Big Sky Chronicles

Chapter 11: Unbridled Horror

Agent #47 and Agent #23 were grouped together at the edge of the clearing. They were carefully observing each movement of the Patriots. Due to their rigorous training, they were both experts at not making a sound. Every part of their body and movement was trained to be undetectable and silent. Their minds were conditioned to not be reactionary and to be emotionless. Each individual in the 73rd branch was bred and developed to be the ultimate soldier for covert missions.

The two agents noticed four other agents all positioned around the clearing in the woods. Their piercing eyes soaked up the mannerisms of the rebels and their ears memorized any intel they announced to one another. Everything was going to plan, nothing could go wrong. Especially if Agent Larisa was leading the mission. Or at least that was what Agent #47 thought.

10:53 PM Eastern Time, within the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Agent #23 reported to his partner that he heard voices southeast of the convergence point. No agent was able to identify whether these voices came from the Patriots or a foreign source. Due to Agent Larisa's instructions, no agent further investigated. The mission carried on.

11:02 PM Eastern Time, panic ensued within the Patriot's camp. According to a report from Agent #47, the Patriots identified a creature that is referred to as The Smiling Stag. The agents of the 73rd Branch maintained position, but prepared to retreat in hopes of not being identified within the chaos.

11:07 PM Eastern Time, Kinsey Ryder, code named The Scout, exits the camp in search of any outside enemies. The Agents assume a retreat formation and hide amongst the trees. Agent #47 follows Agent #23 behind a fallen tree and awaits orders from Agent Larisa. What has been recorded after is classified and only for the eyes of Agent #13. Some parts have been redacted.

"Agent #23... do you have a read on Larisa's position yet?"

"No. But I have a visual on Agent #54 and Agent Sickle." Both of the Agents were only 15 yards away from their comrades. In the dark it was hard to identify their status, but they seemed safe for the time being. No agent would dare make a sound, but hand signs were used to communicate messages.

Agent #47 rose his hand to get their attention. Agent Sickle responded in kind. Agent #47 responded with the common signal that indicates safety. Agent Sickle did the same, but as soon as he raised his hand, a figure dropped from the tree right above him. The silhouette moved at such a quick speed that it was hard to identify its characteristics. The predator quickly subdued and neutralized both Agent #54 and Agent Sickle. After the killing blow was dealt on both agents, the target retreated back into the woods by climbing up a nearby tree. Both Agent #23 and Agent #47 retreated in horror. The only conclusion they could make was that the shadowy individual had to have been The Scout, and they were not in a position to overtake him.

Paul reeled back into his tent as people sprinted around the camp in mass hysteria. He was hoping to find Juniper there, but he was nowhere to be seen. Kristoff bumped into him while he was exiting his tent.

"Oye! Paul, have you seen that young man, Juniper, anywhere?" Paul shook his head. He most likely was getting ready to fight a bipedal demon deer but he didn't want to freak out Kristoff. Kristoff grunted and continued to walk around while barking orders at people. Paul knew how Juniper would react to a situation like this, and it was dangerous. His "don't care" attitude probably is leading him to jump headlong into battle. On top of that, Paul couldn't find Arthur to save his life. Arthur is a little more measured and tactical in his approach to these situations, so that made Paul feel better.

Paul finally found Juniper, he was loading a rifle with shells by the supply tent.

"Are you really going out there? Kinsey said to avoid those things like the plague." Juniper looked up at Paul and rolled his eyes.