Hush in The Bush

Viewing Negotiations

“Let’s find them after this.” Isabela stated.

"What about those images?" Connie questioned, rubbing her nose from the dust.

"Just leave it be. Also..." She glanced over the view where the bushes have captivated the collapsed bridge and the river from the distance. Her hair had stood at the back of her head. "We don't want to stay here for too long."

“The cups are still warm. They’re quite enjoying their conversation here.” Lucian pondered as she rubbed her index finger on it. There were also crumbs of crackers on the table and the plate had been wet by cold water.

John had pulled those drawers while the others have opened those files and taken those they have thought to be valuable. Playing with time left, they need to get the case no matter what as well as their troops. As Isabela had walked towards Roxan’s personal space, the knob had suddenly twitched and opened wide, exposing a man clothed with the dreadful skin of the dead. He was surprised to see those unfamiliar faces. He couldn’t utter any single word and all are cautious with their next step, not until Isabela sprung to the guy and smack him off.

He stumbled back as he covered his nose that just started to bleed. Connier had kicked him by the knee, falling him off. Strangling, he was pinned down by one of the Magnify on the ground, locking his hands behind him. Isabela faced him, kneeling and harshly grabbed his hair to raise his head. A whistle was abruptly got out from his lips as they deliberately curved into a portentous grin. The sound gave them a heavy, alarming feeling and it didn’t extend for them to hearken the grumbling of the surface as those studs are recklessly looming them.

“They’re coming!” Julian squealed as he peeked behind the curtains. Everyone gathered near the door, sweats dripping on their necks. They could count the tick of time as they got nearer and in a blink of an eye, the place began to turn into a battleground. Arches raised their bows up high and aimed at their prey. Those rifles have been loaded and knives were thrown, flying in different spots. Whipping and punches have been exchanged by all.

Isabela had noticed a shiny box below the table as she pulled the chair. She recognized that it is the different one and precious. She took it and they have got her covered and fought them good.

“I got it!” She announced and secured it. She ran to the safest corner and took her time to open it. Shakingly, she did her best to focus as she used her ring with a built-in laser to melt it. Around her was her troop, the best she got from those she had trained her months. They were the special forces.

Jack had excused himself by the back door when he heard that some of their foes have moved to protect the captives. Five were with him and they have gone to the other side and was taken to a small exit where a cubicle is located. It was dull and rusted, but it was bounded by them. John and his team waited for the sign as they shrouded in a dark part

“Let’s wait for it…”

“Are you sure that it will work?” Julian asked.

“Of course. It will be in any second from now.” He replied.

A minute is all they need to hear that loud, clasping eruption from the entrance, the main office and other sides of the field.

BOOM!

Three times in a row. They have carefully planted to infiltrate it. Roofs have blasted and people have gone berserk. Those who are surrounding the place have been hit and jolted, hitting their backs on the concrete walls. Blood had been shredded; bodies have been cut and a thick, dark smoke have suppressed the base.

“Go! Let’s go!” John affirmed and led them to battle. They pulled those triggers and the shots have echoed around. Soon enough it won't be enough for them to handle as the outsiders would come to infect everyone. It would be crucial for them.

"We're clear, Sir!"

Their feet have passed those fallen men and entered the underground cells. The clasping of chains and the staggering bounces of people in every cage have addressed them. A foul smell slapped them hard and the floor was freshly wet by the blood of those. It was pure hell inside.

"They are going crazy..." Lucian commented and bit his lip hard.

A hand had carefully pushed him to continue. "Let's search for them. They might be here."

A hand had suddenly grabbed John by the collar, hitting his back on the bars. It was a fortyish woman, lacking her left ear. She was crying hard as she tried to chock the captain. She had thought that the man will be the one to punish her and her trauma had gotten her worse. Lucian and the others tried to pull their master but he had stopped them.

"I-it's okay."

"This is all your fault. I-I should have escaped here if you just let me take that serum, but you insisted that I'm not worthy. You're all going to perish for not obeying him." The woman severely gritted her teeth.

