#doaas

Terry glared at her, but said nothing.

“So what’s the plan? Simply go in, get them and get out?” Mungo asked.

Ina nodded, “Basically.”

Mungo nodded and sat back.

It took a few hours, but soon they landed in Montana in a tiny green part that hadn’t been touched. It was a large farm, half had been mutated. They got off the plane and started towards the house.

“What a waste. All that corn. Gone.” Vargo said and shook his head as he looked out at the purple corn.

“Spread out and watch for monsters. Vargo you’re with me.” Ina said and headed towards the barn. Vargo followed her while the others did a sweep of the perimeter.

“Hello? Is anyone here? We were sent from Washington. We’re here to help.” Inola called into the barn. They were answered by horses neighing and stomping.

The two went into the barn and looked around, “They’re hungry. Either the owners are mutated or too scared to come out of the house.” Vargo said. He moved his gun so it rested on his back and fed the four horses that were in the barn.

Once that was done they headed to the house. Ina knocked on the door, “Hello? We’re looking for survivors!” she called, knocking on the door. They listened for anything and then Ina tried the door, “It’s locked. Stand back.” she said. Vargo took a few steps back and Ina kicked the door down and they went in, “You go upstairs.” she said and checked the downstairs and the basement.

Vargo went upstairs and found the family of six in the main bedroom. They were scared and the father had come at him, “Easy! I came from Washington. The President sent us looking for survivors.” he said.

“You sound foreign. We ain’t belivien’ you!” he said, raising the bat in his hand.

Vargo quickly stepped back, “I’ll get my commanding officer.” he said, “Inola!! I found them!” he called down the stairs.

A moment later Ina came up stairs, “Please sir. Put the bat down. We’re here to get you to safety.” she said.

“I don’t believe you. He sounds foreign and you-“he stopped when Ina showed him her ID.

“We’re with the military. Now come with us and we’ll take you some place safe. Just get your things and come with us.” she said.

He nodded and the family got their things, “What about the horses? They’re part of our family, along with the dogs.” the mother said.

“I’ll call an animal transport, but your dogs are gone.” Ina said.

“Try under the porch. They like hiding under there.” one girl said.

Ina nodded, ”Alright, but I think you should call them out. I don’t know their names.”

The girl nodded, ”Ok.” she said.

It took the family about ten minutes to get their things and the two surviving dogs out from under the porch.

Ina went to the pilot, “Take them back to base and call for an animal transport. We’re going to the next point on foot.” she said.

Then there was a snarl and a scream. ”Jenny!!”the mother yelled as one of the girls was snatched and dragged away by mutated creatures, ”JENNYYY!!!”Her mother screamed, being held back by her husband.

“Get them in the plane!” Ina said, running after the creature.

“General, wait!” Mungo called after.

Terry started to go after her, “Stay here! She can handle herself.” Heavy said. Terry stopped and watched Ina disappear into the corn field.

-xx-

Ina chased after the creature as it dragged the screaming Jenny. She tackled the creature and they rolled a few times before it kicked her off and ran. She jumped back and went to Jenny. Her leg was scratched and she was already bruised from being dragged through the forest. Jenny sobbed, “My leg.” she gasped.

 Ina looked at it, ”No.” she said softly.

The wound was starting to turn purple, ”Jenny,” she pulled out a syringe that would numb her body, “Jenny I need you to calm down ok?” she said softly and injected it into her.

Jenny sobbed, “I’ll try.”

Ina nodded, “Now you’re gonna go numb, but just stay calm.” she said and then was grabbed from behind by a creature. She struggled, pulling at its arm so it wouldn’t get her in a choke hold. She found it no use and grabbed her knife and stabbed the monster. It gave out a screech and dropped her, clutching where it’d been stabbed. Ina jumped back and watched it run off. Once it was gone she went back to Jenny, sheathing her knife.

“Crap.” Ina said softly as she heard mass movement around them and snarling. She grabbed her gun and waited, Jenny was pale with fear, but couldn’t feel her body anymore.

