BLOODBOUND II

𝟏𝟑

They stare at the massive Order compound below, taking a moment to come to terms with what they're seeing.

Lily: So, uh, Elias, do we have different definitions of 'small manor?'

Amy: I'm pretty sure the Order's had a significant renovation.

Elias: I don't understand, I had no idea they had constructed this!

Adrian: When exactly were you here last?

Elias: Only a few years ago, just to keep tabs on them.

Amy: And by a few you mean...

Elias: Thirty?

Lily: Oh boy.

Jax: How exactly are we supposed to get through this? Even with these outfits, this won't be a walk in the park.

Kamilah: We just have to keep going, we can't dwell on one setback.

Jax: I'd consider this a drastic setback.

Kamilah: We haven't come all this way just to turn back now.

Adrian: Kamilah's right, let's move.

They creep forward over the rise, being careful not to be seen or make too much noise.

At the bottom of the rise, everyone ducks behind a large truck. Adrian peers around the corner.

Adrian: Scientists, senior officers, and a whole lot of soldiers. It's going to be tricky getting through them.

Elias: The front entrance is swarming with guards, and they're checking identification. There's no way we can get through.

Amy: What about a back entrance?

Elias: Good thinking. A place like this should have more than one entry and exit.

He scans the building, then points to a small service door on the far side.

Elias: I see one over there, let's go.

The group walk out from around the truck, attempting to blend in and act like they belong.

As they approach the back exit, Elias holds up a hand to stop them.

Elias: Fuck. It's flanked by guards, but thankfully not as many as the main entrance.

Adrian: I can handle this.

Adrian walks forward with confidence in his Order uniform. The guards start to greet him, then hesitate.

Order Soldier: Hey, I don't recogni....

Adrian quickly bashes their heads together and they slump to the ground, unconscious. Kamilah helps him drag their bodies under a nearby van.

Elias: Nice work, my friend.

Jax: Yeah, yeah. I could have done that too.

Elias: Now then, let's get this over with. There's a bottle of wine back home I'm looking forward to opening. One I've been saving for a special occasion.

He steps up to the metallic doorway.

Elias: And when we return, we shall toast to vic-

And as he does, a series of hidden bulbs at the top flicker on, bathing him in a hot blue light!

Elias: Oh fuck.

The lights blast down with a scorching ultra-UV light.

They jump back and watch in horror as Elias is instantly incinerated, screaming as he crumples to ash!