before. Glancing up just in time she watched as the creatures that had attacked them once again fell back into the darkness that had spawned them.

“Come on we have to press forward before they come around to finish us off”


http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/02.09/feature/3/amagi.jpg
Emily

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Augustine

Without hesitation Raiden walked foward, slowly at first, his pace steadily increasing as he advanced. From the shadows the fiends pressed on, no more urgent then their opponent. Both sides seemed to feel the intensity building as fate waited impatiently for their encounter.

The fire of the city lit the streets in place of the sun, the flames dancing off buildings and Raiden's scarred face alike. Around them, buildings collasped along with the dreams of those cast in their shadows. The survivors pressed onward, clinging to their title and its meaning.

Raiden had since let go of whatever hope remained, anger growing in his heart like a cancer in its place, rapidly expanding as it consumed his being. It rivaled the flames and the unspoken pressure in scope and radiated throughout his body. The other survivors, not yet broken as he was, stayed back, still holding onto life, still fearing death in some way. Not Raiden. He now pressed ahead, embracing death, staring it in the eye, spreading it to everyone.

Hungry, a fiend emerged, and it was instantly felled by a flick of Raiden's trigger finger. Two others took its place, and Raiden fired twice more, killing neither, but toppling one as he continued to move foward. Behind him, he heard weapons fire from the others, but had neither the time nor the desire to turn. Raiden emptied the rest of his clip into the one standing, a host of others emerging from the flames.

Closer they approached, relentless in their drive, and Raiden killed them all, emotionless aside from the angry scowl on his face. Grasping at his charred clothing, their nails digging into his skin, the zombies engulfed Raiden and the party with their overwhelming numbers. A monster rose from behind, its mouth open wide, and drove its teeth halfway between Raiden's neck and his shoulder. Raiden dropped to his knees, reached back into the creature's face, and tore its brain through its skull.

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

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"You're nothing like me," Jaden said before fangs grew within his mouth and his words turned to roars.

Gabriel closed his eyes, his blood boiling as it raced through his veins, his anger increasing exponentially with each passing beat of his heart. From within his forearms came blades, folding out of his wrists and growing outwards until they far surpassed his hands, now clenched in tight fists. "Well I'm not quite human," Gabriel replied, glaring at the monster before him.

Jaden stepped towards Tess but Gabriel was fast, quickly putting himself between his love and his nemesis. With its giant claw, the creature swung at Gabriel, yet Gabriel crossed both his blades above his head, successfully blocking the blow. Opening the x as he seperated his arms, Gabriel cut off three fingers of the monster's hand.

The creature roared as it stepped back, pausing to look at its mangled hand. Gabriel took complete advantage of the brief rest, jumping on the offensive and causing Jaden to real back, away from the sharp edges protruding from Gabriel's arms. Gabriel pressed foward, slashing at the beast until the monster's back was pressed up against a wall. Swinging hard, Gabriel's right blade dug deep into Jaden's shoulder from above.

An evil grin spread across Gabriel's face as Jaden winced in pain, roaring as he flailed his arms around. However, the fight was far from over. Jaden reached out with his right and grabbed Gabriel's arm, the blade still stuck in Jaden's shoulder. The creature roared, squeezing as hard as he could. Gabriel screamed as the bones in his arm snapped under the tremendous pressure.

Slowly, Jaden pulled the blade, still a part of Gabriel, out of his shoulder, but Gabriel attacked with his left, slashing Jaden's right arm with a deep gash. Roaring in pain, the creature threw Gabriel away from him. Gabriel's body soared through the air, crashing through the burning wall of a building. Jaden lumbered after him in pursuit.

On his back, the building burning around him, Gabriel flexed his left arm, but failed to do so with his right. His arm would heal, but Gabriel cursed as it wouldn't be soon enough. Standing and retracting the blade in his right arm, Gabriel was once again knocked to the ground as Jaden burst through the building, tackling him to the floor.

Above him the monster stood, as Gabriel attempted to fight off its swipes with his lone blade on his left arm. Suddenly, the creature's assault stopped, as if something else had attracted his attention. As it quickly left the burning room, Gabriel jumped to his feet and followed to see what it had noticed. Tess was nowhere to be found.

