Chief stood be for the holographic display, watching intently as the last of the mobilized ferries departed from the capital city, carrying with them the final remnants of its population to safety.
As he absorbed the sight, one of his men approached, his expression grim but determined. "That was the last of them. The city has been evacuated."
The chief nodded, a sense of relief mingling with the weight of responsibility.
"Brilliant"
Turning to the technician controlling the surveillance drones, the chief's voice was steady but urgent.
"Got eyes on the creatures?"
The technician nodded, his gaze fixed on the monitor. "Yes, sir."
"How long before they reach the capital city?", the chief inquired, his heart pounding with anticipation..
The technician's response was quick and terse.
"A matter of mere minutes, chief."
Chief took a deep breath, his mind racing with imminent danger. Without another word, he strode purposefully into the lab, where Doc Doc awaited him with a grin of anticipation.
"Are they ready, Doc Doc?", the chief asked, his voice tinged with urgency.
Doc Doc's grin widened, a glint of determination in his eyes. "With chilling effiency!", he confirmed, his fingers poised over the controls.
Stepping out into the tense atmosphere, the chief faced his men, his voice firm and resolute. "This is it. Our one and only shot at saving our people. We mess this up, we all fucking die!"
Taking a moment to let the weight of his words sink in, chief continued, outlining the plan with presicion.
"Joe, my right hand man. You will lead a team of soldiers to ensure that all the devices at the back of the vehicle are strategically placed at vantage points and major escape routes.
Our goal is to keep the creatures in!"
His gaze swept over his men, his eyes filled with droplets of tears he was trying so hard not to to let out.
"Once they are trapped, we will move swiftly to rescue our people. The devices should buy us enough time to save everyone.
Do Not Leave Anyone Behind"
Before chief could retreat back into the lab, one of his men spoke, voicing the doubts that lingered in the air.
"What if your plan fails? What if we fall short?"
Chief met the soldiers gaze with a reassuring smile.
"We will die knowing, we did not sit and do nothing!"
As he stared at his men, the technician burst out of the doors, gasping for air.
"The crea-creatures are in, chief!"
The chief firmly nodded "let's go"
Equipping himself with a high frequency emitting gun.
*******
All the armored vehicles lined up in formation, their engines rumbling to life with a metallic roar. The air was thick with tension as soldiers checked their gear and prepared for the dangerous mission ahead.
Chief, clad in protective gear and ready to lead from the front, strode purposefully towards his vehicle when Joe stepped in his path, a rare look of concern etched on his face.
"Joe, move! We do not have time to spare."
Chief ordered urgently, his voice tinged with impatience.
Joe's expression remained resolute as he placed a hand on chief's chest, halting his advance.
"This is the most dangerous mission we've ever had.
Normally, I have high hopes that we both gon' make it out alive, no matter the mission.
And we do! Each and every time."
Chief's brow furrowed, sensing the gravity of Joe's words. He knew Joe wasn't one to speak lightly about such matters.
"But not this one, chief", Joe continued, his voice steady but filled with solemnity that echoed through the tense silence.
Chief held Joe's gaze for a moment, a myriad of emotions flickering across his face — determination, concern, and a hint of fear.
He understood the risks better than anyone, but he couldn't afford to falter now, not when the lives of so many depended on their success.
"Yes! But I have a job to do. We all do...
The safety of the people is our topmost priority.
Those trapped people have families to get home too, people to be with and to be there for!"
Joe's voice tightened with emotion. "And you don't! What about Elsie, Claire and ___"
Chief's jaw clenched. "They will be fine."
He tried to push past Joe, his resolve unwavering, but Joe stopped him again, his expression resolute.
"We promised them we were always gonna be there for them, no matter what.
And if we go out there together, we would be risking our promise. And I just can't let that happen."
Without warning, Joe took a step back and, with a swift movement of his arms, shot chief in the leg with a rubber bullet.
Chief fell to the ground, gritting his teeth in pain as Joe made his way toward the vehicle.
Chief's voice rang out, filled with both command and concern.
"Hey Joe, you better carry your ass back here alive. I swear I will never forgive you if you die out there. You hear me!"
Joe turned back, a hint of a smile touching his lips as saluted. "Yes, chief!"
With that, Joe climbed into one of the vehicles, his heart heavy with the weight of their shared sacrifice.
As the convoy rumbled into motion, chief watched, a mix of pride and fear swirling within him.
The team made it to the capital city and swiftly set the devices at vantage points and major escape routes. Each soldier moved with precision, planting the devices in strategic locations to maximize their effectiveness.
Chief, still feeling the effects of the rubber bullet, hissed in agony as he watched the holographic display. Their grotesque forms moved with alarming speed and agility.
Joe's voice echoed through the communicator, a steady anchor in the storm. "Chief, the devices have been planted."
Chief took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
"Be on guard, men. It's gonna get real rough."
Doc Doc, with his usual efficiency, pushed the buttons on the control panel.
The device implanted at key areas activated, sprouting claw like legs that dug into ground for form support.
Almost immediately, they began emitting high-frequency sounds into the atmosphere.
Chief watched intently and asked, "Gail, how are we doing so far?"
Gail's interface flickered as she processed data. "Current atmospheric pressure adjustment is at 92%"
Chief frowned, puzzled "92%? What happened to the rest?"
Gail's response was calm and precise.
"It appears one of the devices requires a reboot to channel the high—frequency sound effectively."
Chief's heart sank. Time was running out, and every second counted. "Which device, Gail?"
Gail's display highlighted the malfunctioning device on the map. "Device 5, located at the northeastern perimeter, requires immediate attention."
Chief gritted his teeth, his mind racing with possibilities. They were so close, yet one malfunction could jeopardize everything.
"Joe, we've got a problem. Device 5 needs a reboot. Can you get there?"
Joe's voice came back, steady and determine. "On it, chief! Consider it done."
Chief watched as Joe broke away from his position, moving swiftly towards the malfunctioning device.
As Joe sped towards the northeastern perimeter, the roar of his engine caught the attention of one of the mutants.
It let out a guttural snarl and began to chase after him.
Joe glanced in his rearview mirror, his heart pounding as he saw the creature gaining on him.
He floored the accelerator, trying to outpace it, but the mutant was relentless.
Each time Joe thought he had lost it, the mutant would reappear, its grotesque form looming ever closer.
He knew calling for drone support would only attract more mutants, so he had to handle this on his own….