A dozen jumped out of the corn, going straight to Ina. She switched her gun to automatic and let out a steady stream of fire, killing all the creatures. She knelt beside Jenny and gritted her teeth. Her leg was completely purple.

“This can’t be happening.” she said, but had no idea what to do. She picked Jenny up and ran back to the house, “Vargo!!”she called.

Vargo and Mungo looked over. Vargo ran over to her, “What happened?” he asked.

“The creature scratched her. Vargo we have to stop this. I’m not going to let her become one of those things.” she said as she gently laid Jenny on the ground. Jenny had passed out on the way back.

Vargo looked at the wound and looked at Ina a little helpless, “I don’t know what to do.” he said.

“Wrap her leg and get her back to base.” she said. Vargo wrapped it and sent her with her family back to base.

“What happened?” Heavy asked as she trotted over, glancing at the plane as it took off.

“She got scratched and is starting to turn.” Ina said as the rest of the team came over.

“Is that even possible?” Terry asked, watching the jet take off and head back to base.

“Apparently. Now keep a close eye out.” Ina said and started towards the next point.

It took a few hours to get to the next place, but it was too late. A group of creatures was already feasting on the family. They killed the creatures, but the family was already dead.

They called to be picked up and sat and waited. Ina sat off on a hill while the other sat on the porch. Vargo went over to her, “You didn’t expect this did you?” he asked as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it as he sat beside her.

“Not at all. You got another one of those?” she asked, looking up at him. He nodded and gave her one and his lighter.

She lit it, took a puff, and sighed out smoke, “I can’t believe this is happening. They said we’d destroy ourselves in war or global warming would kill us. No one ever expected this. I don’t even know what to call it. The higher ups call it The Darkness, but it’s got to be more than that.” she sighed and shook her head, the idea boggling her mind.

Vargo glanced at her, “What else do you think it is? It’s not a virus. No virus attacks like it did. No virus has some giant purple cloud go around the world or attack plants. It hasn’t killed anyone except the people the creatures have killed. It’s either some alien thing or something we ourselves created.”

“Oh what a surprise that would be. We created the Darkness. Wonder why we did that.” she said. Vargo shrugged.

Few hours later a plane came and picked them up.

Once back to base they all went to their rooms, reflecting on what they’d experienced. Heavy went to Ina’s room, “You ok?” she asked, leaning against the wall by the door.

Ina sighed, “I don’t know. I was un-able to save that girl and she’s going to turn and be killed. Pat I never expected this. We’ve seen everything, but this.” She sighed, “This is something from the movies. Some zombie apocalypse where disfigured people are chasing you to eat your brains!” she took her boots and visor off, rubbing her eyes as she sat on her bed.

“I know. I have a feeling this wasn’t natural either. If it was it would’ve appeared earlier in history, but there’s been nothing like this. If there was it would’ve been in stories in every culture.” she said.

Ina nodded, “I know, but we can’t point fingers. We don’t have the power.” she said.

Heavy nodded, “We just go with it until we have some proof.”

“Yeah.” Ina said and then Heavy left and Ina laid down and stared at her ceiling, thinking.

-xx-

Heavy had gone to get a late dinner, the others had done the same.

“Ina not going to join us?” Mungo asked as Heavy sat down.

Heavy shook her head, “She just went to bed. She does this every time she can’t save someone.”

“So she really does have a heart.” Terry said in a snotty tone.

Heavy glared, “You watch your mouth! Your parents may have not cared what you said or who you insulted, but here respect matters. Dis-respect the wrong person and they’ll make you wish you were dead and no one will ever be able to find you.” She growled, pointing her fork at him.

The others glanced at each other, sensing Heavy’s energy spike. With Terry being Human he wouldn’t sense it and being as stupid as he was he’d get himself into a heap of trouble.

Terry scoffed, “What’re you gonna do about it? Report me and have me to some extra training?”

“Dude shut up.” Mungo hissed.