Jaden took off in one direction, and instictively Gabriel raced after him, eventually tracking him down, resuming the fight. The creatures swipes were slower, Jaden undoubtedly tiring out, but Gabriel, underarmed, could not go on the offensive. Once more Gabriel was thrown, swatted off his feet from a massive blow to his left.

Looking up, Gabriel expected to see the fiend on top of him, be that couldn't have been farther from the case. It had not moved, yet it was hardly still. Its body seemed to fluxuate from one state to the next, shifting between monster and man.

"Destiny is not on your side!" Gabriel screamed amidst the flames. "I am the chosen one! I will free our people from all oppression!"

Monster once again, Jaden attacked, and by the time it was over, Gabriel was on the ground once again. This time, however, the situation was far more dire. Gabriel's left arm was stretched out on the ground, and on top of it was the foot of the creature. Poised to strike, Jaden was only delayed by the emergeance of Tess from the fire.

"Jaden please!" Tess begged. "This isn't you! I know you!"

Staring down at his opponent, the creature paused, unsure of its next move. Within Jaden, logic battled emotions. He was frozen, torn between duty and desire. By now, however, Gabriel's right arm had been rejuvinated. Letting out a loud cry, Gabriel reached up and drove the blade deep into Jaden's side. Jaden's body slowly morphed back into its human form as a tear ran from his defeated eyes.

"You..." he coughed, as Tess looked on, emotionless. "What have you done...?"

"I told you once," Tess replied. "You can go fuck yourself, Jaden."

"Feel better now?" Jaden asked of Gabriel. "Do you feel like you accomplished something?"

"Not yet," Gabriel replied, standing and pulling the blade out of Jaden's abdomen. Blood poured from the wounds as the city collapsed around them.

"I've died before," Jaden responded. "We all have. You'll never really win."

"Your genetic makeup is breaking down, Jaden," Gabriel explained. Jaden's skin was slowly changing colors; patches were falling off. "This time...this time it's for good."

"Then what's the question I failed to ask?" Jaden questioned, spiteful still. "What's the answer I missed?"

"Me," Gabriel whispered, gritting his teeth as Jaden collapsed before him.

"What?" Jaden asked, his hair crumbling and falling to the ground.

"Me," Gabriel said once more, pulling his nemesis towards him and looking the defeated bastard in the eye. Jaden stared at Gabriel in confusion, an emotion Gabriel replied to with a smile. "You wouldn't understand."

"Because I didn't ask?" Jaden wondered.

"No," Gabriel snarled, pulling back the blade protruding from his right arm and thrusting it through Jaden's crumbling skull. "Because I didn't tell you."

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves

http://67.18.37.15/237/117/upload/p666121.png
Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Special Agent
Jaden Gates

Merely half-healed with futuristic field dressings from his injuries only two days prior, Raiden was once more in a world of shit. Mere feet away from their destination, the Tappee government building which held their only hope, Raiden clawed his way through the sea of flesh surrounding him, literally with nail and dagger.

Grabbing flesh and slicing whatever was in his grasp, Raiden slowly tore his way towards the stairs leading up to the building. His shoulder already dripping blood from the mouth of a zombie, his face charred from the explosion, other fiends mauled his legs, arms, and torso as he cut through the lot of them all.

Opening his eyes to lay witness to the first step in a set of about ten, a zombie's rotting finger thrust itself into his right socket, the long and jagged nail slicing through his eyeball as the finger rapped itself along side his skull. In pain, terror, and anger Raiden reared back into the horde, failing his blade around in a crazed rage as the finger remained in his eye, the hand clawing at his burnt face.

Instinctively Raiden hacked at the arm who's finger was implanted in his skull. Each slash tugged on the finger, causing Raiden to scream in fury which each pass of the blade. As the body dropped to the ground, trampled by others just as eager, the hand and forearm remained dangling from Raiden's face, the finger still firmly stuck in his eyesocket. As the zombies mauled him from behind, Raiden grabbed hold of the arm, gritted his teeth, and pulled the finger from his skull, tearing his broken eye from its socket.

