Alfinians Rise

Triggered

Steady, even breaths. Quick, subtle movements. It's kill or be killed. Heart racing and copper-toned skin buzzing, I keep moving. I have to keep moving.

The world is vibrant, intensified by my heightened focus and rushing adrenaline. I have to reach my position or else this entire battle plan is screwed. They're all depending on me. 

"Alpha to Red Team, Alpha to Red Team," I call out through my earpiece once I'm confident I won't be overheard by any nearby enemies. "Status report."

"Gemini in position" Myeela's soft voice comes in through the little speaker in my ear. Okay, so that marks the twins off the list. That's good. The sound bites are a bit static due to the long distance between us. The overhead cloud coverage probably doesn't help much either.

"Striker in position," Daxt replies, his voice steady as always. 

"Firebomb ready," Zuili confirms. Four ready. Three to go. A chilling panic washes over me as silence overtakes the intercoms.

"Bullseye, Hound dog report." I plea, my hands trembling slightly as I sprint lightly footed through the crumbling structures and sand. The ground is steep here. I'm close.

"Bullseye in position," Sadoli says, his voice finally connecting through the intercoms. Relief floods through me. This plan is way too risky. If even a single one of my team members are abducted or taken out then this mission is a fail.

I rest one hand on the small tube strapped to my right hip. I brush my fingertips in small circles over the metallic shape, its cool texture soothing to the touch. This small device, once activated is the key to our success. It is a weapon meant for a leader. It's a command center, a sniper rifle, and a tracker all in one. This is my weapon. This is my ally.

I throw my hands forwards and thrust my body up and over an unearthed slab on concrete. Up ahead is a crumbling tower that climbs high into the sky, an ideal location for a sniper's nest. 

Swiping my hand over the metallic rod in my thigh holster. I pull up the command center in front of me. Blue lights flicker before me with profiles and visual feed from my comrades. I know that the feed is being sent to my eyes, and mine alone, but still, it makes me nervous.

"Hound dog, come in!" I growl, frustration consuming as I step within the cement structure. The stairwell is wooden and rotted in many places. I'll have to be cautious. I rush up the steps two at a time, gathering speed in anticipation for the leap I'll have to take up on the sixth floor where I've spotted about five or six feet worth of missing steps. My legs tense with power as I push myself harder and harder still. Where is that boy!?! I swear if that boy doesn't respond within the next ten seconds he's going to wish he was born a b-

"Hound dog to Alpha. Reporting. I'm being pursued. Number unknown. Location unknown." A hoarse voice calls out.

"Gemini, use your scope to locate hound dog. I'm almost in position. Report your findings." I've got to hurry. I move faster, my legs burning as I push forwards. Come on Shaheen, please find him.

"Hound dog spotted! Location 2.3.17.24. Going East." Shaheen calls through the radio. I reply with my thanks and push faster. I'm almost there, hold on just a little longer! I'm now only five steps away from taking off.  Four. Three. Two. 

One. 

I bend my knees low and push off the very edge with everything I have. Throwing my arms out and up, I picture myself reaching the other side. I'm gonna make it! I'm doing it! I'm almost there, it's so close! I begin losing altitude and panic sets in. No, no! I begin to fall. 

My fingers hit the step. I grip on tightly as hard as I can. I can't afford to let go now. Groaning, I manage to pull myself up. My body aches all over. It's been rough these past couple of months, waking up before dawn and training until past dusk six days a week. The dreadful summer heat waves have been replaced by rampaging storms and frozen nights. I've been beaten, cursed out, glared at, and worked to exhaustion. Scratches and bruises cover my small figure from the recent battle simulations. I'm tired. But I won't give in. I can't.