Blood Thurst Plague- Chapter 4

Much had been altered in the dome. The interior and exterior had been remodeled and upgraded to a high level of security from what wished to get in. Leah couldn’t help noticing the vast difference of the place. The population had grown and had been the inspiration for expansion. It was a risky job but they had handled it with care. She walked briskly down the white washed corridors and passed others who were scurrying about with daily duties. A little tribe of children nearly ran into her but she side stepped them just in time and caught one who thought she wouldn’t and nearly sprawled face first onto the floor. 1

“Gotcha honey. Be careful…go into the yard if you wish to play.” She instructed them.2

They smiled up at her and were off to play. The ‘yard’ was basically an area created for recreational usage. It was surrounded by a 20ft. titanium enforced brick wall and above, covering the area, was a thick glass that allowed sun light in. They had managed to plant trees and plants in the area and everyone did their part when it came to maintenance. It helped to keep the children entertained and their minds of the danger that was eager to present themselves. Leah had promised herself to never let one of them know the pain of lost. As she watched them run off with joy brilliant in their eyes, she remembered his face. Amazing. So many years had passed and still his face flashed in her mind. She’d thought about him a lot when the shock was still dwindling. Never being able to sleep because she couldn’t feel his hand in hers to let her know she was safe. Always wishing to feel him stroke the top of her head and smooth away the frown when she feared to close her eyes. Drake. She’d hope that what she had witnessed all those years ago was just her mind projecting all the worst-case scenarios…but no. He was truly gone. She had felt so lost without him…as she was Jin had as well…3

“Hey! Are you trying to be even later than you are now?” Someone hissed from behind her. She was glad for it. Her mind was trying to suck her back into her darker days and that was unacceptable. She turned then to see Renee holding the door for her. With a short smile she jogged to the door and Renee gawked at her with hungry eyes. Who wouldn’t? Though it was part of the uniform, Leah made her black; thigh high shorts same like sin in garments. Renee didn’t make it a secret that her sexual preference bore no appendages. She had tried her hand at Leah and was afraid to even take a second swing at it. She had brushed her off politely but damn it was as if she was saying ‘fuck off’. Renee couldn’t help licking her lips as she watched the other woman’s breasts bounce towards her. If she could only have one night…4

“Sorry…daydreaming again…” Leah said as she brushed pass her softly, unaware that she had rubbed against Renee’s perked nipples. A shudder ran through her as she suppressed a moan.5

“You have no idea Leah…” She whispered as she shut the door.6

The room was considerably spacious. Actually it was too big to simply be called a room. A hall perhaps. The desks and chairs were divided into its respected squads. They ascended in rows, with a longer table for squad heads, placed before each section. The sections were labeled in alphabetical order, with ‘A’ starting farthest from the door. The meeting was only for the heads so it was basically empty except for the head’s tables. 7

As she made her way to her relevant desk, she fought the blush that was all for Ray. She had to remind herself that he wasn’t Ray now, he was Lt. Ross and that was what she was to address him as. Her squad was top ranked for high priority missions, and that respect she had kick ass to gain, so she wasn’t about to show them that there was a lot more that training and missions going on between she and her superior. Hell no. She was sure she saw Ray fume at her for not appearing affected from what had nearly occurred between them. What the hell did he want? He should no better than to expect her to come to the meeting for superiors still flushed and drenched from their shower scene. She was still professional about what she did. She took her seat next to him and remained silent as she flipped open the binder waiting for her on the table, and scanned through the agenda. She felt his anger pulsing from his skin and figured if she accidentally brushed against him she would spontaneously combust and turn to ash in the matter of seconds. He would have to deal…she wasn’t about to lick his wounds for him. 8

“Are you just going to sit there and pretend-” He started to say, but stopped abruptly as she switched off the microphones before them and sent a dark look his way. That lasted for only seconds because her eyes were back on the page before he could even recover.9

“Damn it Leah! What the hell is your problem?” People were still filing in; obviously many of them were caught of guard by the unsystematic meeting. His voice was a low hiss but she still didn’t want to chance anyone over hearing. She closed the book with a snap and turned her head slowly towards him. Heavy eyes looked up at Ray, and it was all he could bear to not grab her, throw her on the table and fuck her before the other squad heads. 10

