A Leader Must Rise - Old Version

Chapter 71

Hello, my lovely's, apologies for the delay. I got a little excited and wrote myself into exhaustion...again. To make up for it, today will be a double update. Two chapters are eager to be read, you just need to know one things: I've narrowed down the gap between Aria's first life from 50 million years to one million. I came to realise it a bit a stretch and may have been difficult for some to fully comprehend, and I have changed it for any earlier mentions.

Happy readings.

Aria

The idea...wasn't without merit. Or great risk as my racial brother's absolutely denied the plan, but it was better than nothing. With Abby's help, Usher and Ash were able to distinguish where the tunnel started and how far it was—which wasn't far. The trouble was not knowing whether portions of the tunnels were collapsed or the entire thing. That was strike one for most of us. Strike two, the tunnel travels far too close to the main bay: Ash estimated less than a foot of rock and soil between the two spaces. Any noise we make could be heard if we're not careful. Strike three, Ash wanted only the team, Chase and Usher going. My racial brothers completely shut down the idea right then and there, but their plan didn't have them far so I agreed to it. That they certainly didn't like. What made them pause was Usher confirming that most of the radio equipment was still operational. What begrudgingly won them over was the fact that a navy aircraft carrier, USS Loyalty had just left Pearl Harbour several hours ago and it was on its way south.

Usher wanted to call them for aid while they were still in radio contact, whether for defeating the last of these bastard or to help deal with the aftermath, I wasn't sure. All I knew was that I knew the captain and a good number of the crew on board. That was how we found ourselves digging through dirt and rock. "This is getting us no where," Jesse whispered heatedly and I bared my canines at him. 'If you have to complain, do it in the mind link,' I said and he huffed, handing off another rock to Chase. 'We've only been here for ten minutes, Jess,' he said. 'Ten minutes is too long,' 'Oh, shut up, Jess. We're nearly through,' Drake snapped as he and I heaved some soil from the top to reveal a narrow gap. Drake helped me through first, nearly face planting into a rock twice the size of my head. 'Too close,' Aiyana muttered. I bit my lip to keep from swearing, pausing when the was a scuffle on the other side of the wall.

'Please, tell me this is the only one we have to dig through?' Ash muttered. I looked behind me, relived to see no more roadblocks. 'Yes.' 'Thank fuck,' Usher grumbled and I smirked. I moved a few rocks and dug a wider exit before helping the others through. Drake went first and I pointed him down the tunnel. He nodded, scouting ahead as I helped the others. Abby and Livy decided to stay in the security room and since Chase, Drake and I are here, Carlos and Kaelan came with us in their stead. It was also the only suitable compromise I could get my racial brothers to agree too: either they come or I stayed. 'I'm annoyed that of all times for them to get overprotective, it's now,' Sapphire muttered. 'Saph,' I yelled. 'You can't exactly blame them,' Aiyana added and she huffed in annoyance.

I rolled my eyes as I dragged Carlos through, dusting my hands once he found his feet. 'One risk down,' I whispered. 'Thankfully, it was only one section,' Ash said. 'Less chatter, more walking,' Usher grumbled and shoved passed Jesse and Kaelan. 'That kid needs a attitude adjustment,' Kaelan said and I snorted. 'I'm sure Aditi would agree,' I said and Kael smirked. Carlos just shook his head and followed Drake to the radio room. I grabbed Chase's hand as we followed, finding Drake and Jesse kneeling in front of the door. Both were frowning at the lock. 'We've got a problem,' Jesse said as we stepped up to them, Jesse giving me the briefest of glances. 'What is it?' Chase asked. He knelt next to Drake without letting go of my hand. 'Someone must have locked this before the tunnel collapsed and for however long it's been, the atmosphere in here have completely rusted the lock,' Jesse said.