The blood poured out of the gaping hole where Raiden's eye once was, and as if the smell of rotting flesh was not bad enough, the taste of his blood was too much to handle. His nose broken numerous times throughout the whole ordeal, he could only breath through his mouth. With every breath a new swallow of his own blood rushed through his system, sickening him as much as it weakened him.

With the help of Chad, Emily, and Augustine, Raiden somehow made it into the government building. Bloody, mangled, Raiden aimlessly stumbled behind the others in their route towards the possible transmitter. Now, he was no better than the bastards outside the walls of the metal building whose outer shell was in ruins but whose inside was relatively unharmed.

The one exception was that unlike the zombies, Raiden was in no way hungry. His hunger for food had been quenched by his own blood, much like his hunger for life itself. He was a miserable shell of a man, yet unlike the building they stood in, his soul was trashed as well.

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

It seemed with every step closer that the team made towards the building, their situation became more hopeless. They more now confront with a horde of fiends stand shoulder to shoulder, each just as a hungry as the next, hoping to make one of them its next meal.

Emily and Augustine fought back to back, as members of the Sentinel Program they had trained to fight in this type of situation. Despite the endless hours of training, to face the actual onslaught that was now coming down upon them was something different.

As one of the fiends came at Emily she swung her combat knife upwards, the blade connected just under the chin pushing up into the brain. For a moment the creatures body shock violent before becoming completely limber. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a another creature came at her, but found that she out of position. Before she could even react Augustine deal with it via a spin kick the head.

As more a more of the fiends enveloped the team, the harder they fought. Both Augustine and Emily knew that they couldn’t keep this up, it was only at matter of time until the crowd overwhelmed them one by one. After a few tense moments an opening presented itself. Quickly the two bailed out Chad, then fought their way over to Raiden.

Emily couldn’t help but notice the various wound, more importantly the bit mark on the mans neck, which was a cause of grave concern. However, she didn’t voice her conern, if they could get out here, she would do her best the treat Raiden, but for the time being she would keep a close eye on him.

They found themselves in the main lobby of the building; it was setup like most typical government building. It was a rather simple design, located in the main lobby was the reception area, with a number of teller booths, as well as a waiting area. Upstairs would be were all the offices were, while down was were security and the shelter were. There was very little lighting in the building, and the light that they did have only helped cast deep ominous shadows. Each step echoed of the marble floor, and bounced of the sharp features of the room.

Everywhere they looked there were subtle indicators that a struggle had occurred here. A number of the chairs had been over turned, and the teller area looked as it had be ransacked. Taking each step cautiously, fearing that which may be hidden with the dark shadow, the team inched their way to the main stair well. Engulfed in utter darkness, Augustine shone his flash quickly up and the down the stairwell. Unsure of what awaited them they began the decent down in the pitch-black abyss.

After moving down several flights, they made the way into the main security office. As Augustine mover his flash light back and forth, it could be seen the a main gun case had been emptied some time ago, along with the med kits, but further in the back of the room Emily could see something more important, salvation.

Ignoring her own safety Emily ran across the room to the transmitter, desperately flicking switches. After what seemed to be an eternity, the LED’s on boarded the transmitter came to life. Grabbing the microphone she hit the transmit button “This is Emily Williams, we have an emergency situation, requesting emergency evacuation at these coordinates. I repeat we need an emergency evacuation at these coordinates.”

All they could now was pray that some heard their plea for help.

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The captain would have to wait, Commander Eric Vinzer concluded as he wrote out the message he would send. Moments before he had received a hail from someone suspiciously familiar, and upon relaying it back to Orion, also recieved direct orders straight from the Emperor himself. Apparently Emily Williams, of Tappee if he remembered correctly, had gotten herself into some sort of trouble on a remote planet.

The SOE Orbiter, an Imperial Sabre-Class gunship, was on their way to pick up their captain from his short, but necessary in the mind of any officer, vacation, however now their course had changed, and Eric was in charge. A gallant, recognized, and almost famous fighter from the civil war not two years ago, Commander Vinzer should have been a captain by now. Sean Athens, his right hand man and friend throughout much of the war, had been promoted to lieutenant commander, yet Eric still was a Commander, the same rank he was before the fighting even began.