“Lt. Ross-”11

“Fuck the formalities Leah!” He exclaimed in a low growl that had a backlash that left her shivering. 12

“Look…I can’t be your fuck buddy and your second in command. It’s too much. And what do you want me to say? How do you want me to act? Like you are fucking me? No. I won’t so drop the topic and let’s focus on work.” She spoke through clenched teeth. She hated to be nagged and that was exactly what Ray was doing. It wasn’t brutal but it was there nonetheless. She looked away from him and turned to face front as the man who had played the role as her father for the past seventeen years, took to the stage. He was the Captain of all thirteen squads and founder of the defense squads…Captain Jin Crowlin. The years hadn’t aged him much. His chiseled jaws were still as smooth as marble but the misty blue his eyes had once been had lost the light it had years ago. 13

Leah admired his strength. It was his strength that gave her the will, the drive and the hunger to fight. She wasn’t sure if it was to avenge the love ones that were taken from them or simply to be stronger, but she had to be stronger. When she went out on the nightly missions, she refused to care about herself…she went with her life in the open for the taking. It was on her first mission that Jin had seen that in her and he had quickly scowled her about that. She was wise enough now to where a poker face when she wished to keep her feelings to herself. 14

Ray had gone quiet, not on his own account but because the meeting was about to start. All stood and saluted as the Commanding Officer stood before them.15

“At ease. You may be seated. I will keep this as brief as possible.” His voice rumbled over the microphone. It was still strong and very intimidating. Leah uncapped her pen and flipped the cover of her note pad as she waited to scribble down what vital information that was about to be given. 16

“First of all, I would like to congratulate Squad Foxtrot13 for a successful mission on the pass night with securing the tech team to place up the new cameras in Gut Drop.” Applauds were given for the 6th squad because the area was red flagged as an active spot for the night predators. The room settled and the captain continued with his speech.17

“Now, we all know that we have come far from Phase one. The Dome has been graced with more survivors than we thought would surly be dead. The population has grown so vast that renovations had to be made to accommodate them all comfortably. Thankfully…that is over and done with. I received the census this morning and it is safe to say that 89,579 civilians dwell amongst us and that is not counting soldiers. We are many…and though it has been a struggle…we have survived.” This brought another round of applauds and Leah simply nodded with contentment as she marveled what Jin had done. Hard work and dedication…the key ingredients.18

“Yes…we are many.” He reiterated. “But we still hide.” A low murmur spread across the room at the Captain’s words. Quick to protest, the simple minded. But Leah caught his point. 19

“Allow me to explain. Out there…” he pointed, obviously referring to the outside of the dome. “…Is our home. Our land. The place where many of us was born and the soil that we all yearn to feel. We were not meant to live, breathe, eat, sleep and shit in confinement! We belong out there with the freedom to stop and enjoy a beautiful sunset. The only thing stopping us soldiers, are those animals! But not any longer. It is time to infiltrate the enemies camps!”20

“But Captain, that’s easier said than done. It’s hard enough tracking one of those things…much less finding its hideout.” Lt. Brookes, head of 10th Squad Kilo13 spoke up. The black tribal tattoos on his bare head always made Leah stare. She found them fascinating and very artistic. She always wondered if they had hurt when he got them but found that she couldn’t ask him. Brookes was very intimidating on all levels. He had a temper that gave the beasts stiff competition. Leah never made known to him that he intimidated her. Jin had taught her that to show the slightest bit of fear or hesitation was enough to cause you your life. It was the first lesson she learned for combat and it had stuck with her, even of the fields.21

“Ah but you are wrong there Lt. Brookes. The research and development lab has been finding avenues to take against theses animals. Dr. Flint and the rest of his team have recovered and studied the old files of Dr. Gilbert and are discovering a way to tame our fury friends outside the walls.”22

“This is news. Has progress been made?” Leah asked as she laced her fingers and leaned over the table. Ray cleared his throat purposely and Leah caught the meaning. He didn’t like it when she asked the questions; actually neither of the heads did. In meetings, the wanted their seconds to play the role of secretary, but Leah was no body’s bitch. Apparently it would take Ray a bit longer to realize that. 23