They don't understand what she's trying to convey and instantly she had snatched a broken glass behind her dress and was going to aim for a s***h on Jack when they all heard a splat of blood. Slowly, her grass had begun to open and she had fallen on her spot, freeing John. The man anxiously turned around to see, only to find out the stare of a dead person - furious and cold. It was hatred and regret.

"I-Is she dead?" Connie glimpsed on her body.

"Unfortunately, yes." A hoarse voice lingered in the vastness of gloom behind the corner. She slowly stood and came out to reveal herself with blood on her hands as she strongly held the wooden stick with a sharp tip. "I knew you're going to come..." She added and gradually those pair of shoes have multiplied as well as those shadows, now turned to both men and women; her allies. They have waited for enough and they didn't lament for it.

___

Six Hours Later: AT TRINITY'S CONFERENCE ROOM

It’s in her ears and the more she fixed on it, she felt it’s getting into her, loud and banging. The clock turned her restless. A chilling gawp had crippled behind her and she definitely sensed it since the time that they have arrived at the base. Fiddling her fingers, she waited for the captains to finish their reports to Mr. Vicoffs in the conference room, where they’re the only ones who can use it.

Her partner had been scratching his head for some time now as he still couldn’t believe that they made it back, still with their heads on and brought with them the two. The woman and her guy kept their silence in the janitor’s office and most of their men were able to witness a while ago their arrival. For sure, there are now rumours about them and mockery couldn’t be evaded.

“Man, this silence is bugging me. Do you mind if you start to talk or entertain our guests? It's not like they’re really guests but more like unwelcomed ones or crashers.” He made sure that the two would be able to hear him say those ending words.

“Shut up, two-eyed. This is not the right time to be loud.” Catheryne rolled her eyes on him, causing him to quiver.

“Now, you can take Mildred’s place for being callous.” He went away from her and settled on a stool just near the door to where the three captains are meeting. He gradually rested his ear on it, trying to listen to their conversation. A smile is forming on his lips but a thud was heeded when he collapsed on the ground as the door was opened by John, staring at him with disbelief - eyes glinting in question.

“Are you spying?”

“N-No.” He hurriedly stood and brushed his knees. He’s rattling, but George managed himself.

John went out of the room and the rest had pursued him. Isabela had also seen George. “Is it a trend now to stalk or be nosy this time?” She asked, relying on it to Catheryne who’s just reserving her energy for important matters. She wanted to ask them about the case that they were able to secure from the north, but she understood that her best friend will be the one to spit it out to them.

Captain Roswal directed to Devina who’s stuck in the corner, looking over a small hole. She softly jittered as she allured herself with the small scenery. The old man cleared his throat for her to recognize his presence. Her assistant stood and dropped the pebble he’s been playing for minutes.

“How are you, Devian?”

“Hmm.” She looked around the cell. “Not sure. But, this is better than getting myself to meet death back there.”

“How sure are you that you’re not going to meet him here?”

“O-Oh!” Her laugh became unnerving as she clapped her hands in amusement. Catheryne examined them all and she could see that everybody is getting awful each day and even herself is not exempted.

“You’re basically in our territory, Devian. That means you’re not the person in charge here. You’re the one who asked these two to bring you here. For what? To save your life? So, it turned out that the puppy we have found in that hospital had evolved to be a hunting dog now. I didn’t expect that you let it bite you.”

She examined herself, specifically her arms. “I don’t see any bite marks from someone, old hag.”

Isabela couldn’t contain the lines that they were throwing at each other and moved between them. “Let’s cool it off. Your conversation won’t help us as all surely. Why don’t we get things to move now? I guessed this is the perfect opportunity for us to know the goddamn truth.” She pulled the key and unlocked the door, letting them to get out.

“You’re free to roam around this place. But the moment you’ll get outside, to try to escape, remember that there are those who are watching you.” She added and progressed to the table. Tapping it, she offered her a sit. “Why don’t we have a little discussion?”

“We can stay silent, Ma’am. We don’t need to cooperate with them. I know she will find and help us.” Her assistant told her.

A smile is her only response. “It would be boring to stay in this reeking place. I don’t intend to sweep the floors either.”

