Chereads / BEYOND “EDEN” / Chapter 6 - Chapter 5 : let the creatures in

Chapter 6 - Chapter 5 : let the creatures in

The next morning, the military barracks buzzed with unprecedented activity.

Soldiers, technicians, and scientists moved with purpose, preparing for the impending battle.

The tension in the air was palpable as everyone braced for what was to come.

*****

The chief military officer barged into the lab, urgency etched across his face. "Doc Doc, what's the urgency?"

Doc Doc looked up from his work, his expression grave. "There are odds, and they are not in our favor.

You must hear this!"

Turning to Gail, Doc Doc commanded, "Gail, the results from the analysis."

Gail's interface lit up as it processed the data. "Analysis complete....These creatures were previously human. Their DNA has been significantly altered, resulting in extensive mutations.

These mutations have enhanced their physical capabilities: strength, speed and resilience are greatly increased.

Additionally, they possess accelerated healing abilities, allowing them to recover from wounds rapidly."

The chief's eyes widened in shock. "Mutants? How is that even possible!"

Doc Doc nodded, his face stern. "Yes, it appears that some sort of virus or external agent has rewritten their genetic code, turning them into these monstrous forms.

This isn't just a random mutation, it's a deliberate transformation."

The chief ran a hand through his hair, struggling to process the information. "So, we are not fighting monsters; we're fighting what's left of human beings!

That is why they survived that rampage. If their wounds heal fast...whatever damage done will heal in a matter of hours or even mere minutes."

His voice tense with urgency, the chief asked, "if that is the case, then how do we kill them."

Gail scanned the piece of dermal tissue again, her voice steady but somber.

"I am afraid annihilating them is closest to impossible. The accelerated healing capabilities render conventional weapons ineffective in the long term.

Damage inflicted would be repaired in minutes!"

Doc Doc sighed, " We're facing an enemy that can regenerate almost as quickly as we can harm them.

Our usual strategy won't suffice!"

The chief's expression hardened with determination.

"Then we need to think outside the box. If we can't get rid of them! We need to find a way to neutralize or contain them.

Doc Doc, start working on possible inhibitors for their healing factor.

Gail, keep analyzing the tissue for any potential weaknesses."

Chief walked out with his mind reset.

They were no longer just fighting for survival—they were fighting to save humanity itself, against an enemy that was once human and now NEARLY INDESTRUCTIBLE.

Chief stared at the holographic map of the city, anxiety gnawing at him as he watched the creatures.

His mind raced with urgency of the situation.

"We need to get the people out of the city immediately, time is running out! But the question is, how?"

Just as chief delved into his thoughts, one of his soldiers rushed in, his face pale. "Sir, we have reports of the creatures mobilizing. The drones picked up their signal. They are converging on the city outskirts."

The chief's mind raced. "We can't let them breach the capital city. Too many people would lose their lives. Mobilize all available units. We need to hold them off!"

The soldiers readied themselves for the imminent confrontation, the chief took a deep breath and addressed the room. "This is our last stand. Either, we protect the city or we DIE trying!

We won't let these creatures win. We can't let them win! There is too much at stake.

I know you are scared, I am too but we were taught to be brave. We were taught to be of good courage. We were taught to be MEN! And today, our bravery is being put to the ultimate test.

So it's either they die, or we die!"

The soldiers shouted in unison, courage and fear surging through their veins.

As the troops moved out, the tension in the air was palpable. The city's fate now rested on the bravery of its defenders.

Outside the capital city, the first line of defense was being set up. Tanks and artillery were positioned, and soldiers took their places. The city's defenses were ready to face the monstrous threat head-on.

But just before the chief could set off to the battle grounds, Doc Doc raced over and stopped his car " we've found something"

Without hesitation, the chief followed Doc Doc back to the lab, urgency driving his steps. As they entered, Doc Doc began to explain, "I was thinking about what you said. Killing those creatures is impossible but neutralizing them isn't.

Turning to Gail, he commanded "Gail!"

Gail's interface lit up, her digital voice clear and precise. "Upon further analysis of their dermal tissue, I have discovered a significant sensitivity to high frequency sounds.

Doc Doc continued, "this explains why they reacted so strongly to the NEBULA drones"

Gail elaborated, "I have observed this reaction consistently. Exposing the dermal tissue to high frequency sounds induces a defensive response, causing the tissue to contract and curl up, as if attempting to shield itself"

To demonstrate, Doc Doc activated a speaker that emitted a high pitched screech. Immediately, the piece of dermal tissue on the lab table began to curl up, writhing in apparent distress as it tried to shield itself from the sound.

The chief watched in awe, a spark of hope igniting in his eyes. "Finally, a weakness"

Doc Doc nodded, "Exactly, we have an advantage now. We need to equip our soldiers with devices that can emit these sounds at high frequencies."

The chief said, " we need to make these weapons and get them to our men within the shortest possible time."

Doc Doc grinned as he interrupted the chief, "way ahead of you!" He pressed a button on the wall, which slid open to reveal an entire arsenal of high frequency emitting guns neatly arranged and ready for deployment.

As some of the chief's men began packing the guns into cars, Gail's voice suddenly stopped the chief. "Even with these devices, chances are still not in our favor. The emitters must be used within close range for the sound to effectively incapacitate the creatures."

The chief frowned, understanding the implications. "And close range with these creatures is a death sentence for us. Do you have a plan, Gail?"

Gail's digital voice responded without hesitation. "Always. According to my analysis, it will take the creatures approximately three hours to reach the capital city.

Now, instead of attempting to kill or stop them outright, I propose we allow them enter the capital city and then trap them."

The chief raised an eyebrow. "What about the people?"

Gail's holographic display shifted to show a detailed layout of the capital city. "I have already analyzed the city's layout and planned an efficient evacuation route for the population. If we are able to trap the creatures within the city limits, we can neutralize and contain them while ensuring the safety of our citizens. This will also simplify the evacuation of the people from the other city."

The chief's eyes lit up, " Brilliant plan, Gail."

The chief spoke into his communicator. "Listen up! There has been a change of plans. High frequency emitting guns are on their way to you all as I speak.  Grab one for yourself and keep it close.

Prepare to execute any evacuation protocol given. No questions asked!  I will answer them when you return but for now, there is a plan to execute!"

$$$$

Turning to his communications officer, he barked out orders, "Activate the city-wide emergency broadcast system. I want evacuation orders going out to every household and business.

Tell them to head to the designated emergency shelters."

The officer nodded and quickly began transmitting the message.

The chief's thoughts continued to race. "We need more than just an evacuation order. We need to manage the flow of people, prevent panic and ensure that No One Is Left Behind."

He grabbed his communicator, connecting to the capital city's transportation authority. "Chief speaking, I need every available bus, train and ferry mobilized for an emergency evacuation. Prioritize routes out of the city center and towards the shelters."

Next, he turned to his officer. "Set up checkpoints at major intersections. We need soldiers directing traffic and maintaining order. Make sure the evacuation routes are secure and clear of any threats."

The tactical officer saluted and rushed to relay the orders.

Gail's voice chimes in, "Chief, you need utilized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor evacuation progress and provide real time updates on potential threats. Drones can also assist in directing civilian movements and identifying safe routes with my help."

The chief nodded, "Deploy the UAVs immediately, I want eyes in the sky on every major route."

As the emergency broadcast echoed through the city and the UAVs took to the air.

The chief's eyes narrowed with a determined glint, a hint of sinister resolve in his voice.

"Get everyone out....and let the creatures in!"