Now, in a mission this important, was his chance to prove himself. This was undoubtedly a matter of intergalactic relations, and Eric was chomping at the bit to get noticed once again. Sending the message to the captain, who was expecting to be picked up in less than an hour, Eric smiled, stood from his chair, and walked onto the bridge.

The Sabre-class bridge was small, another gripe on Eric's long list. During the war he had served on massive Dreadnaughts and Destroyers, yet here he was, living day to day on an aging vessel for a captain a year away from retirement. His career was in a stalemate, and he could almost feel it growing stagnant. One of only a hundred some people in the thousand year history of the Empire to be awarded the Silver Falcon, the highest military honor for an Imperial soldier, he deserved better.

As Lieutenant Commander Sean Athens looked up at the swishing sound of the automatic door, he saw the Commander walking with a spring in his step that had been missing lately. Without being told or even asking, he knew what they were going to do, and he was noticably less thrilled that his commanding officer was. As the Orbiter's Chief Tactical Officer, any rescue mission was always more of a headache than an easy operation, and Sean could tell by the secretive nature of this assignment that it wouldn't go smoothly. As the helmsman engaged the space-fold drive, Sean couldn't have known how right he would be.

* * * * *

In orbit of Procul, Commander Vinzer transcribed a message to whomever was on the surface.

"This is Commander Vinzer of the Imperial Gunship Orbiter," he said into the comm. "We will be landing shortly. Please reply and provide your co-ordinates."

Like almost all Imperial starships, the Sabre-Class could easily land on planets, however unlike the larger vessels who were just products of superior engineering, this is what the gunship was designed to do. As the Orbiter descended through the atmosphere, they could see a mass of black smoke rising from the lone city on the surface.

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Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the Orbiter

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Lt. Cmdr. Sean Athens
Orbiter Tactical Officer

The blood dripped from his beaten and charred face, the pain in his leg screeched, and the ringing in his battered head continued to rise and rise to a higher and higher pitch. He was disoriented, confused, beaten, thrashed, and cut. And the damage wasn’t only physical. The never-ending waves poured in, trampling all in sight, once again.

This fight was one-sided and a fight for survival, not another time to kick ass and take names like those before. Before it had been hunting season, really; now it was a test of survival, his wit, and his own mind. He was unarmed, using whatever he found on the ground to defend himself from the horde, bashing the occasional lunger with a rock against its head, knocking it to the ground to give himself just enough time to move along with the team away from the monsters.

No, they aren’t monsters… they are one, a collective, they work as one mass to destroy all in their path and devour them…

They surrounded him, tearing at his flesh with their low-pitched moans, while literally piling on top of him. He felt and heard his skin being torn apart before gunshots stopped the pain and he was pulled from the mass by the others who had managed to bail him out this time. He vomited – the stench and the sheer terror combined inducing this purging. Wiping his vomit from his mouth, he continued with the others to the building.

The swarm had already overwhelmed Raiden, ripping his eye from one socket in a brutal attack. But somehow, some way, Raiden had managed to survive and throw the thing off his body. Somehow, he was there with them as well, and no doubt Chad’s pain was nothing compared to what this man had to endure. He had been beaten from the very beginning and incapacitated; yet he still fought on no matter the odds. No matter what the odds were, he continued to fight back, barely clinging to his life, which was hung by a very thin thread.

When inside the building, they made their way to the building’s main security office, where Emily transmitted a cry for help, hoping that someone out there would here them and rescue them from this unimaginable nightmare.

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

Emily could feel the relief wash over her as the voice came over the COMM system. After a moment or two she realized that she recognized the name, Vinzer had been one of the many heroes of the Orion war, so Emily naturally knew the name though the two had never really actually meet.

“Copy that, our location is 26,57 mark 34. We are in the government building, there should be a landing pad on the roof” Emily let out a sigh knowing that it would soon be all over, a glance over at Raiden told her it was not a moment two soon. “Well all that’s left now is for us meet our ride on the roof.”

However, deep down on some level Emily knew that things were never that simple. And it was Augustine that brought one such matter to her attention “What about Tess and Gabriel?”