“You should mop then.” Catheryne blunted and gently pushed her to move and sit.

John offered her a glass of water and stood behind. Her assistant wasn’t able to guard Devian and was taken by examination. When they’re getting back from strolling, the man confessed that he was exposed to the bombers when they were escaping, but he’s not sure if he had inhaled it.

When they left, the talk had begun and John plumped to visit Victoria and the others who were in their rooms, taking their rest. As he passed them, some wanted to ask the captain what was going on and why the woman is with them now, but all they could give him are those wondering glances. They couldn’t even say her name as if they have believed those stories circling around that she got someone to protect her with those dolls and rituals.

“Do you think this is a show?” He asked them with authority in his voice. “If you have much time to watch, then go on.” He made it more awkward when he had taken the lollipop from the boy and licked it to own it. The child had stared at him for a moment, then came out bursting into tears, yelling his mother’s name. A couple of seconds, a petite woman in her mid-thirties had gone out from her room and assisted the child. She bowed her head and asked for forgiveness for the trouble that had occurred, slowly pulling his son back to their place.

“I-I’m sorry C-Captain John.” The woman stuttered.

John checked them and they’re just standing by, waiting for the next scene to happen. He sighed hard and pumped his lips as he pulled the strawberry lollipop. The kid had hid himself behind his mother and peeked at him.

“Take care of your child, Ma’am. The world is falling apart. You don’t want him to take the fall too.”

He didn’t wait for her feedback and darted towards the last room to his left where Victoria is watching behind the curtains. The room had opened, letting Captain John to grasp their situation. The woman had clung around him, wrapping those slender arms in his waist. She had missed him and her trepidation had slackened.

“Captain John, thank you for helping us to get back here.” Mr. Collens articulated as he relaxed with the others on the bed. There are six of them in the room and even if they felt like sardines compressed in a space, they have to be with each other for isolation.

“How’s your feeling?” He asked, gentling tilting her right arm to see the scratch that she got from dealing with those men.

“Kinda numb, but it’s fine. How are the others?”

“They’re currently in the clinic. Dr. George is taking care of the rest.”

“I need to help him there-”

“No. You need to rest and you’re still under observation for a week. I’m just here to check up on you. Please take care of yourselves.” He prompted. “If you need anything, just press the button to your right. It will directly ring in the clinic.” He raised himself and leered. “I should go. I’ll see you around any time.”

They arched and lowered their sights as he ported to the door, but just before he could depart, Victoria had held his hand. “Are you going to the station later at night?”

He understood what she was aiming for. He steadily pulled her hand and fainted with a smile. “No. I still got some reports to do. Take your sleep. I know all of you are exhausted. Thank you for waiting for us.”

She glowed back at him, but John couldn’t tell if it was real. Her eyes showed differently as if Victoria had despised his action towards her.

“Okay. We’ll stay here for good. Take care also.” She directly went to her bed to pile her clothes and blankets. She didn’t even watch him go.

After their conversation, he went to his office and sealed the door. He even closed the panels and tugged the coverings properly. He lunged on his couch and peered above. A twinge clouted when he slightly moved to his left. He pulled his shirt up and checked the bruise on his right chest. He tried to pinch it, but it had swollen up already. A lament of dullness embraced the place. Deep inside his rest, John is scared that he would turn for good. He wanted to say it to his friends – no secrets at all, but he just couldn’t. He couldn’t accept the fact that he had inhaled those when they went first in the North. He’s coming to his week and he could sense that his body is slowly deteriorating. He glanced at the watch. It’s an hourglass of life to him. And if he would die, he would make sure that he will give his best to keep his friends safe.

John might be into women, playing games and flirting with them, but he’s attentive and loyal to his friends. He instantly placed his shirt back when the door had been thumped by George.

Composing himself, he directed to accommodate the doctor. George abruptly scanned the room since it’s unusual for his pal to lock it during the day. “Is there something going on here?”

“Oh, no. There isn’t.” He cautiously laughed.

