“Go for Extermination Unit.” The transmission crackled.

”status report.” The operator commanded.

”we are currently pursuing a beast for the last extraction required for the Scientific Unit’s tests.”

”location status.”

”at this moment, we are about 7 miles out from Cullmont county.”

“10-4. Once you extract the beast’s blood, have one of your squad relay it to the Scientific Unit, and then head to Ren county to secure the area. The commander believes we can find important resources there. And they also believe that Ren county could be the origin point of the virus.”

”10-4. We’ll search the area as soon as possible.”

Marcus and his group walked through the streets, making small talk along the way.

”I’m surprised you even found that, Liam.” Marcus said.

”eh, what can I say? I know the good spots.” Liam bragged as he held up the automatic rifle he found.

”it ain’t no 12 gauge shotgun, buddy. You got speed, but I got power.” Marcus shot a smug look at Liam.

”sure, dude. Heheh.” He laughed.

”ugghhhh. Marcus? Are we there yet?” Charlie whined.

”almost. We just gotta go a half mile more-“ Marcus suddenly smelled something.

”Marcus? What’s up?” Claire looked at Marcus.

”…something’s burning. Come on, we gotta hurry!” Marcus started running, and all of them caught up to him.

”it’s getting closer!” Marcus suddenly stopped at the top of a hill.

”Hey, why’d we stop?! What’s going-“ Liam froze.

their shelter was a blazing inferno.

”WHAT THE-“ Claire’s eyes widened.

there seemed to be a cruiser down in front of the shelter.

”HEY! WHAT THE HELL!?” Marcus got the attention of the squad of soldiers near the cruiser.

”huh?” The captain looked at Marcus.

He raised a radio to his mouth.

”Extermination Unit to headquarters. We got a group of kids in Ren county. A little girl, two teens, and- …what the..?” The captain grabbed a pair of binoculars and zoomed in on Marcus.

”There’s a redheaded boy with a tail! What the hell? …..you sure? …10-4.” The captain lowered his radio.

”WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU GUYS DOING?!” Liam yelled angrily.

”Boys! Open fire!” The squad raised their rifles, and started firing.

the group ducked behind the hill.

”SHIT! GUYS, WE GOTTA GO!” Claire yelled.

the group rushed down the hill away from the squad. Marcus heard an engine starting up.

”GUYS, COME ON!” The group ran and ran, and saw a vehicle drifting down the street in front of them.

”who… JAMES?!” Marcus yelled as the rusty truck screeched to a halt.

”JAMES? THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” Marcus was bewildered.

”MARCUS! It’s been so long! How ya been?” James was ecstatic to see Marcus again.

”WE’LL TALK LATER, I NEED A RIDE!!” The group hopped onto the back of the truck.

”woah! Where are you guys trying to go?” James asked.

”ANYWHERE BUT HERE!!” They all said in unison.