“I don’t even know where they are at this moment in time” shot Emily back in response “Much alone know how to rescue them. What I do know is, this is our only chance out of here, so lets not miss it.”
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Emily

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Augustine

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“Commander?”

“Yes, Lieutenant?”

“You ok?”

“Yes, Lieutenant.”

The readings didn’t lie. As Commander Eric Vinzer stared down upon the hundreds of hording bodies below, the fact remained that there were only a handful of life signs. These people were dead, and yet they still roamed the surface…a horror Eric knew all too well.

“I want a full strike team!” Eric screamed as the ship rapidly made its approach. “Heavy armor, plasma weaponry, disruptors. Orbiter, fire on my mark.” The Orbiter soared through the thick smoke, closing in on the coordinates transmitted from the surface. The closer they approached, the clearer it became, until at last they were before the government building, glaring down as the masses as they forced their way inside the building. “FIRE!” Eric screamed over the com, his body and weapon half out the ship, hanging on with one hand. The Orbiter reared up, its guns tearing through the crowds.

* * * * *

“I hear them…” Raiden said, barely loud enough to hear, before lunging forwards to cough, choking on his own blood. His vision began to blur, and he had been feeling dizzy for some now. Now, sitting on the floor with his gun aimed at the door and the others working diligently behind him, Raiden felt numb.

“Are we safe in here?” Raiden heard someone ask.

“The blast doors are reinforced multiple times over,” someone else replied. A short pause followed with everyone thinking the same thing. To say it out loud would have been redundant. They were stuck in there.

* * * * *

Returning from its third pass, the Orbiter slowed still, hovering over the roof like a vastly oversized dropship. Landing was a chance they didn’t have time to take, and Eric, Sean, and the others dropped onto the roof within seconds. Quickly they raced down the stairs of the government building, going from floor to floor with efficient ease until the 7th floor made them freeze in their steps. It wasn’t there.

“Lock your rappels,” Eric commanded as the strike team latched their anchors to the edge of the broken floor. “Go, go, go!”

Each soldier rappelled down, past the non-existent 7th floor towards the 6th below. In perfect harmony, each undid their cord, leaving it in its place for the return to the roof. There would be some that never made it back up.

* * * * *

“They’re on their way,” someone said, excitedly. Raiden surprised himself by how little he cared. Had he become so lethargic to life that the opportunity for its advancement no longer interested him? Was he simply coming to terms with the inevitable? A bang on the blast door told him that many others were on their way as well, and Raiden only hoped that their rescuers were prepared.

That thought hadn’t left his mind before he realized the hypocrisy of it. Why worry for the soldiers if he didn’t care that they were coming? Perhaps Raiden simply stopped worrying for himself. By now, death would be a relief.

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Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the Orbiter

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Lt. Cmdr. Sean Athens
Orbiter Tactical Officer

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

“Are we safe in here” Emily heard some one ask, with the all the noise that was going on out side she had trouble distinguishing who it actually was.

“The blast doors are reinforced multiple times over” quickly answered Emily, she wasn’t actually sure if that truly a good thing, but didn’t feel like discussing it with the others. Given the look one everyone’s face they didn’t want to talk about it either.

There were a few more load explosions, followed by the subtle vibration in the ground. “They’re on their way,” proclaimed Augustine with a glimmer of hope of his voice. For a few tense moments the team was engulfed utter silence.

After what seemed to an eternity, a knock on the blast door echoed through the room. No sooner had then sound hit Emily eardrums, when she ran over to the access panel and opened the door.

Emily could see relief in everyone eye with the exception of one, Raiden, all that now remained where the scars of battle and a hollow shell. In an act of kindness Emily lifted Raidens arm over her shoulders helping him to his feet. “Come on, now is not the give up, we are almost there.”

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Emily

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Augustine

Their ascension was quick and ruthless, the soldiers shielding the survivors from the horrors with their armor and a hail of weapon’s fire. Rotting flesh was simply no match for heavy disruptors and plasma grenades, and the chipped nails of the zombies simply broke off the thick armor of the strike team.