“O-Okay. I just came here to give this to you.” He offered a canned pineapple juice, he got from the last vending machine near his clinic. Fortunately, he’s able to secure some to quench their thirst.

John gladly took it and offered him to go inside, but he shook and told him that he still needs to get back to the conference room to listen to the ongoing discussion. He asked him if he wanted to go, but John declined and that he wanted to take some rest for an hour maybe. The kids have been playing silently inside the room a few meters from him. There is also a young woman with tanned skin, red wavy hair and deep-set, grey eyes. She’s liking with the children and she’s currently teaching them too. They wanted the youth to grow and learn just like before even in the midst of their condition.

“It’s calming to see them smile. Don’t you agree?”

“Of course.” John let out a yawn, opening his mouth wide as he wiped off his eyes. He’s definitely having a burnt out. “I’ll catch up on you later.”

“Sure thing, George.”

He went to his couch again. His back felt sore as he had to carry two men a while ago. He carefully laid himself and turned, closing his eyes to a nap. George was the one to close the door and when he had shifted, a probing face had met his stare, coming from Catheryne. She had followed him when she saw George entering John’s place. It made him snap into almost a heart attack. Clenching his chest, he glared at her while she peeked over the pane, but she couldn’t see anything. “Anything to share?”

“There isn’t. And please don’t do that. I might die not in the right time.” He surpassed her. Since when did they even get closed to each other? That’s what she’s been asking. She’s examining around and her, befalling with her prurience. Among the rest, Catheryne is the most disturbed.

“Are you a stalker now?” He blenched.

“Of course not. I was just wondering why.”

“I just gave him a drink…and I also want to check something.”

She snapped her fingers and pinched his cheek. “That’s it! I know there’s. Did you find it?”

“Of course not, Gabriella.”

She heard her last name. It’s erratic for him to call her by that and she knows the time when he would – a total pissed one. She promptly shut her prying mouth and trailed him back. The huddle is persisting.

Captain Roswal convened beside Isabela who’s doing the talking. He had finished his drink and the flies have been whirling around, intimidating the scene.

“You should get rid of these creatures Dr. George.” He spoke.

“I will, Captain.”

“You could just pray for it to flee. It might work.” Isabela frenzied.

“Okay. I’ll include your mouth in my prayers.” He replied with a daunting tone.

Isabela didn’t mind it and the two had settled on a bench. She cleared her mouth and said, “I tell you again, Ms. Brodan. Join our force and we would secure your base again and keep you safe at all cost.”

“Since when did I ask for your guidance or to babysit me? I didn’t clearly go with those clumsy ones over there.” She eyed to the two. “Just for you to keep sight on me. The lifelong scar is well placed on each one of us, so why take the bait of having a bond to one of your nemesis?”

“We might have the difference when it comes to leading our packs, but we’re in the same goal at least to have a cure-“

Isabela had paused by the woman’s candour. “Who said that I want to find the cure?” She scanned everyone and waited for their response. “Hah! This is safe haven. Finding such treatment is such an absurd act for me. Do you think going in that hospital, my main objective is to have the case? Maybe...”

She pulled her seat and decided to stretch for a walk. She massaged her neck. “Kiel...How is my assistant doing?”

“He’s in the laboratory in the moment. He inhaled it. So, let’s expect that he’ll be one eventually.” George stated.

“I see. If it’s his fate, then it will be.”

“Don’t you have the guilt or maybe try to save him?” Catheryne rustled.

“Why would I? From the start, he devoted himself to be my guard.”

A thud had wacked the table. Captain Roswal was enraged. “You called yourself as a leader? Where were you when the attack occurred? You’re running away. For what? To live while your people are getting killed?”

“You don’t know anything old man. If you think your gods will keep you safe…” She strolled to the corner and detected those who’re combating. “Then you should realize that you’re already in the abyss.”

“You’re a hopeless being...This won't work out” Isabella mentioned.

“Being hopeless is my life.” She sneered. “I’m stressed. Give me some time. I might change my decision.” Devian affixed and went to lock herself inside the cell again, facing the wall as she doesn't want to talk to them.

She needs to brush off some things.