Terry shook his head, “All you talk about is respect. What about your respect to us?! You work us like dogs and treat us like dirt! You want respect from us? Give us respect! That’s how it works.”

Heavy was tense and Vargo scooted away from her a bit, not wanting to get in the way when she blew up, “You humans are so stupid. You think you know what respect is, but you don’t have the slightest idea.” she said softly ,her voice straining to be calm.

Terry glared, “You think we’re stupid? Just cause you’ve lived thousands of years means nothing!”

That was it. In a blink Heavy had lunged over the table and pinned Terry on the floor with an arm behind his back and his face pressed to the floor, “You say it means nothing,” she growled, “I have lived through many wars, famines, droughts, depression, and times of complete chaos. I have fought for many freedoms for my people, your people, and many others. Living less than 90 years is pitiful and you humans think reaching 80 is an achievement. You are a naive race and know nothing and refuse to learn from those around you. You want to stay here and survive? Learn some respect and see yourself as an equal.”

Terry whimpered under her, wincing as he struggled. Two other Demons came over, “Everything ok here?” one asked.

Heavy shoved Terry further into the floor as she stood, “Everything’s fine.” She said. She grabbed her tray and left, going to eat someplace alone.

Terry slowly got up, “You picked the wrong Demon to piss off dude. Patricia may not seem like it, but she’s one of the most powerful Demons in the world.” One of the guys said and then they both left.

Terry groaned as he sat down, “Damn that hurt.” He said, rubbing his arm.

The other three guys looked scared.

“What?” Terry asked.

“One things you humans lack is the ability to sense the energy of another person. Heavy has below average readings for a Demon. You pissed her off and her energy spiked by almost 1,000 times.” Mungo said.

Vargo and Akio nodded, “I suggest you get rid of the attitude and hit the books. You’re gonna need to smart up if you really want to survive.” Vargo said.

Terry looked super confused, “Come on kid. I’ll help you get started.” Mungo said, standing and taking his tray and throwing away his trash. Terry did the same as he worked things out in his head, leaving with Mungo.

“Mungo’s got his work cut out for him.” Vargo said.

Akio nodded, “He seems patient. We’ll see how long it lasts.”

“You don’t like him do you?”

“No. He’s a high strung idiot who’s to full of himself for his own good. Though it’s changing. When that creature came out and grabbed that girl he went pale.”

“He’s got guts though. Even terrified he still chased after Ina.”

Akio nodded, “I think he’ll be ok once he gets everyone figures out.”

Vargo nodded, “Starting with the General’s is best for him.”

Ina sat beside Akio, surprising him and Vargo. She sat a bottle of liquor on the table, it half way gone and sighed.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Vargo asked.

“I did. Then the nightmares started.” She grumbled as she took a gulp from the bottle, “Where’s everyone else?”

“Terry pissed off Heavy,” Vargo started.

“Not surprising.” Ina muttered.

“She left and Mungo took him to the library to learn about energy spikes and the different species on Earth.” he finished.

“Wow. He really was sheltered.” She said.

“Or didn’t care about anyone unless they were human.” Akio said.

“I’d go with that.” Vargo said.

Ina nodded slowly as she stared at her bottle, “You sure you’re gonna be ok?” Vargo asked.

She simply shrugged, “Maybe.”

“I think you will be. I’m going to turn in.” Vargo said and stood and left, tossing his trash.

Ina and Akio sat in silence for a long moment, “Wanna try meditating?” Akio asked her.

“Looks like you lost emotions in there someplace.” Terry said.

“Wars tend to do that to you, but you won’t ever know that.” Ina said as Mungo gave her back her sword. Terry looked offended and glared.

“That’s really cool. How’d you get the laser to work and not melt the metal?” he asked.

Ina shrugged, “Mikey’s the one who did it. I just told him to give me something different that I’m used to using and that’s what I got.”

Mungo nodded, “He’s a gifted kid. Our scientists were trying to do this for years, but never did it.”

Ina nodded. “Mickey’s a gifted kid. He’s 20 and has a masters in like…everything that deals with technology.” Heavy said as she looked through their available weapons.