Jin was smiling on the inside at the woman who he claimed as daughter. He was proud to see that she was more interested in finding out the information first, rather than destroy the idea before it could be fully explained.24

“Progress is slow, but could be faster…”25

“And what will be the key to-mmph!” She exclaimed. She felt a pulsing pain in her rib, curtseys of Lt. Raymond Ross. She glowered up at him and had to take a second to remember that he was her Superior. She swallowed the stream of insults that danced on the edge of her tongue. He cleared his throat again as she picked up her pen and began to jot down notes. Obviously he wanted to do the talking…26

“So Captain…what will be needed to move things across more swiftly?” He asked, simply rephrasing the question she was about to ask. That moment helped Leah to remember why she’d never given Ray the time of day. He was too arrogant and self centered… two attributes he needed to dispose of.27

Jin frowned at what he’d just saw but decided to let it go. Leah wouldn’t be too happy about his medaling. She’d put Ray in his place and there was no need for him to say a word.28

“Well Lt. Ross…we need a specimen.”29

“A specimen sir?” He quarried.30

“Yes…a live specimen.” Jin’s words sent the room into an uproar.31

“Order! Order!” He yelled and the room calmed into a hush lull and then silence.32

“Now listen…I know the prospect seems ridiculous and down right crazy…but it would be worth it...”33

“And how many lives would be lost for the worth sir? It’s a suicide mission Captain.” Lt. Clambrige protested. He was head of 5th Squad Echo13. Clambridge wasn’t too keen on throwing his team and himself behind enemy’s line. Safety first…34

“Clambridge…I am not looking for the destruction of our people. I am looking forward to a better future. The studies are finally making progress…and honestly…I want my people out of this place.” He sighed tiredly and leaned lightly on the podium.35

“But the dome has been our place of refuge for years. The enemy hasn’t found a way in and probably will never do so. Why should we risk lives and our peace of minds for something that could possibly be a failed plan? I do not see the necessity…” It was Gomez who had objected. Her short auburn hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail and her oval shape face was displaying obvious defiance. Leah had had many problems with her from the moment she gained second rank in her squad. 36

Gomez’s silent rival with Leah stemmed from the fact that Ray was interested in Leah rather than her. It made her blood boiled in every time she saw the two together. She knew that others weren’t aware of this but Leah and Ray were. Since the day he turned her down and she saw that his eyes lingered longer on hers for more than a second, well she wished and hoped that the bitch never made it back from her missions. It was a cruel thing to think but she didn’t have the heart to care.37

“How much longer do you think we have Gomez? How long do you think it will take for them to find their way in? The numbers have grown here, yes…but for every twenty civilians that dwell here, there are five beasts. Their numbers have grown as well. Yes this information was passed onto me this morning as was the census. So I ask again…how long do you think we have?” The room had grown loud with silence from the news that was delivered. Leah had to admit, the Captain was right. The creatures were more intelligent than they had given them credit for. Their maneuvering, the way they responded in combat was a sure way to know that they had intelligence and if not that, instinct. Jin knew that he had stomped them with that last piece of information and was proud for it. They had no choice. It was pure luck to still be in the dome without any infiltration but every day had become a gamble. He knew his dear friend would’ve made sure that the problem was eradicated shortly after he’d found safety for the people. Hugh would’ve seen to it had he been alive, but no…Jin had become complacent and accustomed to what they had going on. He had to do something quick.38

“Now I know that you all are still mulling over the possibilities, but consider this plan as you do that. The Research and Development Team has come up with a chemical that would bring about temporary paralysis. It is packing some heavy stuff like a chemical called Sarin. It is a colorless, odorless agent that will be the key to our capture.”39

“How so?” Gomez interrupted. She was more than skeptical about the idea.40

“Well the team has managed to construct a very useful plan that will aid in our goal. That sort of information will be provided when the teams are formed.” He said as he looked from Gomez to the rest of the faces in the room. There was another wave of murmurs in the room as the Captain’s words sunk in. 41

“So are you saying that all thirteen squads will not be used? Is that safe Cap? I mean, you just said that there are more of them than there are of us.” Leah was surprised to hear who those words had come from. Ray wasn’t the type to shy away from a challenge…at least that was the impression she was under. But here he was opposing a great idea. Perhaps she should wait before she concluded that he was being a pussy. 42