After the battle of Steel Moon, the Rebel soldiers, now the new Imperials, quickly learned that ODIN Armor Mach II still left much to be desired. When the Mach III was introduced shortly after the surrender, many soldiers dropped what they were doing to write letters to their commanders, begging for the new armor. Wanting the Mach III equally as much, the commanders passed the requests up the chain of command, and soon Bivens Inc., the producers of ODIN Armor, quickly increased production ten fold.

Raiden didn't even wince as they rose to the roof, his bloody and battered body numb from the beatings, his mind dull from the horror. Emily said that this was not the time to give up, but hope was not a luxury Raiden held on to, or even desired, anymore. The city was ablaze and broken, collapsing on the burning bodies below, and Raiden shut his eyes, tears running down one as blood trickled from where the other had been.

The Orbiter flew overhead, turning around at a much slower speed as to hover over the roof. Quickly, the survivors were ushered towards the waiting ship and Raiden walked along with the others, not unlike the other lifeless beings on the ground. He walked with no purpose, no reason, no future.

"Sir, we found another survivor," a soldier screamed over the explsions echoing around them as the city collapsed on itself. Hell was falling back to the depths, and as Raiden would learn, a demon would try to follow them out.

"Bring him aboard," Lieutenant Commander Athens instructed as the soldiers grabbed the man off the ground and lifted him to the ship. Raiden caught a glimpse of the man and froze. Major Harper had followed them up.

The Major looked worse off than he himself was, and for a man moments from death, that was a bold thought from Raiden. Stuggling with the soldiers, they mearly tightened their grip on the poor man who must have been slipping from their grasp. Now held securely, Raiden tried to scream, but the muffled squeels that came from his mouth went unnoticed.

It was as if life had been injected back into him, energy rushing though his veins. There was no way the Major had survived, Raiden knew, and the fact that he had come to the roof was in no way a proof of life. How he had ascended the building unnoticed was of no concern to Raiden, however, for as the city died around them, the only thing left to do was to destroy the last bit of it...as that last part was carried onto the rescue ship.

Instantly springing to his feet as he was placed on the ship's floor, Raiden ran lopsided from the medical bay to where the other survivors were located, diving on the Major as the other survivors looked on, understanding what was taking place.

Harper yelled out in pain from the attack and Raiden lifted him up by his shirt, slamming him against the wall. Instinctively, Raiden's hands shifted to the Major's throat, his soldier's grip tightening against the man's dead neck. Blood squirted from Raiden's eye as he squeezed, jerking the neck back and fourth in an attempt to snap it, however he had grown weak, and no longer had the strength.

The blast which tore through his chest from behind, the blessing which Raiden had been praying for and anticipating for some time now, cut his heart and part of his lungs from his being. Death, something Raiden had wanted so much, now came mere moments too soon, and in his last seconds, Raiden ultimately felt cheated, as if he hadn't cheated death so many times in the last three days.

Looking up, Raiden realized that the Polaron Disruptor had destroyed what had been Major Harper's head as well, and as he fell to the ground, his last breath escaping from his lungs, he felt confused, a look that remained on his face long after he hit the cold floor.

"CORPORAL WHAT DID YOU FIRE FOR?" Commander Vinzer screamed from behind the man as the other survivors looked on in horror. Raiden had made it that far, only to go out in such a miserable way.

"Sir," the shaky corporal replied, "The survivor attacked another. I had reason to believe he was infected."

Commander Vinzer ordered the others out of the room and into sickbay, and then once the room was sealed, checked the bodies. Shaking his head, he addressed the corporal in a haunting tone, almost a whisper.

"Corporal," Eric explained. "The thing he attacked was the monster...this man is a hero...and you just killed him..."

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Commander Eric Vinzer
XO of the Orbiter

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Lt. Cmdr. Sean Athens
Orbiter Tactical Officer

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First Lieutenant
Augustinus Raiden

The ascension into heaven was quick and painless, as the Orbiter easily cut through the clouded atmosphere that hung over the burning wreckage that was once called civilization. Heavy disrupters and plasma grenades hailed from the soldiers aboard the ship as the battered team was helped aboard and ported to the medical bay, including Chad, to receive examinations and to treat any serious wounds.