“Where is the kid anyways?” Terry asked.

“He’s up there,” Ina pointed to a window towards the top of the very tall walls, “He controls the robots and everything in here. Without him, we wouldn’t be able to function properly. Akio lets spar.”

Akio nodded and stood and went to the middle of the simulation room, “Nothing special Mikey!” Ina said.

“Alright.” Mikey said over the speaker.

Akio and Ina took their stances and circled each other.

“Wouldn’t the team be able to survive without the kid?” Terry asked Heavy as he watched.

“Probably, but we’d be without specialized gear, weapons, and vehicles.” Heavy said.

Ina dashed and kicked at Akio’s head. He blocked and went to punch her stomach.

“There’s plenty of other techs. Couldn’t we use them?”

“Do you have a problem with someone younger then you making our weapons?”

Ina reversed and went for his chest. He ducked and kicked at her legs.

“No I just think there’s someone more qualified.”

“I doubt there’s anyone more qualified than him.” Heavy growled. He was starting to piss her off.

Ina did a back handspring and waited. Akio came towards her and they proceeded to fight.

“Alright whatever you say.” he shrugged and waved her off.

Akio hit the wall beside Heavy and fell to the ground, moaning. It took him a moment, but he stood, “How many masters have you had?” he asked.

Ina shrugged as she came over, “To many to count. Been all over the world and learned every style of fighting. Came up with two of my styles. At one point in my life I had a school in my hometown.” she said as she glanced over the weapons, “Let’s go through a few more simulations. Mikey! Prepare D-8!”

“Kay.”

We ran simulations for a few hours. The boys were beat and Terry was just annoying. His mouth may get him killed soon.

“Alright. That’s it for today.” Ina said. They were all breathless and sweaty. Ina left to go shower.

“What’s there to do around here? Any movies or bars?” Terry asked.

“Whatever you see is what’s here. I’m sure somebody’s got liquor though.” Heavy said.

“I’m gonna hit the gym.” Mungo said.

“I’ll join you.” Vergo said.

“Yeah me too. Akio you want to come?” Heavy asked.

Akio shook his head, “I’m going to find a place to meditate.”

“Alright. If you have issues finding a place ask Ina. She always finds a place.” Heavy said and left with Vargo and Mungo to the gym.

“Thanks.” Akio said and then went to find access to the roof.

“You’re really going to meditate? Why not join me for a drink? Or maybe something to eat? Then maybe after we can find some pool to play or poker.” Terry said, walking with Akio.

“A drink does sound good, but American liquor doesn’t agree with my stomach. I could explain what meditation does for me, but then you’d ask me more stupid questions and I don’t feel like putting up with those right now.” Akio said and went down a different hall way.

Terry rolled his eyes, “Jerk.” he said and went to the cafeteria.

-xx-

“So why does Ina cover her eyes? It is ok if I call her Ina right?” Vargo asked as he put weights on a bar to do bench press. Heavy was doing the same beside him.

“You can call her Ina. And if you want to know you ask her. She has her reasons for hiding her eyes and if she wants you to know she’ll tell you.” she said.

Vargo nodded as he sat down and started a set.

“How long have you guys been friends?” Mungo asked as he set up for incline.

Heavy chuckled, “Like…forever. We met at our first boot camp ever. Then we were going into the Navy and she wanted to be a biologist. I’d been going through a tough time and had a wise person tell me the best thing to do with your life is to help others. I joined the military because of that and things started looking up. I honestly didn’t think Ina was gonna make it that first time. She was really little. I know I’m tall and stuff, but she was a lot shorter than most people. I thought she was a vegan ‘cause of how skinny she was.” She smiled, her eyes glistening with old memories.

Mungo raised his eyebrows, “Wow. It’s hard to imagine that.”

Heavy nodded, “She wasn’t a vegan and ate a ton. She had the appetite of an orc. It was funny to watch the guys try to out eat her. No one wanted to date her because they thought she’d be extremely expensive with what she ate.”