“No not all thirteen.” The captain continued. “There will be three squads for this mission. Each squad has 15 members so with three squads…this should be a quick project.”43

“Quick project?! Are you kidding me? We won’t be able to make it back alive!” The outburst had come from Gomez. Leah turned her head slowly to look in her direction. The minute she did, Gomez eyes were blazing at her. Obviously she was pissed that Leah had witness her losing her cool. Leah kept her gaze on her, unheated and obviously not phased by the dirty look. 44

“Well Lieutenant, you wont have to concern your self with the outcome. This mission is strictly voluntary. So I say this now, if you feel as if you are not qualify…as if your squad is not qualify to complete this mission, feel free to not volunteer. Simple.”45

The room went silent after the Captain’s speech. The silence that filled it was thick with fear of what would come. Leah was probably the only one to have no worries. As far as she was concerned, whatever Jin said, was final. She took that moment to look at Ray. He didn’t seem to be thinking what she was thinking, and she wasn’t about to be left out on this mission. She switched off her microphone and turned in her seat to look at his profile till he gave her his eyes. He didn’t take long to do that and when he saw the look in Leah’s eyes he knew what she was about to say.46

“You’re kidding me right?” He asked in disbelief. This was suicidal to him. Three squads were hardly enough for the task that needed completion. He refused to think for a second that Leah was considering the possibilities, but when she only quirked a brow at him, it was all the answer he needed. He shook his head and turned towards her even more.47

‘No damn it! No Leah I’m sorry but there’s no way in hell-”48

“This mission will be an automatic failure if our squad is absent sir. Think about it. The only reason no one is volunteering right now is because they are waiting for us to go first. Lead by example.” She ended in a crisp monotone. The woman could be thick blooded when she was ready. Yes he loved a challenge like any testosterone driven guy, but he wasn’t interested in dieing any time soon. 49

“Leah,” He started and placed a hand on her thigh as he talked. She looked from his hand to his face and gave him cold steely eyes.50

“You can talk without touching sir.”51

“I rather not. Now listen, if we do this, there is a chance that we won’t survive. Are you willing to take that-”52

“Yes. Now is that all?” She interrupted again53

“Damn it Leah take a second and think about this…”54

“All done. Don’t be a pussy Ray. Put your balls to use and lets do this. I’m sick of training with no field challenges. Volunteer Squad Alpha13 now or no one will.”55

Her words were enough to set his blood boiling. She could be a bitch when she was good and ready and it was obvious that she was ready. But she was right, no one was about to volunteer unless they did. He took that moment to sit back in his chair and breathe. He took a look about the room and saw that every eye was trying to avoid looking obvious as they glanced over to them. That was why his squad was top rank he supposed…for missions such as this one. Leah was still watching him and he could feel her eyes boring wholes into his head as she dared him with a glare to accept the mission.56

He flicked the switch on the microphone and leaned forward, clearing his throat before he spoke. He heard Leah give a sigh obviously of relief. 57

“Captain…1st Squad Alpha13 volunteer’s for the mission.” 58

The room was filled with murmurs again as the Captain nodded in approval and acknowledgment. Jin always had a hard poker face, but Leah was keen to reading him. He was relieved but very much worried. He needed their squad for this mission. There was no way of evading that, but to have Leah out in the darkened forests with monsters lurking behind every trunk or boulder…well that wasn’t the most comforting thought for him.59

“So noted Lieutenant. That is one squad…is there another?”60

The words weren’t out of the Captains mouth yet before Lt. Tyson Rogan and Sgt. Theo Berks of the second squad were standing.61

“Yes sir, there will be. Bravo13 will be in this operation as well sir.” Rogan declared as Berks nodded in agreement. Surely after seeing the candidates for the mission, the other Squads would feel motivated. 62

Leah had to smile to herself as she realized that Gomez was fuming at her Lt. to stand and accept. The woman really needed to grow up and get over the high school drama. Leah was not interested.63

“Alright already!” He grumbled into the microphone and stood with her as they accepted the mission.64