Raiden had made it, the man even Chad hadn’t expected to survive. The war on the ground had been harsher than hell, and he had been incapacitated from the very first engagement. Chad couldn’t help but feel admiration for this soldier – Chad was a Special Marine, toughest of the tough, but even he didn’t think he could endure under those circumstances.

I just ain’t cut out for this shit… he thought to himself. Perhaps, perhaps this mission had been purposely designated for him to take him down a notch; after all, he had acted like a headstrong recruit from the first moments. But now he was shaken and life as a Special Marine didn’t seem like an optimal career choice. He reasoned if couldn’t even psychologically brave this ordeal out, how could he survive more near-death experiences? Sure, he could brave the obstacles in training and easy missions, but when it really came to the big game, he just couldn’t handle it.

At least, that’s what he thought. He had survived. He had killed hundreds of villagers who tried to take his life away from him. He had survived a flooding surge of water, and still fought on against the gigantic Jaden whom he had spite for after the first trap. He was injured badly, and Kurt’s life was lost, true, but he had the guts to go and actually fight his overwhelming enemy to every extent that he was capable of. But these positives were ignored and all the negatives were scrutinized and used to justify his decision.

But then when he had gained a new military hero, he saw his old one (Major Harper), who he had fought to pull from the abandoned home in the face of death as villagers were swarming it in a frenzied mass. The soldiers were pulling the major aboard the ship, as the last survivor.

“What the fuck?!” Chad blurted out, as he stumbled to get from his feet off his bed in the medical bay. Chad was bandaged properly now, stitches patching the other deep cuts on his body. “How the fuck did you survive?! I saw you die with my own bare eyes!!!!” he said, recalling the gruesome scene.

But then it hit him, but before he could react Raiden had pounced onto Harper, slamming his against the wall. The struggle ensued, Raiden gripping Harper’s neck tightly until a powerful blast from behind tore through both of them, downing a military hero and the shell of a military hero.

“CORPORAL WHAT DID YOU FIRE FOR?!” Commander Vinzer screamed.

“Sir, the survivor attacked another. I had reason to believe he was infected…” the corporal responded.

The survivors were led into the sickbay and the dead bodies were to be examined. Chad looked on, knowing what had transpired, and at that moment another soldier nudged him.

“Need anything, sir?” the soldier asked.

“If anything, I need a cold beer. And lots of them. It’s going to take a lot to drown out what happened here.”

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Chad Flark
New Genoese Special Marines
SM-A

[Far removed from the horrors of Procul, Jade Allenson shifted about in her chair uncomfortably. As Director of Tappee’s intelligence service and head of the Tribunal it had not taken her long to hear of the emergency transmission that had come from Procul.

Upon receiving the transmission she had rushed to the Imperial capital of Bivens to meet up with the Tappee team the moment they arrived. Though this was not an official visit for her, it was of pivotal importance to both governments. If what they were now beginning to fear was in fact true, then the necessary steps would need to be taken in order to eliminate that threat. Jade was already contemplating scenarios, most of which dealt with the utter destruction of the planet, and all of its inhabitants. Of course she would have to meet with Emperor Biven to discuss options, she felt that the best course of action would be to destroy Procul, then quarantine it from others. To do otherwise would give others that chance to obtain a sample of the virus, a risk that she was not willing to take.

Impatiently she glanced up at the clock, now it would not be long until the team, and the information in their possession was scheduled to arrive.

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Jade Allenson

“No!” cried Emily as Raidens body hit the floor. In her anger she ran out at the guard that had delivered the fatal blow. Before she could to far Augustines arm reached out around her and encompassing her in his grasp. “They don’t understand!” she yelled out while she struggled to get free.

It took every once of strength that Augustine had to keep his hold on her. “It’s too late, there was nothing that we can do for him.” After a moment Emily stopped struggling, and he late her go.

Finally free she dropped to her knee’s, they had all come so far, and fought through so much, to end it like this was beyond her understanding. Tears began swelling in her eyes, Emily tried to hold them back but she was simply overcome.

