Survivors of Alterna: Final Run

Chapter 9: Weapons

The group arrived at their destination, some more exhausted than others.

So this is gonna be our hideout? Huh... Akikta couldn't lie—he was a bit disappointed. Last time, they had a camp, albeit shabby, it was still a camp. Now they were holed up in a run-down office-type building.

At the very least, they were inside now. Though, Akikta would've preferred if they didn't have to go up a flight of unstable stairs to get to their designated floor.

Their room was as bad as the rest of the building: dripping wet, dimly lit, and somewhat warm. The only neat thing about their new hiding spot was the scenery from the window, giving them a bottom-to-top view of a slum-type area and two massive towers bellowing red rings of smoke in the near distance. Still, this place was no five-star hotel.

Akikta groaned as he took a seat in an old but surprisingly sturdy office chair.

Everyone else meandered about, moving aside various decayed human objects and setting up their gear. Akikta thought the group would've been interested in the human items they carelessly tossed, but the only one who looked invested was Marina.

The need for arranging defenses was low due to the lack of salmonids in the area. Regardless, the thought of more salmonid hordes rushing at them concerned Akikta, partly because he couldn't help if that were to happen again.

"Can I be level with you guys for a sec?" Akikta announced, gaining everyone's attention. "We're not really making any progress on defeating Eosalmo nor finding Marie and Inka. And my... condition is only getting worse. We gotta come up with a plan."

"You are mistaken," Rick said, waving his fin. Eight turned, translating Rick's words for the rest of the group.

"Mistaken? On what?" Akikta questioned.

"We know where the two colorful squids are."

"We do?"

Rick nodded. "They are being held in the Superiority Complex. Apparently, the usurper plans to clone the green one before eating either of them. Fortunately for us, the terminal is damaged, so that buys us a few hours."

"Wait, wait, wait, hold on. How do you know all of this?"

"Through my brother."

"Since when have you been speaking with him?"

"We salmonids have our way." Rick brushed off Akikta's puzzled expression.

"You know what? Forget I asked." Akikta shook his head. "Well, at least we know Marie and Inka are still safe. But how are we gonna rescue them?"

"Simple! We beat up that lord and send him packing!" Frye exclaimed, all amped up and ready to fight.

Akikta scratched the back of his head worriedly. "Not that I'm doubting your skills or anything, Frye, but the guy's like twice your height. He'd probably snap you like a twig. Hell, he folded me and Nakji without even trying..." He sighed, realizing he never factored in how tough Sal was. "Besides, we have no way of getting to him anyhow. Not when he has an entire clan of salmon as bodyguards." Akikta leaned forward in his chair.

"Akikta is right." Eight added. "We don't have many supplies, and aside from Rick's brother, everyone here in this room is all we have. If we want to rescue Marie and Inka, we have to be smart about this."

Metta patted her chest proudly with a grin. "C'mon Eight, me and lil buddy battled a bear in space and won."

"Wait, what?" Akikta turned to Metta, who waved her hand nonchalantly.

"Long story. I saved the world, basically. I'll tell you about it some other time." She bragged, placing both hands on her hips.

"And let's not forget the captain single-handedly dismantled great octarian machines!" Metta gestured towards Coral before pointing to Misaki. "And she rescued Callie from deep within enemy territory! With this fresh team, we can take down some measly fish."