The LAB

Chapter 46

A week had passed, and already a designated area was put in place for Turbine to watch over. She stood atop an old hospital, which was guarded by a few battle-scarred Hounds. Within the building were the many beasts that were either rounded up by the locals or those that had come in on their own free will. Turbine herself was a formidable sight, with wings spreading wide and already showing her strength to some of the locals by killing them, there was nobody willing to even try to talk to her. Her screeching calls would fill the night, creating an ever-growing sense of urgency as more and more beasts were rounded up. The city complied, just to save their own hides, all but a few members who bravely risked it all to get a certain choice few out of the city and into the valley.

"What day is it in the ultimate plan of death?" Zotic asked, parked on top of the mountain that protected the valley from the outside world. Mercy looked down at the city, seeing a trailer full of corralled beasts being taken out into the desert with a heavy sigh.

"It's going to be day eight once the clock strikes five," she answered, looking over to him with a heavy spirit.

"Do you think they will find out this week, or next?" questioned, slowly turning to carefully climb down into the valley again. Zotic only shook his front as he followed.

"I'm surprised they haven't found out yet. I wouldn't give them another week to figure it out. I'd say four days."

"You really think it's that slim of a chance?"

"That thing out there is strong, and fast! Plus, I swear they have eyes elsewhere in the city." The two ended their conversation there, and continued to drive until they entered the large cavern, still getting used to the entire area. Cougar was first to greet them, giving both of them a heavy snort before trotting off outside and making quick work of the terrain as he took up watch. The two cops soon rolled up and parked near their old friend, who was busy tending to a pair of squeaking babies before she finally looked up at the two.

"How many have been taken? Roughly..." Jaslo asked, slowly standing up and flexing her tail and wings.

"I'd say about 40, which is about half of the registered creatures we had on file," Mercy stated.

"Sadly, I know a good 20 that tried to fight, and didn't make it very far in their charge to battle," Zotic chimed in. Jaslo just groaned, walking around the area with a low growl. Yozora heard the grumble and scampered on over to Zotic, getting pulled into a comforting hug by him.

"I need at least a full month before I can even think on challenging that freak for control!" Jaslo returned to her original spot, nuzzling a half asleep Hummer in a nest of blankets.

"You really want to fight that thing?! What about your family?" Mercy motioned to the newest member of the pack, who cooed as if an answer.

"I'd fight so they have a future. Yozora was taken from there at the right time. By now, she'd be some mutated blob and used as bait for a Hound. Kalani here would be taken away and thrown into early testing to increase her growth." Jaslo looked up to Mercy with fire in her eyes. It was clear that this Blazer wasn't going down quietly, and for sure wasn't going to be taken back to that complex to be turned into a minion for this war. Zotic patted the small car, pausing for a moment to look out the cave. Jaslo could tell he had an idea brewing, and with a tilted front she clicked her jaws as a form of question.

"I think I have an idea on how to extend the time, and boy is it stupid!" he started, "But if it works, you'll have the time you need." Mercy was curious, but scared as to what he was thinking. Jaslo only gave him a nod, ready to hear this plan.

"Are you fucking stupid?!" John slammed a tire on his desk, snarling at Zotic and making the Supra cower in place. He knew this idea was stupid from the start, but the Sheriff just made it seem worse.

"I know you're an idiot, but I didn't think you were this dumb! You want to challenge that thing?! You've seen what happens to vehicles stronger than you, so what makes you think talking to it is going to solve things?" John rolled out from behind his desk, getting up in Zotic's face as his growl rumbled deeply from his throat.

"It's worth a try! Besides... I never expected you to do it anyways!" Zotic's words only seemed to anger the SUV more.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, uh, you see... I figured that it was such a stupid plan than I'd be driving into suicide anyways. I mean, losing me won't tear the station down, but you're the boss here! So it's not really a thing for you to do..." His words trailed off as he watched the Sheriff calm down with a smug grin. Despite being scared out of his mind, Zotic knew that his plan was coming together perfectly.