Vargo laughed, “Really? That’s funny. Why’d she eat so much?”

“She was still growing; her people grow a lot slower than other species. She was of age by calendar years to join, but her body was still way behind and she looked really young. She did get a normal appetite after a few years, but refused to date anyone in the military.” she said.

“I don’t blame her. They were jerks before.” Vargo said.

Heavy nodded, “So what’s your guys’ story?”

“I grew up in a military family with every getting a really high rank and bragging about killing people. It made me sick. I was going to become a doctor and start my own practice, but the military was running short on medics so they offered to give me a full ride to college to get my doctors degree and become a medic. I couldn’t resist since I was having to pay for college on my own and I’d still be helping people.” Vargo said.

Heavy nodded, “At least you can still help people. You’ll be helping people now more than ever.”

Vargo nodded, “What about you Mungo?”

“My family was sheep farmers and my uncle owned a vineyard. I have three older brothers and wasn’t going to get the farm or vineyard so I decided to do something else with my life. I always found planes fascinating and went into the Air Force.” Mungo said, “My family supported me the entire time. Of course my mum was happy ‘cause she didn’t have to pay for my college.”

“Have a big family?” Heavy asked.

Mungo nodded, “There was 7 of us total, us four boys and then three girls. What about you Heavy?”

“Oh I had too many siblings to count. Both my parents were Demons and have had numerous spouses and many kids with each.” She said, chuckling softly.

“Were you close with any?” Vargo asked.

“I’m close with my half-brother Arty. He was a business owner out in California. I don’t know where he is now or if he’s even alive.” She sighed as she sat up.

“I’m sure he’s fine and safe, waiting for you to come get him.” Mungo said with a smiled, patting her shoulder.

She smiled slightly, not completely believing him, “Thanks.”

-xx-

Ina came out to the roof to enjoy some fresh air before she went to dinner. She noticed Akio and went over to him and sat beside him, but said nothing for a long time.

Akio eventually opened his eyes and looked at her and then blinked a few times. She’d taken her visor off, revealing her eyes. They were a glowing red, with un-human pupils, but that wasn’t it. There was an odd circle above her ear and when he took a closer look at the visor he took in a sharp breath, “They’re controlling you?!” He nearly jumped up and away from her.

“Trying. They think they can put some device in my head and tell me what to do.” She grumbled, fidgeting with her visor.

He nodded, “Humans are petty like that. They think themselves above everyone when they aren’t.” He calmed a bit now.

“You know humans started the slaughter of my people? Had it not been for the rebels the Elves, Immortals, Angels, and Demon’s would’ve faced the same slaughter.” She said, looking down into her lap.

Akio nodded, “I think the Councils should’ve limited where the humans could go and what they could do. Letting them have America was a bad move. Especially with it being the home of your people.”

Ina nodded, “I do too, but humans make up a huge population of the world, or at least the political world. Not many non-humans are motivated or corrupt enough to go into politics.”

“True.” Akio said, nodding slowly.

Ina was silent for a long moment, “What happened to your mother? I know the only time a man carries a woman’s kimono is when she’d dead.”

“The darkness didn’t touch our home, but the creatures came at us. They destroyed everything. She was one of the last to get out, but had gotten caught. She took her life before they could do anything. Me and two other men killed the creatures around her and scared the others off before they could do anything else to her. Once the creatures we gone we buried the dead and went to where other survivors were gathering.”

Ina looked at him for a long moment and then patted his shoulder gently, “I’m so sorry.” She felt bad for him.

Akio didn’t say anything for a moment, “I’m glad I got on your team. No one else would really understand.”

“No they wouldn’t.”

“So what’s your story? I know it’s a long one, but why the military?”

“It wasn’t my choice really. Either I joined and saved my village or watched my people get slaughtered.”

“Wow.”

She nodded, “I hate it here. They try to control me and when they found how powerful I was they limited my power.”

“Humans are scared of what they can’t control.”

She nodded again, “They are.” She stood, “I’m gonna get some dinner, wanna come with?”