REVENGE (2nd book of FEAR)

- chapter seven -

guys i really need help with this story so please read the end author's note. :)

"Locus," Sheryl pressed her fingertips to her temples in frustration, "Why must you be so difficult?" He sneered, "I'm not difficult. I just don't understand why we can't wait." The doctor rolled her eyes, becoming irritable, "Because the truck is five days late!"

"It hasn't been late before?" The soldier crossed his arms stubbornly. "No, it hasn't. If something came up, they would've contacted us," Sheryl tapped her fingers against her makeshift desk rapidly, "Something is wrong, Locus."

He was quiet, running a hand down his face as he thought. "We can't live off of 300 grams of bread for long. There are 70 of us. That'll last us maybe five days," Sheryl's voice was urgent and worried. Locus sighed, "I can't leave Bella alone for that long."

"She'll stay with me while you're gone," she smiled, hesitantly winning Locus over. Reluctantly, he nodded, "When do we leave?" Sheryl radiated with ecstasy, "You'll leave early tomorrow morning. I'll supply you with guns, ammo, food, and plenty of water."

"Excuse me, Sh-"

Liz entered the tent, stopping as soon as she laid her eyes on Locus. The man tensed, his jaw locking into place. He almost didn't recognize her with the straight, black hair. "Oh, I'm sorry," the girl rubbed the back of her neck in embarrassment, "I shouldn't have barged in."

"No, you shouldn't have," Locus growled, but Sheryl was quick to avoid his comment. "Oh, Camille! I was just about to fetch you!" The green and grey mercenary flinched at the sound of her new name.

Liz raised an eyebrow in confusion, "About what?" She still had a bandage covering her left shoulder, but she seemed to be recovered from dehydration.

"Considering your easy recovery, I thought you would like to join our scouting team to go and find some food," Sheryl's smile was bright and warm. It almost seemed like she was faking it. Locus filled with shock as he hissed towards the leader, "What?"

Sheryl ignored him, and Liz awkwardly glanced his way a few times before answering. "In the desert?" Liz put a hand on her hip, and Locus rolled his eyes. He had forgotten about the attitude.

"Well, you'll have to walk a while to find the nearest city, Yarran. The trip should only take a few days," the doctor explained, clasping her hands together. When she noticed Liz's hesitation, she was quick to add, "We could really use the extra help."

"No," Locus glared at her, "We don't. Especially not for someone who can't even use her left arm!" Sheryl suddenly slammed her fist into the desk, "You are not the leader of this camp! Do you understand?" He was taken aback, but the man quickly regained his posture. Liz could see the soldier inside of him come out when he nodded obediently.

Sheryl sighed, then relaxed from her tense state, "You have until tonight to make your decision." Liz bowed her head, and the leader turned to the mercenary. "Locus," she raised her chin in the air, "Johnny and Daniels will be joining you on this mission. Now, both of you... Go get some rest."

The woman sat down at her desk, smoothing out her hair as she did so. Locus turned to leave and realized that Liz was already out of the tent. Sheryl cleared her throat in an obvious sort of way, and the soldier glanced over his shoulder.

"You two know each other," she speculated, leaning back in her chair. Locus remained silent, his hands quickly forming into tight fists. The doctor examined him for a moment, resting her elbows on her table, "Whatever the problem is, it better not interfere with my camp."

Locus felt his jaw lock into place, and he gnawed on the inside of his cheek. Without answering, the soldier stormed out of the tent. No promises, he thought as he headed for the infirmary...

hey guys! got any requests or ideas you want to see in this book? feel free to let me know! i'm so open to suggestions and i would love some feedback on this story so far. how do you guys feel about liz? how do you guys feel about locus? do you want them to get back together or become enemies? what about sheryl? and bella? let me know in my PMs or comments!!!