“Echo13 will report for duty when you call Captain.” He said with reluctance heavy in his voice. The room sighed with relief as the remaining squad heads rejoiced silently for not having to balls it up. No body wanted to face what was out there, even in mandatory missions with all thirteen squads, which was rare. Nevertheless, they were sorry for the volunteers, but glad that they weren’t them.65

“I am pleased that you three have accepted. There will be a special meeting concerning this mission, and you will be prompted before hand about it. Please try to make yourselves available in the meantime. As for the rest of you, I trust you won’t think any less of yourselves. This mission isn’t an easy task. I thank you for your considerations and ask that you wish the best for your fellow soldiers. Till Then, this meeting is adjourned.” With that all stood as the Captain exited the stage. 66

Although she didn’t display it physically, Leah was ecstatic on the inside. She was finally going on a worthy mission. Something with a bit more kick the norm. Sure she had killed a few of the creatures…but this was different. This mission could mean the end of all their problems.67

“I need to see you Sgt. Raven. When you are free, please come to my office.” Captain Crowlyn said as he stopped to their table. She nodded in response and watched him walk away.68

“I need a word with you as well Sgt. Raven. The minute you’re done with the Captain, please find your way to my office.” Ray didn’t wait to hear her reply, and she knew why. He was pissed. This was one bitch fest that she wasn’t too intrigued about attending. She didn’t fear the guy, she just hated confrontations with him. He would whine and whine about trivial matters that didn’t register on Leah’s radar of importance. At least this time, she was sure of the topic. She watched his back as he walked away and sighed in complete nonchalant. 69

“As if I didn’t see that coming…” She mumbled to herself as she packed up her notes and her binder. 70

“Sgt. Raven…it will be a pleasure working with you on this mission.” A bottomless voice said from before her. She looked up and gave Lt. Rogan a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.71

“Lieutenant. I’m sure it will be a pleasure for me as well.” She picked up her binder, her notes already tucked away in it and moved from behind the table. She stopped after realizing that Rogan was walking beside her, matching her pace. She stopped and looked up at him as she always had to with every one but children. A woman of 5’3 wasn’t very intimidating in statue, that’s why she had to make up for it in combat. 72

“Is there something else you wish to say sir?” she asked, careful of her wording. Rogan’s faint olive eyes peered down at her with something that suggested that she would wish she hadn’t asked that. His milk chocolate skin was packed tight with sculpted muscles that was all the coercion he needed in any aggressive situations. Leah held on to a flicker of hope that he wouldn’t make this situation awkward on his behalf. Why the majority of the male population was lusting after her was beyond her inkling.73

“Actually there is Leah…” Well there went her hope. He’d addressed her casually so there was no going back. She sighed and shifted her weight to her left leg as she waited for the ordeal. It seemed as if that little gesture to show no interest was taken the wrong way. His eyes had darted to her hips and she could smell the heat coming from his body. 74

“Well sir…what is it that you need to state?” She asked letting that apathy leach into her words as well. This was why people thought twice about perusing Leah. She wasn’t an easy target and she was merciless in shooting you down before you could pounce for the attack. The way she would glare up at you- because every one really did look down at her when it came to height- was enough to send you fleeing with your tail stuck tight between your legs. Merciless indeed. And now Lt. Tyson Rogan was about to experience it for himself. She’d already notice how he kept darting his tongue out over his bottom lip in obvious nervousness. The way he scratched the top of his skin bald head every so often, was also a dead give away. Too easy.75

“Leah-”76

“Yes Lt. Rogan?” She had said the words in a dull voice but had also managed to emphasize on his name and title. That was all that she needed to do. She saw him retreat in his mind at the point, obviously rethinking his plan.77

“Um…well actually I forgot what I was about to say…when I do remember, I’ll be sure to let you know.” A lie. He’d remember alright, but he was smart enough to not let his hormones get the best of him. Leah’s expression changed to an appraising one as she watched Rogan splutter to a halt. He was a smart man indeed.78

“I see…well you do that Lieutenant. Please excuse me sir…” She didn’t wait for his dismissal, but left him there to scrape up what was left of his ego.79

“Weak…” she mumbled as she left the meeting room and stepped out into the extensive hallway. She decided that she’d have her meeting with Jin first, it would be shorter than her trial with Ray. She took that moment to groan in dismay at the inevitable outcome.80