More then anyone here was had known what to expect, would could possibly be waiting for them here. She felt that she was strong enough to face what ever they encountered, and that it was through here past experiences that she could bring everyone back alive. Raidens lifeless body served as a reminder of how she had failed, and how many people had paid the price for her arrogance. Once again she felt helpless as everyone around her died, then felt guilty to the fact that once again she had survived. Broken she sat there in silence.

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Emily

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Augustine

One Week Later

"Commander Graves?" Emperor Dave Bivens questioned, addressing the man who had entered his office just as he had not two weeks ago. This time, however, there was no witty remark, no pithy comeback. Bivens poured them both drinks, yet again, however Gabriel waved his off. Procul had numbed him more than alcohol ever could, and the power that surged within him more than made up for the temporary buzz. "Report was that you were dead..."

"That all?" Gabriel asked dryly as Tess clenched his hand, not wanting their discussion to go there. Gabriel took the cue, yet he hadn't been planning on revealing himself to the Empire anytime soon anyhow.

"Why didn't you travel back with the team?" Bivens asked to no response. "How did you get out?"

"I had to complete the mission," Gabriel said. Bivens nodded, he liked that kind of devotion.

"Please give your report then, Commander," The Emperor asked. Gabriel and Tess both sat down in front of his desk.

"The target was discovered as ordered and proved after a brief amout of time to be hostile," Gabriel reported.

"So I've heard," Bivens remarked, shaking his head. Jaden Gates was always one of his favorites.

"After the target disclosed his original misison, he was terminated," Gabriel continued. Bivens raised an eyebrow, the others didn't know of this. Then again, they didn't know that Gabriel and Tess were alive either. "Procul was, as was suspected, infected by a variant of the Q-Virus. A NiMBUS base was hidden in a near-by lake. Both the base and the town have been neutralized."

"Excellent work, Commander," Bivens said, breathing a sigh of relief as a smile cascaded across his face. Only now could life truely get back to normal. Only now, once NiMBUS is completely gone, could the Steel Empire stop living in the past and begin looking towards the future. The promises he gave after the civil war, only now could they become reality.

"I'm resigning," Gabriel said after a pause of decent length. The Emperor's eyes widened, staring at his agent to see if he was serious or not.

"What will you be doing?" Bivens asked.

"As you know, I'm the heir to Xavier Diamonds," Gabriel said. "I'll be taking over the company shortly."

"Why are you leaving?" The Emperor questioned. "You're one of the best we have, young enough...not close to your pension."

"Certain things have become more important," Gabriel cryptically replied, smiling at Tess. She was one of those things. The salvation of his created race was another.

"The Empire will miss you," Bivens said. "As you know, the decommissioning process is quite long." Gabriel stood, saluting the Emperor for what would be his last time.

"One more thing," Gabriel asked, turning back to face Bivens as he headed towards the door. "Would it be possible for me to have the bodies of Lieutenant Raiden and Major Harper? We became quite close over this whole ordeal, and I'd like to give them a more fitting ceremony than a concealed military funeral."

"Major Harper's body has been destroyed due to contamination," Bivens replied, pondering what he was going to say next. "...but I will arrange for you to recieve the corpse of Lieutenant Raiden as soon as possible."

"Thank you," Gabriel replied, heading out of Bivens' office.

"Why do you want that mangled body?" Tess asked when they had left the palace.

"Because I know more than scanners and Imperial doctors do," Gabriel replied. "Raiden's body is infected, however the virus is still dormant. Within his corpse is the first key to our plan."

"I love you," Tess said, hugging Gabriel as she buried her face into his chest. They would be king and queen of a new era, a new species, a new Empire.

"I know," Gabriel responded, running his hand through her soft, curly hair. Soon enough, their plan would be set in motion. Soon enough, all the power in the universe would be theirs.

"Dra yhkamc crymm pnehk oui du niehc," Peter Cubeta had told him before Gabriel discarded him without thought or effort. "The angels shall bring you to ruin." Gabriel laughed, smiling at Tess as they disappeared into the shadows. Angels no longer had any jurisdiction over him. No one did.

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Special Agent
Gabriel Graves

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Dr. Tess Becken
Genetic Biologist

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Emperor Dave Bivens
President of Bivens Inc.
Emperor of the new
Orion Star Empire