DEAD RUNE [A Deltarune AU]

Chapter 4

It took a while to reach the barracks, but Kris eventually arrived. The barracks, if you even want to call it that, were repurposed hotel buildings that neighbor one another.

When they got there, several UPNW soldiers were milling around. Among them was a group of decently high-ranked individuals chatting with each other. One of whom was none other than Undyne.

"Captain Undyne," they called out, garnering the attention of the officers, including Undyne. "Um, was I interrupting something?"

"Specialist!" she said before answering. "Not at all. You're right on time, actually."

"Hello, Specialist," one of the individuals said. "It's been a while since we've last spoken."

"Hey, Colonel," Kris nodded to the woman.

"So, what're you doing here?" another individual said. "You came here for the report?"

"Nah, he's with me," Undyne said.

"Hold on. Report?" Kris questioned.

"Well, that's what I'm about to explain to you," she said. "It's honestly one of the reasons I asked you to come to me."

"Well, regardless, we'll be leaving to get some grub," a third individual of the group said. "Catch ya later, Undyne."

"You too, sergeant," Undyne waved him off. "And the rest of you."

As the group began leaving, Undyne gestured toward Kris to follow, which they did. The two walked together before Kris continued the conversation.

"So, about that report thing..."

"Oh, right," Undyne muttered. "Well, to save you the time of explaining, a bunch of scientists from the ISD are gonna drop here and create a lab within the city."

Kris was a little surprised by the news. They haven't heard any recent news from the organization, and to suddenly hear them saying that they're sending in troops to make a lab in the middle of a zombie-infested city was a little absurd.

"Why the hell couldn't they just make a lab outside of it?" Kris questioned.

"Beats me," Undyne shrugged. "But apparently, there was an already-established lab in there. From what I've heard, that part of the area is relatively safe, meaning little-to-no zombie activity."

"I'm sensing a "but" here," Kris commented.

"Yeah, bandits," Undyne answered with a soured town. "Those bastards are holing up in a building above the labs."

"Wait, an underground lab?"

"Bingo."

Kris hummed from the explanation. It did make a bit of sense to them.

"So, where am I in all this?" they said.

"You'll be escorting the scientists into the lab with the assistance of Stalkers and other soldiers," Undyne explained.

"That's it? Sounds easy enough."

"Not exactly," she said. "The bandits were able to take hold of military gear and equipment, so they're a little tougher to fight in a small group. That's why I've asked some of the officers from earlier if they could provide us some help."

"Do you know when this'll happen?" they asked.

"Probably two days from now," Undyne said. "Or maybe tomorrow. Who knows? Just be sure to get your gear ready before you sleep. Last thing I need is for my best men to be left behind."

"I'll have to get them from Decontam first, though."

"I'll have someone to get them for you, then."

"Huh, thanks," Kris nodded before the two walked in silence.